Amidst a Tranquil Stroll: A Tale of Compassion and Rescue
One fateful Sunday evening, as I wandered through the familiar streets of São Paulo, an unexpected and heart-wrenching sight crossed my path. In the dimly lit corner of the street, I encountered a pitiful scene that shook me to my core: a defenseless dog, unconscious and chained.
Approaching cautiously, I could see the dog’s once lustrous fur now matted and soiled, a poignant testament to its prolonged suffering. The rusty chain, cruelly tight, had inflicted visible discomfort and injuries upon the poor creature’s neck.
The dog’s once-vibrant eyes, now dimmed by fear and pain, made feeble attempts to summon help with raspy, plaintive barks, yet it seemed invisible to the indifferent passersby. My heart ached witnessing this desperate cry for aid go unanswered.
Without hesitation, I knew I had to intervene. With trembling hands, I carefully examined the chain, realizing it had become embedded deep within the dog’s skin, causing severe wounds. Gently, I reached into my bag for a pair of scissors and painstakingly began to free the dog, mindful not to inflict further harm.
As the chain fell away, the dog slowly regained consciousness. Its trust in humanity had been shattered, but it tentatively accepted my reassuring touch. Tears welled in my eyes as I contemplated the cruelty it had endured.
The next steps were clear: I needed to seek immediate medical attention for this suffering soul. Cradling the dog gently in my arms, I embarked on a mission to find the nearest animal shelter or veterinary clinic capable of providing the care and rehabilitation it so urgently required.
This encounter served as a stark reminder of the paramount importance of compassion and empathy toward all living beings. It was a resounding call to action, a plea for change.
The surviving puppy found refuge with me, and I promptly alerted the relevant authorities to collect the deceased dog. According to the Samson Law, the owner of these animals will be held accountable for their actions.
Let us collectively work toward a world where such heart-wrenching encounters become rare, and compassion prevails.
What White Tongue Is, and What to Do About It
There are many possible causes for white tongue, and in some cases, it comes with an unpleasant odor and mouth dryness. To get rid of it, sometimes you just need to brush your teeth. But what should you do if that doesn’t help?
❗ This article is for informative purposes only and can’t replace the advice of a specialist.
What white tongue is
The white film may cover the entire tongue, part of it, or appear as spots. At the same time, an unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth may appear. It looks as if there are small white hairs on the tongue’s surface. In fact, they are buds covered with organic particles, bacteria, and dead cells.
White plaque on the tongue (which can also be yellow) may appear for different reasons, like due to irritation or because of an infection. It usually disappears after several days. If the situation doesn’t change for several weeks, and it’s painful to eat and talk, it’s best to see a doctor.
It’s important to note that the plaque may not only be white. While a pink tongue is normal, a brown tongue means the person drinks too much coffee or tea. A yellow tongue means there’s something wrong with the liver, and a red tongue is a sign that the person lacks vitamin B.
Why the tongue becomes white
Usually, the tongue becomes white due to bacteria, leftover bits of food, or dead cells that get stuck in between the buds. Because of this, the buds may increase in size or become inflamed. This is how white spots on the tongue’s surface appear.
Sometimes, the plaque appears due to an illness. For example, the geographic tongue is also a condition where white spots appear on the tongue. It’s quite rare, and the causes are unknown, but the condition itself is often connected to eating foods that irritate the tongue. It may also be a reaction to stress, an illness, or hormonal changes.
Why white plaque appears on the tongue
There are some things that make the appearance of white plaque on the tongue more probable:
- Age
- Taking antibiotics (white-yellow plaque appearing when there’s a fungal infection in the mouth)
- A diet that’s lacking enough fruits, vegetables, vitamin B12, and iron
- A weak immune system
- Bad mouth hygiene
- Dental prosthetics or other objects that can damage the tongue
- Dehydration and mouth dryness
What piercings have to do with white tongue
Right after piercing the tongue, there might be some white film present. This happens because the number of bacteria on the tongue increases, and it’s normal. Antibacterial mouthwash will help you get rid of it. Plus, there might be a ring around the piercings, which is normal too, and it means the tissue is healing.
If the plaque appears due to an injury (including piercings), the healing should take around 1.5 weeks. You should avoid irritants, such as hot, spicy, or sour foods and drinks.
How to get rid of white tongue at home
- Practice good mouth hygiene.
- Drink enough water.
- Brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush.
- Use a mild fluoride toothpaste — one that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Use fluoride mouthwash.
- Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove the white coating.
- Drink cold drinks through a straw.
- Avoid food and drinks that are spicy, salty, acidic, or very hot in temperature.
Who to talk to if you’re worried about your white tongue
- Your dentist can help you remove the white film from the tongue and prescribe medications if needed.
- Your GP can diagnose the tongue, prescribe you certain medications and determine if the white tongue is an indicator of a more serious issue.
What do you do about white tongue?
Preview photo credit Genusfotografen (genusfotografen.se) & Wikimedia Sverige (wikimedia.se) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, Martanopue / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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