White tongue mystery revealled

I think I have resolved the mystery of the "white tongue" and geographic tongue.
First, let's clarify the definition; white tongue is a film that quickly builds up on tongue esp.during sleep. It is sometimes followed by clear patches----geographic tongue.
The white is chemical in nature: nitrites It is formed by nitrates delivered to the saliva glands via blood. The source is from food, but more importantly, is delivered as a metabolite from the action of macrophages--immune-cells. This is like a closed system where the chemical is conserved and converted through enzymatic reactions.

It is during infection that these metabolites are at high levels.
The nitrates , once secreted in the mouth, undergo conversion by resident bacteria to nitrites . This is then swallowed and reacts with stomach acid, where it becomes nitric oxide which by itself is microbicidal and neurotransmitter. It also reacts with guanylate cyclase, an enzyme which increases blood flow in the bowel system and acts as a vasodilater. Nitric oxide can cause a multitude of chronic symptoms from contraction of smooth muscle and other factors. Symptoms such as uterine contractions, prostate contraction, penile erectile dysfunction, air-ways problems sinus problems, and even cardiac complications. There are many more.

the problems are more prevalent at night, because of hormone factors and lack of oxygen in the mouth. Sometimes certain bacteria may convert the chemical to nitric acid, causing small patches or acid burns---{not proven, but I am assuming}
This is all from immune-cell action that continues over a long time. There are also other metabolites like prostaglandins ect. which also cause numerous symptoms.
And let's not forget histamines which also result from chronic infections.

So I guess what I am saying is that the white tongue is a clue as to what is going on inside the body somewhere. Chances are, it is a pathogen which parlays with the immune-system. Shroom Tweet