what does this ?

Could be thrush:

A very furry tongue typically indicates an overgrowth of Candida albicans – a yeast that lives in every digestive tract (and that can travel to the mouth, and elsewhere).

When Candida albicans thrives on the tongue, it could just be an annoying local overgrowth. The official name for this is oral “thrush.” But bear in mind that a very furry tongue might indicate that Candida is also present in large numbers in the digestive tract, hidden from view, and could have spread beyond the borders of the intestines.

When Candida albicans overgrowth runs rampant in the digestive tract, it mutates from a yeast infection into a fungal infection. The condition is then called Candidiasis.

http://wrytestuff.com/swa84947.htm

could this be brought on by excessive use of mouth wash ?

Yes, apparently excessive use of antibacterial mouthwash can make life easier for the candida:

….certain situations or conditions may cause an overgrowth of Candida spp. which can lead to a bout of oral thrush. These include:

•Being a baby. Oral thrush is quite common in young babies.
•Wearing dentures, especially if they are not taken out at night, not kept clean, or do not fit well and rub on the gums.
•A course of antibiotics. Antibiotics will kill harmless bacteria which live in the mouth. They do not kill Candida spp. which may multiply more easily if there are fewer bacteria around.
•Excessive use of antibacterial mouthwash (for similar reasons to above).
•Taking steroid tablets or inhalers.
•Having a dry mouth due to a lack of saliva. This may occur as a side-effect from certain drugs (such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, chemotherapy), following radiotherapy to the head or neck, or as a symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome.
•Having diabetes.
•Having severe anaemia.
•Lacking iron, folate or vitamin B12.
•Having a poor immune system. For example, if you are taking medicines that suppress your immune system, if you have certain cancers, or if you have HIV/AIDS.
•Being frail or in generally poor health.
•Smoking. Smokers are more likely to develop oral thrush.

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Thrush-Oral.htm

robadob said:

could this be brought on by excessive use of mouth wash ?

Probably. If it kills germs can upset the balance of greebles that we all live with and with some, rely on for out health. And PS best to avoid mouth wash, been implicated in oral cancers in people who don’t drink. May as well have some fun and swill with some whisky.

Bubblecar said:

Yes, apparently excessive use of antibacterial mouthwash can make life easier for the candida:

….certain situations or conditions may cause an overgrowth of Candida spp. which can lead to a bout of oral thrush. These include:

•Being a baby. Oral thrush is quite common in young babies.
•Wearing dentures, especially if they are not taken out at night, not kept clean, or do not fit well and rub on the gums.
•A course of antibiotics. Antibiotics will kill harmless bacteria which live in the mouth. They do not kill Candida spp. which may multiply more easily if there are fewer bacteria around.
•Excessive use of antibacterial mouthwash (for similar reasons to above).
•Taking steroid tablets or inhalers.
•Having a dry mouth due to a lack of saliva. This may occur as a side-effect from certain drugs (such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, chemotherapy), following radiotherapy to the head or neck, or as a symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome.
•Having diabetes.
•Having severe anaemia.
•Lacking iron, folate or vitamin B12.
•Having a poor immune system. For example, if you are taking medicines that suppress your immune system, if you have certain cancers, or if you have HIV/AIDS.
•Being frail or in generally poor health.
•Smoking. Smokers are more likely to develop oral thrush.

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Thrush-Oral.htm

No mention of oral sex there. I would have thought that to be a likely source of transmission.

>No mention of oral sex there. I would have thought that to be a likely source of transmission.

Surely nobody has oral sex in 2012.

A course of antibiotics. Antibiotics will kill harmless bacteria which live in the mouth. They do not kill Candida spp. which may multiply more easily if there are fewer bacteria around.
•Excessive use of antibacterial mouthwash (for similar reasons to above).

arrr

just had surgery on my jaw . in side my mouth all stiched up..

mouth wash after food.
anti biotics..

tounge as white and furry as a polor bear :)

robadob said:

A course of antibiotics. Antibiotics will kill harmless bacteria which live in the mouth. They do not kill Candida spp. which may multiply more easily if there are fewer bacteria around.
•Excessive use of antibacterial mouthwash (for similar reasons to above).

arrr

just had surgery on my jaw . in side my mouth all stiched up..

mouth wash after food.
anti biotics..

tounge as white and furry as a polor bear :)

There you are then, mystery solved :)

Your GP should be able to give you something for it.

Rob, washing out your mouth and gargling with plain water after the mouthwash and anti-biotics might help.

Get something which stimulates saliva, like a spray for dry mouth you can get from pharmacies.

Divine Angel said:

Get something which stimulates saliva, like a…

…really good cook!

Yeah but then he’ll need to wash his mouth out again with the mouthwash!

A squirt of lemon juice under your tongue will also stimulate saliva, but this method shouldn’t be used if your stitches are near this area…

What surgery did you have, Rob?

Summer has arrived