Keeping track of the color and texture of your tongue, you may be able to spot health problems before they become significant issues. Discoloration, spots, and other growths can signal a need for better oral hygiene or the need for medical attention due to an underlying health condition. Knowing what to look for is essential to staying healthy overall and maintaining good oral health.

What Can Your Tongue Say About Your Health: What You Need to Know

The difference between a healthy tongue and one that may need medical attention can be found in the color and texture. Color can range from light to dark, but a pink tongue is a good sign. [1] A healthy tongue will have small bumps over the surface called papillae. These are what help you speak, taste, chew, and swallow. Anything else on the surface could be a warning sign, and larger bumps can be red flags of a potentially serious condition.

What Does Tongue Color Say About Health?

Your tongue and health are deeply connected, and this muscle is a good measure of overall health. Even a slight discoloration could be a cause for concern. Here are a few tongue issues that could indicate the need for medical attention.

White Tongue

If you notice white lines or thick patches on your tongue, you could be dealing with several issues: [2]

Oral Thrush

This fungal infection causes creamy white patches or spots to appear on the tongue or inner cheeks. [3] It can also spread to the roof of the mouth, gums, or tonsils. Besides the white coloring of the tongue, oral thrush can cause cracking or redness in the corner of your mouth and loss of taste.

While anyone can get oral thrush, it’s more common in babies and older adults due to their lower immunity. Once diagnosed, an anti-fungal medication is usually prescribed to resolve the problem.

Oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus is an inflammatory condition impacting the mucous membranes of the mouth. [4] It happens when the immune system attacks cells of the oral mucous membranes. Topical corticosteroids are the usual course of treatment for this condition.

While this condition can present itself as white patches in the mouth, red, swollen tissues are also an indicator. This can be very painful and should be checked by a doctor because it can lead to oral cancer in some cases.

Leukoplaia

Leukoplakia is a potentially precancerous condition that causes white or gray patches to develop inside the mouth. [5] If something is irritating the inside of your mouth, you may develop leukoplakia. The mutation of specific genes can also lead to leukoplakia. Although this condition is not painful, it does not go away. A biopsy is typically ordered to check for cancerous cells.

Yellow Tongue

A yellow tongue can be a red flag for bacterial overgrowth. [6] Poor oral hygiene is the usual culprit. People who smoke, use chewing tobacco, are dehydrated, or have dry mouths can also develop a yellow tongue. Other factors that can contribute to yellow tongue include jaundice, psoriasis, and taking certain vitamins.

Orange Tongue

An orange tongue is typically caused by poor oral hygiene as well. [7] Having dry mouth or taking certain antibiotics can also be to blame.

Red Tongue

A bright red tongue can signal several health problems, such as: [8]

Scarlet Fever: A rash that develops from a group A strep infection

Geographic Tongue: These smooth, reddish patches on your tongue don’t lead to any health issues and don’t require treatment. [9] Its name comes from the way the patch patterns on the tongue resemble land masses and oceans on a map.

People with psoriasis, diabetes, and those with airborne allergies can develop geographic tongue. Some people with geographic tongue may also see whitish-gray borders around the main red areas on the tongue.

Erythroplakia: This potentially precancerous condition is recognized by red, velvety patches on the tongue or throat. [10] Smoking and chewing tobacco are the two main causes of this condition. Since it can lead to cancer, early detection is key.

Glossitis: This condition can make your tongue swell and become red. It can be caused by infections, vitamin deficiencies, allergies, or taking certain medications. [11]

Black Tongue

If you have a keratin buildup, you may notice your tongue is black. [12] Keratin, food particles, and other debris can add up and cling to the small bumps on your tongue, making it appear black and hairy. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, chewing tobacco, and radiation therapy can also cause black or hairy tongue.

Green Tongue

Green tongue can be a result of bacterial buildup due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, and dry mouth. [13]

Blue Tongue

If you notice your tongue is blue, you may be suffering from a lack of oxygen in your blood. [14] blood disorders, kidney disease, and blood vessel disease can all be contributing factors.

While less common, some people may also experience purple tongue due to poor circulation, certain heart conditions, or Kawasaki disease. [15] Kawasaki disease causes a fever and inflamed blood vessels in children under 5.

What are the Signs of Oral Health Problems?

While an orange and yellow tongue can both signify poor oral hygiene, you also want to pay attention to bumps on the tongue. [16] The papillae can become inflamed or swollen, making them look larger. Other bumps that can signal oral health problems include canker sores and cysts.

Some bumps may be signs of a sexually transmitted disease or herpes. Your dentist will want to check any bumps and sores in your mouth that last for more than two weeks.

How to Keep Your Tongue Healthy

If your tongue discoloration is due to an underlying health condition, it may be difficult to prevent. But, there are some ways you can keep your tongue’s appearance in tip-top shape:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily
• Floss at least once a day
• Clean your tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper daily
• Don’t smoke
• Stay hydrated
• Go to the dentist regularly
• Keep orthodontic appliances clean

When you notice something out of the ordinary pertaining to your tongue, be sure to see your healthcare provider sooner rather than later. This can lead to a proper diagnosis and prevent more serious health problems.

Do You Have Questions about Your Tongue & Health?

If you have questions about oral health signs of potential problems, help is available. Seeing a dental health professional can answer your questions and detect any oral health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About What the Color of Your Tongue Says About Your Health