What the Color of Your Tongue Says About Your Health

One of the many mysteries of the human body is what it means when your tongue is… ( described in a certain way ). Is it a bad sign or just an oddity? We all know that our tongues play an important role in helping us speak, but what happens when it starts to behave in strange ways? Believe it or not, your tongue can tell you a lot about your health, and changes in its appearance or function can be a sign that something is wrong.

In this blog post, we'll explore the different ways your tongue can be and what each one might mean. So if you're ever curious about what that bump on your tongue is or why it's so smooth, keep reading!

When Your Tongue Is Red

A healthy tongue should be pink in color, with a slightly bumpy surface. If your tongue is bright red, it could be a sign that you have a vitamin deficiency or an infection. If the redness is accompanied by soreness, it could be thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth. If your tongue is only red on the sides or tips, it could be a geographic tongue, which is harmless but uncomfortable.

When Your Tongue Is White

If your tongue has a white coating, it could signify oral thrush or leukoplakia. Oral thrush is a yeast infection that can occur in people who take antibiotics, have a weakened immune system, or wear dentures. Leukoplakia is a condition that causes white patches to form on the tongue and is often caused by smoking. While both of these conditions are benign, they can be precursors to cancer, so it's important to see your dentist if you notice any changes in your tongue's appearance.

"There are lots of reasons why someone may have white spots on their tongue and can range from something fairly normal to more serious and potentially dangerous," says Dr. Irina Kellerman, a Board Certified dentist in Port Washington, New York.

When Your Tongue Is Black

A black tongue can be a cause for concern, as it can be a sign of melanoma, a type of oral cancer. It can also be caused by certain medications, such as antacids containing bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol), or by smoking tobacco. If you notice your tongue turning black, see your dentist right away so that they can rule out cancer.

When Your Tongue Is Smooth

A smooth tongue can be a sign of many things. If you're concerned about your tongue's appearance, see your dentist so that they can determine the cause. Several dental and medical conditions can cause a smooth tongue, including oral thrush, leukoplakia, and lichen planus. While some of these conditions are benign, others can indicate more serious health problems. Therefore, it's important to have any changes in your tongue's appearance checked out by a professional. Most conditions that cause a smooth tongue can be easily resolved with prompt treatment.

When Your Tongue Is Bumpy

A rough tongue is usually nothing to worry about, as it's often just a sign of benign papillae growth. These bumps are perfectly normal and help you taste food and feel the texture. However, if you notice any changes in the size or shape of your papillae or if they start to bleed, see your dentist so that they can rule out cancer.

When Your Tongue Is Sore

If your tongue is sore, it could be a sign of an infection, such as oral thrush or herpes. It could also be a reaction to certain foods or medications. See your doctor immediately if the soreness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, swelling, or difficulty swallowing. Otherwise, try avoiding spicy or acidic foods and see if the soreness goes away.

When Your Tongue Is Swollen

A swollen tongue can indicate an allergic reaction, an infection, or an underlying medical condition. If you notice that your tongue is swelling, see your doctor right away so that they can determine the cause and provide treatment.

When Your Tongue Is Tingling

A tingling tongue can signify an infection, such as oral thrush or herpes. It could also be a reaction to certain foods or medications. See your doctor immediately if the tingling is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, swelling, or difficulty swallowing. Otherwise, avoid spicy or acidic foods and see if the tingling goes away.

When Your Tongue Is Dry

A dry tongue can signify dehydration, a side effect of certain medications, or an underlying medical condition. If you're concerned about your dry tongue, see your doctor so that they can determine the cause and provide treatment.

According to Dr. Lee Herman, a Boca Raton, Florida dentist, tongue and mouth tissues can sometimes show more to us than our skin — so doctors can uncover signs of a medical condition beneath the surface. “The tongue and mouth are a great place to look for signs of disease before a patient develops symptoms,” says Herman. “It may point us in a direction, suggesting we ask more questions.”

When Your Tongue Is Coated

A coated tongue can signify an infection, such as oral thrush or leukoplakia. It can also be caused by certain medications, such as antacids containing bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol), or by smoking tobacco. If you notice your tongue turning black, see your dentist right away so that they can rule out cancer.

When Your Tongue Is Painful

If your tongue is painful, it could be a sign of an infection, such as oral thrush or herpes. It could also be a reaction to certain foods or medications. See your doctor immediately if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, swelling, or difficulty swallowing. Otherwise, try avoiding spicy or acidic foods and see if the pain disappears.

When Your Tongue Is Burning

A burning sensation on your tongue can be caused by several things, including allergies, infections, acid reflux, and certain medications. If you're concerned about your burning tongue, see your doctor so that they can determine the cause and provide treatment. 

Burning Tongue Syndrome is also common in perimenopausal women, with the onset of symptoms typically occurring between three years before menopause and 12 years after menopause; and it rarely manifests before the age of 30 years. Women suffering from hormonal issues due to menopause often seek hormone replacement therapy or treatment from specialized clinics and physicians that regularly treat these symptoms.

Your tongue can tell a lot about your health. If you believe that there is a more serious issue with your tongue or overall health, speak with your physician immediately!