Just as the color of our lips can reflect our health, the color of our tongue can also provide important information about our overall health. According to research, a healthy tongue usually ranges between dark pink and light pink.
Tongue Color Warning Signs
A healthy tongue, which should be pink in color, is also covered in small bumps known as papillae. These vital features play a crucial role in speaking, tasting, chewing and swallowing.
However, be careful if your tongue changes color as it may indicate several underlying health problems. The Cleveland Clinic also warns that any tongue color other than pink could indicate a possible health problem. Be sure to check with your doctor if your tongue appears:
Here is a refined version of their information:
- White: Often indicates fungal infections, such as oral thrush.
- Yellow: suggests poor oral hygiene, which leads to bacterial growth.
- Orange: It is also related to poor oral hygiene and may indicate a buildup of bacteria.
- Red: May indicate a vitamin B deficiency or conditions such as scarlet fever.
- Black: Although rare, a black tongue can appear when keratin builds up, often due to poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, or other factors.
- Purple: suggests poor blood circulation or a possible heart condition.
- Gray: This could indicate geographic tongue, a benign condition where patches on the surface of the tongue change shape.
- Green: Typically caused by bacteria buildup, similar to a yellow or white discoloration.
- Blue: Suggests lack of oxygen in the blood, a condition that needs to be addressed immediately.
Tips to maintain a healthy tongue color
Maintaining a healthy tongue color can be a challenge if you have underlying health problems. However, by following some basic oral hygiene practices, you can reduce the severity of the discoloration. Keeping your oral health under control is essential. Here are some tips:
• Floss daily • Brush your teeth twice a day • Clean your tongue daily using a tongue cleaner • Avoid tobacco • Use mouthwash • Drink plenty of water • And lastly, don’t neglect regular visits to the dentist
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.