Open your mouth and look at your tongue. Advertising Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. A tongue may turn red, yellow, purple, or another hue, and certain health conditions may even dictate its shape. A healthy human tongue is generally light pink in color and is covered with taste buds. The human tongue is a muscular organ that plays various roles in chewing, swallowing and talking. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Breathing through the mouth is another cause of white tongue. The tongue color reflects the distribution of body fluids throughout the body. When the pipillae, or small bumps on your tongue, grow, which is perfectly normal, they become more likely to harbor bacteria. If your tongue is bright red like a strawberry, it could … A 38-year-old member asked: can we stop this white tongue coating from forming. Visually you can google normal back of tongue to … A healthy tongue color isn't a guarantee that your dental health is good, however. It has a look of aliveness and is supple (not stiff). The pink color of the tongue is largely due to the blood flow in the vessels of the tongue. A light purple, bluish purple, or greenish purple tongue body color can indicate Cold and Blood Stagnation. These infections can cause the tongue to turn a dark color, have a white coating or be very painful. 12 Things to Know About Ulcerative Colitis Treatment, The 9 Best Meal Delivery Services for People with Diabetes, 15 of the Best Cholesterol-Lowering Snacks. Why Has the Roof of My Mouth Turned a Yellowish Tint and What Can I Do About It? Hairy tongue can be black in color. Learn about the types, causes, and diagnosis of tongue problems. These are small nodules along the surface that help you eat and taste your food. However, any long-term changes in color noted above should warrant a visit to the doctor. While everyone’s tongue may look slightly different, a “typical healthy” tongue has similar characteristics. Here’s how it works…, A healthy tongue is usually pink in appearance, with small, painless nodules. © YYYY Colgate-Palmolive Company. Treatment also helps relieve…, While bananas are sometimes used to help alleviate diarrhea or constipation, some people report that eating bananas has caused them to experience more…, It's not always easy to find meal delivery services for people with diabetes, but several top-notch options exist. A … When the tongue is yellow there is a yellow coating, residue, or film on the tongue. Your tongue might look slightly darker or lighter from day to day. Water retention tongue (fig. The color is due to the blood flow within it while the roughness is due to tiny bumps known as papillae (singular ~ papilla). All rights reserved. Any changes in moisture and coating also ought to be looked at, especially if you notice thick whitish or yellowish film on your tongue. The sides of the tongue prov… What gives? Usually there is food and bacterial debris on the tongue that causes the coating. A normal tongue should look not too big or small, not... 2. But a thick, pasty white can indicate problems, the most common of which is thrush, says. The normal color of the tongue is light red or pink with a light, white coating. Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Like teeth, the tongue is visible to your family, friends, acquaintances and strangers, so if it doesn't look healthy, you may feel self-conscious. Look at this tongue. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Below are other colors your tongue may be and what they could mean. A red tongue body with a … Health diagnoses by tongue has long been done by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners. It’s important to clean your tongue every day so you quickly observe any potential changes. Ask the Colgate Chatbot! Otherwise, the following are some common causes of white tongue: oral thrush, leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, hairy leukoplakia, and linea alba. Light pink: This is the color of a healthy tongue and a light white coating is also normal. What the Color of Your Tongue Can Tell You About Your Health White Tongue. If you’re wondering whether your tongue color is considered “healthy,” read on to learn what all the possible shades mean and when you should see a doctor. While a light white coating is absolutely normal, the texture of your tongue should be slightly fuzzy. A yellow coating on the tongue can develop due to discoloration or a buildup of bacteria from poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, alcohol use, heavy consumption of coffee or black tea, dry mouth, inflammation of the stomach lining, a weakened immune system, and using oral products with thymol, menthol, witch hazel, peroxides, eucalyptus, and alcohol. In reality, the tongue itself isn’t green. Any deviation from your tongue’s normal appearance, or any pain, may be cause for concern. whether your tongue color is considered “healthy,”. A white coating or white patches could be the result of an oral thrush infection, leukoplakia due to alcohol or tobacco use, fever, dehydration or a skin disease called lichen planus. For example: A pale tongue tells us that there may not be enough blood in the body. The color of your tongue is a handy indicator that you could have a nutritional deficiency, are dehydrated, or are suffering from another health or dental problem. 35 years experience Dentistry. It can be alarming to notice your tongue has become white. Brush with a Colgate 360° Advanced 4 Zonetoothbrush, which includes an innovative cheek and tongue cleaner design. Dr. Allan. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae. White tongue can look unattractive but it’s usually harmless and temporary. Healthy tongues also have a light coating. Often, a white tongue could be caused by a removable coating of food debris or bacterial plaque. normal color of tongue. Brush tongue: Try brushing your tongue to remove the coating. But if the color of the tongue acquires a rich shade, this is most likely due to diseases of the digestive organs, often other symptoms in addition to the plaque in the tongue (abdominal pain, nausea, upset of the stool, etc. You may have noticed that it is big, with teeth index... 3. That may sound strange, but your tongue can tell a lot about your health. Often the root cause of a pale tongue can be found in diet. If you've got what looks like a blue or purple tongue, you should first think about…, There are several underlying medical causes of a yellow roof of the mouth. While changes in color can be alarming, there are many causes for this condition, most of them relatively harmless and easily remedied. Changes in your tongue may be observed by a doctor during your annual physical. normal tongue coating. It indicates either Deficient or Excess Heat. For example, a black and hairy looking tongue can signal poor oral hygiene, or diabetes. All rights reserved. A healthy tongue looks like a piece of freshly killed meat. You might also experience bad breath, a hairy tongue and irritation. A discolored, oddly patterned or bumpy tongue could be a sign of an oral or general health problem, according to Merck Manual. You can use a tongue scraper or do it with your toothbrush while brushing your teeth. There are four main areas of the tongue observed in TCM: These TCM tongue principles are also being used in clinical studies. A thick or heavy white coating on the surface of the tongue, also known as Leukoplakia, can come from... Red Tongue With a "Mapped" Appearance. Tongue color. White tongue is the result of an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. Black tongue discoloration is caused by taking medical preparations that contain bismuth, says the Merck Manual. Dr. Behram Dalal answered. Heart problems and poor overall blood circulation may cause your tongue to turn purple. This is especially the case with tongue color. Anemia may also cause a pale tongue. Your dentist will also take a look at your tongue during check-ups to look for signs of an infection or oral cancer. A yellow discoloration on the tongue is often a harmless and temporary problem. There should be no cracks, ulcers, or teeth marks, and normal tongue size is … Who knew that your tongue had such a spectrum? One study found that color had a disease diagnosis accuracy rate of nearly 92 percent. The naturopath says: A thin coating on the tongue is healthy and normal. The tip of the tongue provides information about the functioning of small intestine and heart, whereas, the area behind the tip of your tongue tells the doctor about your immune system and respiratory system. There is no movement (quivering, trembling, side-to-side motion, curling or shifting to one side.) Don't forget to visit your dentist regularly so they can check the rest of your mouth. While you might think of your tongue only being a certain color, the truth is that this small muscular organ can come in a range of colors. But your tongue can also go dark after you take an antacid with an ingredient called bismuth. The normal color of a healthy tongue is a nice, robust, sanguine pink - a perfectly balanced blend of red and white. It lacks the protective skin and therefore its color is largely dependent on that tissue it is composed of in addition to the blood flowing through it. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It’s normal and actually desirable to have a thin, uneven whitish coating on your tongue. You can check if you have a healthy tongue color yourself when you brush your teeth. Here are what some of the colors you can see mean. It ought to be pink, with a thin whitish coating on the surface. We’ll explain why it can sometimes look hairy, too. This type of coating could extend to other areas of the mouth, which could indicate an infection. The tongue is naturally pink to red in color with a rough appearance. The color of your tongue is a handy indicator that you could have a nutritional deficiency, are dehydrated, or are suffering from another health or dental problem. A yellow tongue may be a precursor to a black tongue, notes the Mayo Clinic. A heavy white plaque however could indicate candidasis or oral thrush - a fungus infection of warm, moist areas of the body. According to TCM principles, the tongue itself is considered a representation of your overall health. However, if you notice any tongue changes in between your yearly visits, have it checked out by a doctor. A red tongue body is darker than the normal red, which is pinkish in color. Poking out your tongue to check its color after brushing your teeth can be a reassuring habit, and if it changes color or another problem develops, you'll notice right away. Tongue color can range from pale pink to red or even have a bluish tinge. Color changes related to the tongue can range from a benign concern to one that requires medical attention. The Color of Your Tongue. If you have noticed, the colour of a healthy tongue is light pink. Lack of water, vitamins, stress, and fatigue, can also lead to slight color changes of the tongue. In others, it…, Tongue scraping is a fast way to remove extra particles — including the ones that cause bad breath — from the top of the tongue. A normal, healthy tongue is pink, moist and dotted with taste buds. Red Tongue Body. Therefore the color of the human tongue is normally a pink-red hue. Have questions about your smile? Instead of the normal pink color, your tongue is now white instead. A red (not dark pink) tongue could indicate as something as simple as a B vitamin deficiency, which can be remedied... Purple. Depending on the oxygenation of the blood and other factors, the normal color can vary from pink to red. The causes of a smooth, red, possibly swollen tongue include anemia, niacin deficiency, a scarlet fever infection or, in young children, a serious condition called Kawasaki disease. Colors of an ‘unhealthy’ tongue Red. Tongue diagnosis: A normal tongue is pink in color, medium thickness, no cracks, ulcers, no teeth marks and with a light white moist coat (with root) on it. 2a. If your dentist or doctor has ruled out a medical cause for your tongue discoloration, you can improve its appearance by gently brushing twice a day at the same time that you clean your teeth and gums. When your tongue is not its normal pink color, you could have an underlying health issue. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Normal tongue First, we need to know what is a “normal” tongue. Any deviation from this denotes a deviation from this ideal state of health and balance; the greater the deviation, the more severe the imbalance. 2) Fig. In order to get a true reading Colgate Reaches Children in Need Across the Globe With the Power of a Bright Smile. Does your tongue … 1. does it line our throats right down? A normal tongue is slightly red in color and with a thin layer of white coating which is neither dry nor overly moist. A yellow tongue may be temporary, but it can also be a sign of a condition called black hairy tongue. 5 Reasons to Scrape Your Tongue and How to Do It. Sometimes the natural bumps on your tongue aren’t worn down by daily activities, and they look larger than usual. A black tongue usually isn’t as serious as it looks. 30 years experience Dentistry. You can check if you have a healthy tongue color yourself when you brush your teeth. What Does a Healthy and Unhealthy Tongue Look Like? Papillae are also prevalent on a healthy tongue. Your tongue color and health is particularly interesting when your tongue turns yellow. Here are 15 of the best…. According to the principles of TCM, analyzing the appearance of an individual's tongue can provide a greater understanding of his or her overall health. It may seem like a simple thing, but noticing a change in the color of your tongue from the normal pink or red to something so strange may be a really disconcerting experience for you, and it isn’t something you should ignore. A small yellow-gray coating on the tongue is quite normal, especially during a hot period. Here's what to look for. Normal color of the tongue. But this is … For some people, it stains the tongue black when it mixes with saliva. It’s not uncommon for your tongue to be a different color, but it’s still not a sign of optimal health. Firstly, a healthy human tongue is pinkish in color and is gently moist with a light coating just like the photo below. In most cases, it can be treated by improving oral hygiene. It may simply mean that there's a buildup of dead skin cells caught in the papillae. In most cases both yellow and black tongue are harmless. Dr. Sandra Eleczko answered. When your physician asks you to stick out your tongue, they're checking its color and appearance for signs that you may be unwell. If your tongue is red, yellow, or white, you likely need to address a…, Drug treatments for UC can prevent your immune system from overreacting and bring down inflammation in your colon. Here are 9 of the best meal…, To keep your cholesterol levels low, you should choose snacks that are low in saturated fat and high in fiber. White Tongue vs. Bumps on Tongue. Tongue acts as a reflection of how your body is functioning. Normal is: A generic term and can differ between people. Here's what to look for. Why Does My Tongue Have Purple or Blueish Spots? You’ll also learn about the types of things…, Worried that your tongue has developed a purple or bluish tint? Both scarlet fever and Kawasaki disease require immediate medical attention. ). Chances are, something like this has happened to you at least once. You should see a doctor if any changes in your tongue last for more than two weeks. However, any deviation from the normal appearance is indicative of some form of health issues, though not always severe. There are a wide variety of factors that can change the way your tongue looks and feels. Normal Tongue Color and Texture. You may not “see” your tongue on a regular basis, but this often overlooked body part can provide numerous insights into your overall health. A tongue that is unusual in color may be an indication of some problem in the body. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. 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On the tongue is now white instead quivering, trembling, side-to-side motion, or... Why does My tongue have purple or Blueish Spots, not... 2 normal! Light white coating is absolutely normal, the tongue is quite normal, especially a... Treated by improving oral hygiene unusual in color and texture for professional advice, normal tongue color or treatment aren. Advice of your tongue had such a spectrum a visit to the blood in... Brush with a light coating just like the photo below that plays various roles in chewing, and! Hairy looking tongue can be alarming to notice your tongue should be slightly fuzzy tongue tells us that there a... One that requires medical attention turn a dark color, you could have an underlying health issue is food bacterial. Are harmless is slightly red in color extend to other areas of the tongue,.! What a normal tongue should be slightly fuzzy normal is: a generic term and can differ between.. 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