WE use them to talk, taste, chew and swallow – but experts say tongues also hold vital information about our overall health.
This is particularly true when it comes to colour, according to a dentist.
Dr Stephen Dodd, from Ringway Dental, said: “The tongue can absolutely give us insights into a person’s health.
“Changes in the colour, texture or coating may indicate various conditions.
“For example, a white coating could suggest oral thrush and/or dehydration, and a hairy or furry appearance may signal poor oral hygiene or an overgrowth of bacteria.
“Finally, cracks or ulcers might indicate an infection or underlying health issue.”
He added that it’s vital to monitor any changes and get them checked if they stick around for more than a few days.
Here’s what he’d keep an eye out for when it comes to the colour of your tongue, and what each one can mean.
YELLOW
A yellow tongue can simply indicate poor oral hygiene; you may not be cleaning thoroughly or often enough, Dr Dodd said.
You may also have been smoking, drinking alcohol, coffee or black tea, or being dehydrated.
But a yellow tinge can also indicate diabetes.
Sufferers have high levels of sugar in their saliva, which promotes bacteria growth on the tongue, according to Healthline.
Jaundice, which turns the skin and whites of the eyes yellow, can also cause a yellow tongue, as can gallbladder problems, the dentist added.
GREEN
Forgetting to floss or brush your tongue can give your tongue an eerie green colour.
Dr Dodd said: “The coating may indicate bacterial overgrowth, fungal infection or the consumption of certain foods or medications.
“It can also be a sign of an oral infection or poor oral hygiene.”
WHITE OR GREY
Fungal infections, such as oral thrush, can cause pale, white-grey patches to develop on the tongue, according to Dr Dodd.
Other potential causes include dehydration, anaemia, scarlet fever, a type of rash called lichen planus, mouth ulcers and leukoplakia – which the NHS warns is closely linked to an increased risk of mouth cancer.
BLACK
A black tongue can be quite an alarming sight, but it is usually a sign of a relatively harmless and temporary condition.
It’s caused by the small raised bumps on your tongue (papillae) growing longer instead of shedding, then trapping food remnants and bacteria.
“It can also be caused by fungi, the use of certain medications, smoking, poor oral hygiene and consuming certain foods or beverages,” Dr Dodd said.
Usually, it’s treated with a change to your toothbrushing routine, medications or other lifestyle behaviours.
BLUE
A blue tongue can be a sign of cyanosis – a lack of oxygen in the blood, according to the expert.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, including asthma, sepsis, blood disorders, blood vessel disease, pneumonia, heart failure and kidney disease.
These all require urgent medical attention.
How to clean your tongue properly
To clean your tongue effectively, Dr Stephen Dodd, dentist at Ringway Dental, says:
- Brush it gently with a toothbrush or tongue scraper after brushing your teeth, starting from the back and moving forward
- Rinse the brush or scraper with water after each stroke
- Hydrate your mouth by drinking water regularly to promote saliva production, which aids in cleansing the tongue
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleans and oral exams
“These steps, when incorporated into your daily oral hygiene routine, help remove bacteria and debris, maintaining the health of your tongue and contributing to overall oral health,” he said.
PURPLE
A purple tinge on the tongue can indicate poor blood circulation or a heart condition, according to Dr Dodd.
It is also a symptom of Kawasaki disease – an illness that primarily affects children under the age of five, the NHS says.
ORANGE
Have you eaten lots of carrots, sweet potato, melon, pumpkin or mango recently?
These foods are all high in beta-carotene and can make your tongue look a little orange.
If you haven’t though, it is worth ramping up your oral hygiene routine and speaking to a professional about your medications.
As well as brushing and flossing, try using a tongue scraper to remove any bacteria.
RED
A red tongue is sometimes referred to as ‘strawberry tongue’ and can be a symptom of several health conditions.
This includes vitamin B deficiency, scarlet fever, glossitis (inflammation), a medication allergy and Kawasaki disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
However, research has also found that a red tongue could be a sign of Covid-19.
A 2022 study in Ukraine discovered that 64 per cent of mild infections had a pale pink tongue, 62 per cent of moderate cases had a red tongue, and 99 per cent of severe infections had a dark red tongue.
PINK
Everyone is different. But generally, a healthy tongue is pink in colour.
Dr Dodd said: “A pink tongue is what we look for and what is typically considered healthy.”
It should also have no noticeable coatings, pigments, injuries or discomfort, according to Colegate.
Signs of disease in the mouth
Bad breath and mouth ulcers are common occurrences.
But they may signal an underlying health problem as well.
Dr Rahul Nehra, Lead Dentist at The Smile Gallery, warns of the symptoms in your mouth that should never be ignored.
Bleeding Gums:
Persistent bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing, can indicate gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
This is often caused by plaque buildup along the gumline, leading to inflammation and potential tissue damage.
It’s essential to address bleeding gums promptly to prevent further complications like gum recession and tooth loss.
For bleeding gums, proper oral hygiene is crucial, along with professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Bad Breath:
Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can be a sign of various dental issues, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease or cavities.
However it could be an underlying health problem such as diabetes or gastrointestinal issues.
Dental check-ups can help identify and address the root cause of bad breath, such as gum disease.
Improving bad breath typically involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Lumps & Sores:
While occasional mouth sores are common and often harmless, persistent lumps or sores that don’t heal within two weeks could be signs of more serious conditions such as oral cancer.
Other concerning signs include white or red patches, numbness, or difficulty moving the jaw. If you notice any of these symptoms, seeing a dentist or doctor for further evaluation is crucial.
Sores in the mouth may benefit from topical treatments or medications prescribed by a dentist or doctor while monitoring for any signs of infection or malignancy.
Wobbly Teeth:
Loose teeth can indicate advanced gum disease or untreated tooth decay.
Without prompt intervention, this can lead to tooth loss and bone deterioration.
Seeking dental care as soon as possible can help preserve remaining teeth, possibly through procedures like scaling and root planing or dental restorations.
Difficulty Swallowing:
Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be caused by various factors, including oral infections, inflamed tonsils, or even more severe issues like throat cancer.
If you experience persistent difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something stuck in your throat, it’s essential to seek medical or dental attention promptly for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Croaky Voice:
A croaky or hoarse voice can result from various conditions affecting the throat or vocal cords, including acid reflux, respiratory infections, or vocal cord nodules or polyps.
In some cases, poor oral hygiene or throat irritation can also contribute to voice changes.
If you experience persistent hoarseness or voice changes, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
Addressing a croaky voice may involve lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding irritants like tobacco smoke or excessive vocal strain.
When to seek help
Dr Dodd said: “It’s really important to ensure you’re having regular dental check-ups so we can help monitor tongue health, alongside your teeth and gums and detect any abnormalities early.”
But at home, you should ensure you are doing the following:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing
- Staying hydrated to support saliva production
- Avoiding foods and beverages that contribute to discolouration
- Adjusting medications and treating fungal or bacterial overgrowth with prescribed medications if needed
“All that said, persistent or severe discolouration should be evaluated by a dentist to rule out underlying health issues and receive appropriate treatment,” he added.
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