Could Your Tongue Be Telling You Something Is Wrong?

Our bodies have a unique way of alarming us when something is wrong – the tongue has the same ability! While it is completely normal to see a change in the color of your tongue from time to time, long lasting tongue discoloration could be an indication of something more serious. To get a better understanding of what your tongue could be trying to tell you, let’s take a look at some of the common signs below! 

White Tongue 

A tongue that is white in color is most commonly a result of poor oral hygiene. White tongue is very common, but also easily treated! So, how does white tongue occur? Well, those tiny bumps on your tongue (known as papillae) can become swollen or inflamed. When this happens, it becomes even easier for bacteria, food and dead skin cells to become trapped between the enlarged papillae, resulting in white tongue. While white tongue is a common result of poor oral hygiene, this can also happen if you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, vitamin deficiencies, or wear dentures. 

Red Tongue  

If your tongue is red in color, this is most likely due to a Vitamin B deficiency. That being said, staying on top of your nutrition or adding in a Vitamin B supplement should correct the color. It is important to note however, if your tongue remains red in color for an extended period of time, this could be an indicator of something more serious.

Black Tongue

Believe it or not, despite the scary name, black tongue is one of the more harmless tongue conditions. This can happen due to poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, dehydration or a reaction to medication – fortunately, black tongue will likely go away on its own and can easily be treated with antibiotics if it persists.

What to do…

If you are concerned about the color or texture of your tongue, we encourage you to give our office a call for a professional consultation. When it comes to your health, getting the opinion of a licensed professional can make all the difference in putting your mind at ease and feeling better!