Tongue Color: What Does it Mean?

Does your tongue show weird colors or spots? It may be a sign of a budding oral health complication.

 A SIGN. Your tongue color could be a sign of budding oral health problems.

Our tongue comes in different colors, shapes, and sizes. But did you know that certain patterns or colors in your tongue are signs of a complication?

Our tongue is made up of a group of muscles that allow us to swallow food, taste and talk. Because we use our tongue constantly, it is frustrating when we encounter tongue problems.

Discolored: A discolored and painful tongue can be a sign of serious health condition. It is important to detect symptoms to avoid major oral diseases.

White spots: If you have white spots in your tongue, you have a yeast infection. The white-coated tongue could be thrush. This condition is often related to antibiotics. When you take antibiotics, it can allow the development of yeast because it only selective kills off bacteria. The yeast is not killed by antibiotics.

White spots can also be a sign of oral cancer. If that is the case, you could see white spots on your gums or in your throat. Excessive use of tobacco products or alcohol could lead to these effects. Men are most likely to develop oral cancer than women.

Strawberry red: A strawberry red tongue is a sign that you have vitamin deficiency. A glossy, bright red tongue could mean that your body is lacking Vitamin B12 or iron. Most vegetarians are prone to low levels of Vitamin B12, which can be gotten from meat.

Director of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology at Mount Sinai Hospital, Naomi Ramer said that “Vitamin B12 and iron are needed to mature papillae on the tongue.”

She added that this can cause pain when eating spicy food and hot liquids. She advised to ask your doctor about taking supplements.

Discoloration and soreness are common problems in the tongue. There are number of ways that it can be solved. Maintaining oral hygiene can help. Brushing your tongue can scrape away the lingering bacteria.

Regular visit at your local dentist every three months could help you detect early signs of oral disease.