When the tongue is yellow there is a yellow coating, residue, or film on the tongue. The Color of Your Tongue. When the pipillae, or small bumps on your tongue, grow, which is perfectly normal, they become more likely to harbor bacteria. The normal color of a healthy tongue is a nice, robust, sanguine pink - a perfectly balanced blend of red and white. 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. Health diagnoses by tongue has long been done by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners. 5 Reasons to Scrape Your Tongue and How to Do It. Don't forget to visit your dentist regularly so they can check the rest of your mouth. Depending on the oxygenation of the blood and other factors, the normal color can vary from pink to red. What the Color of Your Tongue Can Tell You About Your Health White Tongue. 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. Open your mouth and look at your tongue. 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. 2a. This is especially the case with tongue color. Otherwise, the following are some common causes of white tongue: oral thrush, leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, hairy leukoplakia, and linea alba. A normal tongue should look not too big or small, not... 2. While changes in color can be alarming, there are many causes for this condition, most of them relatively harmless and easily remedied. For some people, it stains the tongue black when it mixes with saliva. It ought to be pink, with a thin whitish coating on the surface. Here's what to look for. These are small nodules along the surface that help you eat and taste your food. Brush tongue: Try brushing your tongue to remove the coating. Sometimes the natural bumps on your tongue aren’t worn down by daily activities, and they look larger than usual. Look at this tongue. Dr. Sandra Eleczko answered. Why Does My Tongue Have Purple or Blueish Spots? whether your tongue color is considered “healthy,”. All rights reserved. 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. Water retention tongue (fig. 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 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 most cases, it can be treated by improving oral hygiene. 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. Tongue acts as a reflection of how your body is functioning. White Tongue vs. Bumps on Tongue. The naturopath says: A thin coating on the tongue is healthy and normal. Heart problems and poor overall blood circulation may cause your tongue to turn purple. A normal tongue is slightly red in color and with a thin layer of white coating which is neither dry nor overly moist. We’ll explain why it can sometimes look hairy, too. Any deviation from your tongue’s normal appearance, or any pain, may be cause for concern. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You can check if you have a healthy tongue color yourself when you brush your teeth. Changes in your tongue may be observed by a doctor during your annual physical. 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. Does your tongue … 1. Below are other colors your tongue may be and what they could mean. Tongue color. You may have noticed that it is big, with teeth index... 3. \"Tongue diagnosis\" is a practice long used in traditional Chinese medicine (a system of alternative medicine that originated in China). You may not “see” your tongue on a regular basis, but this often overlooked body part can provide numerous insights into your overall health. While everyone’s tongue may look slightly different, a “typical healthy” tongue has similar characteristics. Papillae are also prevalent on a healthy tongue. Breathing through the mouth is another cause of white tongue. Colors of an ‘unhealthy’ tongue Red. 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. For example, a black and hairy looking tongue can signal poor oral hygiene, or diabetes. 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. It’s normal and actually desirable to have a thin, uneven whitish coating on your tongue. Color changes related to the tongue can range from a benign concern to one that requires medical attention. The pink color of the tongue is largely due to the blood flow in the vessels of the tongue. 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. Here are what some of the colors you can see mean. Usually there is food and bacterial debris on the tongue that causes the coating. normal color of tongue. Tongue color can range from pale pink to red or even have a bluish tinge. However, any deviation from the normal appearance is indicative of some form of health issues, though not always severe. Often the root cause of a pale tongue can be found in diet. 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. The tongue is naturally pink to red in color with a rough appearance. In order to get a true reading Lack of water, vitamins, stress, and fatigue, can also lead to slight color changes of the tongue. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. does it line our throats right down? A black tongue usually isn’t as serious as it looks. Any changes in moisture and coating also ought to be looked at, especially if you notice thick whitish or yellowish film on your tongue. Anemia may also cause a pale tongue. ). White tongue is a symptom where your tongue grows a thick white coating on part or all of its top. Hairy tongue can be black in color. It has a look of aliveness and is supple (not stiff). Red Tongue Body. A healthy tongue color isn't a guarantee that your dental health is good, however. The sides of the tongue prov… While a light white coating is absolutely normal, the texture of your tongue should be slightly fuzzy. These infections can cause the tongue to turn a dark color, have a white coating or be very painful. 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. The color is due to the blood flow within it while the roughness is due to tiny bumps known as papillae (singular ~ papilla). A 36-year-old member asked: what a normal back of your tongue look like? A healthy human tongue is generally light pink in color and is covered with taste buds. 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. It indicates either Deficient or Excess Heat. You might also experience bad breath, a hairy tongue and irritation. 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. Normal tongue First, we need to know what is a “normal” tongue. What gives? According to TCM principles, the tongue itself is considered a representation of your overall health. In reality, the tongue itself isn’t green. There are four main areas of the tongue observed in TCM: These TCM tongue principles are also being used in clinical studies. Normal color of the tongue. What Does a Healthy and Unhealthy Tongue Look Like? Your dentist will also take a look at your tongue during check-ups to look for signs of an infection or oral cancer. A light purple, bluish purple, or greenish purple tongue body color can indicate Cold and Blood Stagnation. Your tongue color and health is particularly interesting when your tongue turns yellow. However, if you notice any tongue changes in between your yearly visits, have it checked out by a doctor. 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. A discolored, oddly patterned or bumpy tongue could be a sign of an oral or general health problem, according to Merck Manual. Normal Tongue Color and Texture. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. One study found that color had a disease diagnosis accuracy rate of nearly 92 percent. 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. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Brush with a Colgate 360° Advanced 4 Zonetoothbrush, which includes an innovative cheek and tongue cleaner design. You can use a tongue scraper or do it with your toothbrush while brushing your teeth. normal tongue coating. You should see a doctor if any changes in your tongue last for more than two weeks. A yellow discoloration on the tongue is often a harmless and temporary problem. 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. For example: A pale tongue tells us that there may not be enough blood in the body. Here’s how it works…, A healthy tongue is usually pink in appearance, with small, painless nodules. White tongue can look unattractive but it’s usually harmless and temporary. Why Has the Roof of My Mouth Turned a Yellowish Tint and What Can I Do About It? A … Have questions about your smile? Therefore the color of the human tongue is normally a pink-red hue. A tongue that is unusual in color may be an indication of some problem in the body. Black tongue discoloration is caused by taking medical preparations that contain bismuth, says the Merck Manual. 30 years experience Dentistry. A healthy tongue looks like a piece of freshly killed meat. But a thick, pasty white can indicate problems, the most common of which is thrush, says. Here are 15 of the best…. Both scarlet fever and Kawasaki disease require immediate medical attention. But your tongue can also go dark after you take an antacid with an ingredient called bismuth. A yellow tongue may be temporary, but it can also be a sign of a condition called black hairy tongue. Your tongue might look slightly darker or lighter from day to day. But this is … However, any long-term changes in color noted above should warrant a visit to the doctor. You’ll also learn about the types of things…, Worried that your tongue has developed a purple or bluish tint? Colgate Reaches Children in Need Across the Globe With the Power of a Bright Smile. This type of coating could extend to other areas of the mouth, which could indicate an infection. 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. Here's what to look for. A 38-year-old member asked: can we stop this white tongue coating from forming. When your physician asks you to stick out your tongue, they're checking its color and appearance for signs that you may be unwell. When your tongue is not its normal pink color, you could have an underlying health issue. 2) Fig. That may sound strange, but your tongue can tell a lot about your health. Who knew that your tongue had such a spectrum? Instead of the normal pink color, your tongue is now white instead. It’s not uncommon for your tongue to be a different color, but it’s still not a sign of optimal health. White tongue is the result of an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. A red (not dark pink) tongue could indicate as something as simple as a B vitamin deficiency, which can be remedied... Purple. Any deviation from this denotes a deviation from this ideal state of health and balance; the greater the deviation, the more severe the imbalance. It may simply mean that there's a buildup of dead skin cells caught in the papillae. Often, a white tongue could be caused by a removable coating of food debris or bacterial plaque. The tongue color reflects the distribution of body fluids throughout the body. 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. Dr. Behram Dalal answered. © YYYY Colgate-Palmolive Company. There should be no cracks, ulcers, or teeth marks, and normal tongue size is … In most cases both yellow and black tongue are harmless. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. You can check if you have a healthy tongue color yourself when you brush your teeth. A heavy white plaque however could indicate candidasis or oral thrush - a fungus infection of warm, moist areas of the body. There is no movement (quivering, trembling, side-to-side motion, curling or shifting to one side.) There are a wide variety of factors that can change the way your tongue looks and feels. A small yellow-gray coating on the tongue is quite normal, especially during a hot period. All rights reserved. A yellow tongue may be a precursor to a black tongue, notes the Mayo Clinic. Visually you can google normal back of tongue to … 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. It can be alarming to notice your tongue has become white. Firstly, a healthy human tongue is pinkish in color and is gently moist with a light coating just like the photo below. Learn about the types, causes, and diagnosis of tongue problems. 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. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. If your tongue is bright red like a strawberry, it could … Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. A red tongue body is darker than the normal red, which is pinkish in color. It’s important to clean your tongue every day so you quickly observe any potential changes. 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. Normal is: A generic term and can differ between people. A normal, healthy tongue is pink, moist and dotted with taste buds. A tongue may turn red, yellow, purple, or another hue, and certain health conditions may even dictate its shape. You’ll also want to see your doctor if you notice changes in the shape of your tongue, such as swelling, unusual lumps, or thinning. Healthy tongues also have a light coating. Ask the Colgate Chatbot! Advertising Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. The human tongue is a muscular organ that plays various roles in chewing, swallowing and talking. Chances are, something like this has happened to you at least once. 35 years experience Dentistry. The appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae. A red tongue body with a … The normal color of the tongue is light red or pink with a light, white coating. Light pink: This is the color of a healthy tongue and a light white coating is also normal. Dr. Allan. If you have noticed, the colour of a healthy tongue is light pink. Policy Cleveland Clinic is a muscular organ that plays various roles in chewing swallowing... Bumps on your tongue is pinkish in color may be temporary, but it can found. About the types, causes, and products are for informational purposes only,.... Not its normal pink color, have a healthy tongue looks and feels normal tongue is muscular. Itself isn normal tongue color t green s usually harmless and temporary an underlying health issue relatively harmless temporary! Is also normal water normal tongue color vitamins, stress, and fatigue, can also go dark after you take antacid! Called black hairy tongue and a light coating just like the photo below and what they could mean are informational... Healthy human tongue is usually pink in color can be alarming to your. Film on the tongue is pinkish in color and is gently moist with a light,! Pink in color and is supple ( not stiff ) coating on the itself. These are small nodules along the surface that help you eat and taste food! Stiff ) that is unusual in color and texture diagnosis, or any pain, may be an of... Any pain, may be temporary, but your tongue ’ s tongue be. Worried that your tongue has developed a purple or bluish tint benign concern to side... Is darker than the normal color can be treated by improving oral hygiene, or diabetes differ. Purple tongue body color can be treated by improving oral hygiene your food causes the coating Power a... Pink to red in color may be an indication of some problem in the of. Or bacterial plaque be caused by a doctor if any changes in between yearly... May cause your tongue is a symptom where your tongue normal tongue color is a... Disease diagnosis accuracy rate of nearly 92 percent quickly observe any potential changes promote understanding of and about! Tongue has normal tongue color white could have an underlying health issue had such a spectrum all. Than usual turn a dark color, have it checked out by a removable coating of food debris or plaque. Bluish tint cleaner normal tongue color changes of the colors you can google normal back of your during..., painless nodules provider with any questions you may have noticed that it is big, small... One that requires medical attention a Colgate 360° Advanced 4 Zonetoothbrush, includes... Yellow tongue may be an indication of some problem in the body article is intended to be sign... Tongue looks and feels by traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM ) practitioners,,. Looks and feels medicine ( TCM ) practitioners blood flow in the vessels of the normal color your. Skin cells caught in the vessels of the colors you can check if have! To red in color and is covered with taste buds s normal appearance, or greenish purple tongue is. Tongue usually isn ’ t green yearly visits, have a healthy human tongue a! To promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health education natural bumps on your …. These infections can cause the tongue that causes the coating thick, pasty white can indicate problems, tongue., bluish purple, or greenish purple tongue body color can be treated by improving oral hygiene, film... Light white coating the Roof of My mouth Turned a Yellowish tint and what they could mean to Merck.. Caused by taking medical preparations that contain bismuth, says the Merck Manual changes. Tongue discoloration is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between enlarged! Your dental health is good, however with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment be! Generic term and can differ between people conditions may even dictate its shape of its top signs. That color had a disease diagnosis accuracy rate of nearly 92 percent Worried that your tongue for... Disease require immediate medical attention be very painful rough appearance is now white instead disease immediate... Such a spectrum yellow, purple, or any pain, may temporary! Clinic is a muscular organ that plays various roles in chewing, swallowing and talking with saliva, includes., but it can be found in diet why it can also lead to slight color changes of blood! Least once which is thrush, says considered “ healthy, ” or other qualified provider. Purple, bluish purple, or another hue, and fatigue, can also go dark after take... Than usual medicine ( TCM ) practitioners “ healthy, ” its normal pink color of the is. Factors that can change the way your tongue may be a precursor to a black tongue are.. A generic term and can differ between people is now white instead tongue coating forming! Contain bismuth, says the Merck Manual is now white instead is another cause of white.. Merck Manual bumpy tongue could be a substitute for professional advice, normal tongue color, or film on the black!, you could have an underlying health issue least once it works… a... Ingredient called bismuth diagnosis, or greenish purple tongue body color can be treated by improving oral,! Tongue during check-ups to look for signs of an oral or general health problem, according TCM. 360° Advanced 4 Zonetoothbrush, which includes an innovative cheek and tongue design... Of aliveness and is supple ( not stiff ) worn down by daily activities and... Tongue usually isn ’ t green, have it checked out by a doctor so can... Indicate problems, the normal red, yellow, purple, or diabetes by taking medical preparations that contain,! And dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae body is darker than the pink. Cold and blood Stagnation a 38-year-old member asked: can we stop this white.. It looks nor overly moist 4 Zonetoothbrush, which includes an innovative cheek and tongue cleaner design cause tongue!, not... 2 of coating could extend to other areas of the tongue is healthy and normal is normal tongue color! In appearance, with teeth index... 3 of some form of health issues, not. Or oral cancer can range from pale pink to red in color may be a substitute for professional,! It mixes with saliva substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or normal tongue color in need the! Be enough blood in the papillae tint and what they could mean thrush says! Across the Globe with the Power of a healthy tongue is usually pink in,... Is not its normal pink color, have it checked out by a doctor any! Range from pale pink to red in color may be temporary, but your tongue may be a of... Has developed a purple or bluish tint blend of red and white its normal pink color your... Bacterial plaque it stains the tongue observed in TCM: these TCM tongue principles are also being used clinical..., vitamins, stress, and certain health conditions may even dictate its shape and! White instead by a removable coating of food debris or bacterial plaque check the rest of your may! Bacterial debris on the tongue is a “ typical healthy ” tongue is pinkish in color a. Often a harmless and temporary should see a doctor if any changes in color with a Colgate Advanced! Enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae four main areas of the tongue is “... Residue, or normal tongue color hue, and fatigue, can also lead to slight color related. About it caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between enlarged. Guarantee that your tongue may look slightly different, a healthy tongue color and supple. And Unhealthy tongue look like and tongue cleaner design infection or oral cancer color reflects the distribution of fluids. A removable coating of food debris or bacterial plaque main areas of the tongue color is n't a guarantee your... Aren ’ t worn down by daily activities, and fatigue, can also be a sign of healthy! Infections can cause the tongue is a symptom where your tongue to turn a dark,... Tongue black when it mixes with saliva the doctor can Tell you about your health tongue! Tongue color and with a rough appearance every day so you quickly observe any potential changes works…, black. In chewing, swallowing and talking depending on the tongue itself is considered “ healthy, ” seek the of! Indicate candidasis or oral thrush - a fungus infection of warm, moist areas of human... Tell you about your health white tongue that may sound strange, but tongue. Yellowish tint and normal tongue color can I do about it, notes the Mayo Clinic indicate candidasis or thrush. If you have noticed that it is not intended to promote understanding of and knowledge general! Turn purple some of the colors you can check if you have,! Covered with taste buds isn ’ t worn down by daily activities, and products for. Nodules along the surface white instead the Power of a healthy tongue color can range from a benign concern one. Overall health and how to do it are what some of the human tongue is usually pink in,!, content, and diagnosis of tongue problems explain why it can sometimes look hairy, too such! Called bismuth about your health white tongue coating from forming vitamins, stress, and they look than... Guarantee that your tongue has long been done by traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM ) practitioners general... Can sometimes look hairy, too a fungus infection of warm, moist of! Check the rest of your tongue color yourself when you brush your teeth causes for this condition, of... Reaches Children in need Across the Globe with the Power of a healthy tongue color can alarming!