What Does My Tongue Say About My Health?

Most people know to brush and floss every day to maintain healthy teeth, but the tongue is also an important part of oral health. From mild bad breath to more serious issues, it can give major signs of what conditions you might be facing. For this reason, it’s vital that you keep it just as clean as your pearly whites. Read on as your dentist in Wethersfield explains how to clean your tongue and what it says about your health.

Healthy vs Unhealthy Tongue

While they can vary in shades of color, a healthy tongue usually looks pink. Therefore, the first signs that something might be off are changes in your tongue’s color and unusual sensations or discomfort. Here are some of changes in color and what they might indicate:

• White Tongue: Thick, white patches/lines on the tongue are common abnormalities. These could be due to certain conditions, such as oral thrush—a fungal infection that can affect those with weak immune systems—or leukoplakia, which is caused by cell overgrowth and could lead to severe issues.
• Red Tongue: This may be a sign of B vitamin deficiencies or more serious conditions, like Kawasaki disease or Scarlet fever.
• Yellow Tongue: Often less serious, a yellow tongue indicates bacteria overgrowth. This is usually caused by smoking/chewing tobacco, taking certain vitamins, or even jaundice (rarely the case).
• Black & Hairy Tongue: Another bacterial overgrowth, this typically harmless condition may develop from a lack of oral hygiene, taking particular antibiotics, diabetes, or chemotherapy.

Aside from a change in color, a bumpy or sore tongue can be a sign of oral issues, especially if they give you major discomfort. If you notice any new colors or textures on your tongue, you should call your dentist right away.

How Do I Clean My Tongue?

Now that you know the various ways your tongue can change and what they mean, you’ll want to make sure to keep it nice and pink. The most effective way to clean it is by using a tongue scraper. By thoroughly scraping it from the back of your tongue towards the front, you can remove most residue and bacteria. You can also use your toothbrush in combination with a mouth rinse to effectively maintain a healthy tongue.

Being aware of what your tongue is telling you is pretty simple, and it doesn’t take much to keep it clean. But if you want to be certain that your oral health is in great condition, visiting your dentist is always your best bet!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the UConn School of Dental Medicine. By taking continuing education courses every year, she remains up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental care to make sure your needs are met. She also offers dental checkups and cleanings to help keep your teeth and the rest of your mouth healthy! If you want to learn more about your tongue health, visit her website or call (860) 400-3007.