If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then consider the tongue a sort of check-engine light for the body. The tongue's appearance gives doctors an idea about certain aspects of your health, and its color is an important clue.
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What Should Your Tongue Look Like?
Your tongue should generally have a rounded, symmetrical shape and be light pink in color. However, if you have African, Asian, or Mediterranean ancestry, your tongue might also have some purple or brown pigmentation. A light white coating on the tongue is also normal.
This white coating is made up of keratin, a tough protein that protects your tongue from getting scratched when you eat, explains Dr. Tien Jiang, a prosthodontist at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that your tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae. These little bumps play a big role in:
Sensing temperature and touch.
Containing taste buds that help you distinguish between sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or savory flavors.
Creating friction to help you form a small ball of food, known as a bolus, making it easier to swallow.
Can Diet Affect Tongue Color?
Yes, it can! What you eat and drink can sometimes temporarily change the color of your tongue. For example, that blue popsicle or candy you enjoyed as a kid likely turned your tongue bright blue. Similarly, drinks like coffee and tea or foods rich in spices like turmeric can leave a lasting impression on your tongue.
But don’t worry—this discoloration is usually temporary. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining good oral hygiene will help wash away any lingering food or dyes.
When to Be Concerned About Tongue Color
Sometimes, changes in your tongue’s color or appearance can signal health issues. It’s important to see your doctor if you notice:
Brown or Black Tongue: This could be a condition known as "black hairy tongue," where the papillae become too long and trap bacteria, food particles, and colors. This condition is more likely if you smoke, take antibiotics or antihistamines, have poor oral hygiene, or drink a lot of coffee or black tea.
Thick White Patches or Sores: These could indicate an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth, known as thrush. Thrush can be triggered by various factors such as diabetes, HIV, antibiotics, cancer treatment, smoking, or wearing dentures.
Painful Red or Yellow Sores: These might be canker sores, thrush, or, in rare cases, oral cancer.
Bright Red Tongue: A bright red tongue can be a sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency or an infection like scarlet fever. If you notice red patches that move around your tongue, you might have a harmless condition called "geographic tongue."
Should You Brush Your Tongue or Use a Tongue Scraper?
Good oral hygiene includes flossing daily and brushing your teeth twice a day—and yes, that should include your tongue too! Dr. Jiang suggests sticking out your tongue and brushing it from the back to the front in three swipes: one down the middle, one down the left, and one down the right. This helps remove bacteria and debris that collect in the papillae.
Some people prefer using a tongue scraper instead. While Dr. Jiang isn’t particularly enthusiastic about tongue scrapers, she doesn’t see any harm in using them. It’s really about what works best for you to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.
Worried About Your Tongue? Here’s What to Do
If something about your tongue doesn’t seem right—especially if you have a fever, a sore throat, or sores that won’t go away—it’s a good idea to call your doctor or dentist.
They can assess your condition, recommend treatments like medicated mouthwashes or warm-water rinses, and encourage you to stay hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene. If needed, they might refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
