Tongue Colour and Overall Health

A healthy tongue is typically pink in colour. Deviations from this, such as white, yellow, orange, red, black, or blue, can often signal underlying health issues. 

A.  Stress and Tongue Health

Excessive stress can show in several ways on your tongue:

• Unusual redness: Indicates increased inflammation.
• Sores and ulcers:It’s a sign of stress-related problem.
• Biting marks on the edges: A common stress-related behavior. 

B.  Dehydration and Tongue Health

A dry tongue and mouth are early indicators of dehydration. The body reduces saliva production to conserve fluids, leading to a thick white coating on the tongue. Certain medications can also contribute to dry mouth. To address this, prioritize hydration by drinking plenty of water, consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake. 

C.  Immune System and Tongue Health

A weakened immune system can lead to:

• Oral thrush: A yeast infection causing a pale white coating on the tongue.
• Oral lichen planus: Characterized by white, lacy patches, swollen red tissue, and open sores. 

D.  Nutritional Deficiencies and Tongue Health

A red tongue can signify:

• Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency
• Food allergies
• Medication allergie 

E.  Other Factors Affecting Tongue Colour

• Black tongue: Often linked to tobacco use, certain medications, and radiation therapy.

• Blue tongue: May indicate blood disorders, blood vessel diseases, or kidney diseases.
• Yellow tongue: Typically caused by poor oral hygiene, bacterial overgrowth, digestive disorders, tobacco use, and certain medications.
• Orange tongue: Can result from dry mouth, certain medications, or a diet high in beta-carotene.

While tongue colour can provide clues about overall health, it's a must to consult your doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

You can schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Seema Bansal for more informantion.