Seven Indicators Your Tongue May Reveal About Your Health

Alterations in the texture or appearance of the tongue can disclose much about one's health and point to specific health conditions. Our bodies are our permanent abode, thus it's crucial to care for them attentively. Often, we may overlook or misinterpret the signals our body emits, yet it consistently sends us indications when something unusual occurs internally.

Hence, by heeding these signals and deciphering the signs our bodies provide, we can address health issues promptly and avert severe complications. The tongue frequently serves as an initial indicator, as its state can tell us much about our overall health.

Dr. Imogen Bexfield, Medical Director at White Swan Aesthetics, describes a normal, healthy tongue's appearance:

"The color can differ among individuals, but typically, it should be pink with small bumps known as papillae."

Below are the 7 most prevalent tongue changes that suggest you might need to consult your doctor:

1. White Plaque on your Tongue

Swollen papillae on the tongue can lead to plaque formation, as debris, bacteria, and dead cells get trapped between them, resulting in a white coating. This condition, known as papillae hypertrophy or inflammation, may be caused by dehydration, inadequate oral hygiene, dry mouth, mouth breathing, fever, smoking or other oral tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, a diet low in roughage, or mechanical irritation from sharp tooth edges or dental appliances.

2. Geographic Tongue

In this instance, the tongue displays reddish, smooth patches encircled by white borders. It is non-contagious, typically asymptomatic, and does not result in any long-term health issues. 

The condition can persist for weeks or even years. 

Geographic tongue occurs more frequently in individuals with psoriasis and Reiter's Syndrome, women on hormonal birth control, those experiencing emotional stress, allergy sufferers, diabetics, and people with certain vitamin deficiencies.

3. Strawberry Tongue

A red, swollen tongue with a bumpy texture resembling a strawberry or raspberry may indicate several conditions, such as:

• A food or drug allergy
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Scarlet fever, a bacterial infection that often occurs in children aged 5 to 15 and may arise from strep throat
• Kawasaki disease, which causes inflammation in certain arteries, predominantly affecting children
• Toxic shock syndrome, a rare bacterial complication typically associated with tampon use or nasal gauze packing
• Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a rare complication that can develop in children with COVID-19

4. Black Hairy Tongue

Although this condition may appear concerning, it is benign, painless, and temporary. It occurs due to the build-up of dead skin cells on the papillae, the small projections on the tongue's surface. When these become elongated, they can trap substances like food, tobacco, yeast, and bacteria, which may result in bad breath.

• The most common causes include:
• Inadequate oral hygiene
• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Frequent use of mouthwashes with harsh oxidizing agents
• Tobacco smoking
• Overconsumption of alcohol, coffee, or black tea
• Antibiotic usage leading to alterations in the mouth's normal bacterial or yeast balance
• Consuming a soft diet that doesn't help in the natural removal of dead skin cells from the tongue

5. Lichens Planus

This chronic inflammatory condition impacts the mucous membranes within the mouth, leading to red, swollen tissues, white lacy patches, and open sores on the tongue or the mouth's interior. 

Consult your doctor if you observe these symptoms, as the precise cause is unknown, and it may heighten the risk of oral cancer. The condition is not contagious and typically arises when the immune system targets the cells of the oral mucous membrane.

6. Thrush

Oral thrush, also known as Oral Candidiasis, occurs due to an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans on the mouth's lining. It results in creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, throat, palate, and sometimes on the gums and tonsils. 

While not severe for those with a healthy immune system, it can lead to serious systemic candida infections in immunocompromised individuals. Prevention includes avoiding sugary foods, practicing good oral hygiene, keeping blood sugar levels stable, and addressing conditions like dry mouth and vaginal yeast infections.

7. Blisters

Persistent blisters on the tongue are a valid reason to consult a doctor, as they may signal mouth cancer. Symptoms of oral cancer can include loose teeth, mouth growths, abnormal white or red patches in the mouth, difficulties with swallowing and chewing, numbness in the face or neck, and speech impediments.

While many symptoms indicated by changes in the tongue's appearance often point to minor and treatable health issues, some can be indicative of serious, potentially life-threatening conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical advice.