What disease does tongue color warn about?

The color, shape, and texture of your tongue can reveal vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, thyroid problems, or infections.

The tongue helps us taste, eat food, communicate, and can provide information about our overall health. A 2023 study from the University of South Australia (Australia) and the Central Technical University (Iraq) found that tongue imaging was 95% accurate in diagnosing certain conditions, such as diabetes and anemia.

Red, purple tongue with pain can warn the body of folic acid, iron or vitamin B12 deficiency. Patients can supplement foods rich in these nutrients such as whole grains, milk and dairy products, eggs, liver, almonds, shellfish, green leafy vegetables, beans, broccoli.

Nutritional deficiencies or infections can change the color and texture of the tongue. Photo: Freepik — Nutritional deficiencies or infections can change the color and texture of the tongue. Photo: *Freepik*

A white, cottage cheese-like coating could be a sign of thrush, a fungal infection of the tongue. It's common in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or who take medications that suppress the immune system.

Disorders like gastritis, indigestion, and ulcerative colitis can also cause white patches on the tongue because the mouth is part of the digestive tract.

Yellow or orange indicates an overgrowth of bacteria; often due to poor oral hygiene. This can be a sign of jaundice, autoimmune diseases, gastritis, and psoriasis.

Blue can indicate poor circulation or lack of oxygen due to kidney disease or blood disorders. Some people may also experience this condition after eating or drinking something blue.

The black color is due to the accumulation of keratin, a protein found in hair, skin, and nails. On the tongue, keratin is food debris that sticks to the tongue, making the tongue black and hairy. Causes of this condition include poor oral hygiene, smoking, and radiation therapy.

Bumps on the tongue can come from things like smoking, ulcers from accidentally biting your tongue, or burning your tongue. Usually, these bumps go away on their own within a few weeks. However, a bump that lasts a long time can be a sign of oral cancer.

A tongue that is too large for your normal size is a sign of hypothyroidism. This is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to function properly. Other symptoms include fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, muscle aches and weakness, depression, and high cholesterol.

To improve tongue health and prevent these conditions, everyone should regularly clean their teeth, use dental floss and a tongue scraper. The diet should be rich in nutrients, limit foods high in sugar; quit smoking and drinking. Treat health conditions that can affect the tongue such as diabetes, herpes and reduce stress.

Huyen My (According to Verywell Health, Cleveland Clinic, AARP )

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