While it’s not always appropriate to stick out your tongue, doing so at home can be a good way to get a closer look at your overall health. In addition to helping you taste different flavors, this muscular organ can develop physical changes that may indicate the presence of an underlying medical issue. By inspecting your tongue every so often, you can catch potential problems early on and seek necessary treatment from a dentist or a doctor. To help boost your wellness, here are five different ways your tongue’s appearance may be affected by changes in your body.

5 Tongue Appearance Concerns & What They Say About Your Body

1. Red or Purple Color

A healthy tongue will take on a light pink color, so any deviation from this may be a sign of trouble. Deep red tongues, for instance, typically indicate the presence of an infection or a fever. Bright red, on the other hand, is a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. If the tongue takes on a purple appearance, the discoloration may be due to heart complications that are causing blood flow issues.   

2. Dark & Fuzzy

When you don’t practice proper oral hygiene, bacteria and proteins can accumulate on your tongue to create a dark, hairy, or fuzzy appearance. Typically, brushing or scraping your tongue and rinsing with mouthwash can get rid of the problem. However, in more serious cases, you may need to visit a dentist for deeper cleaning.   

3. White Coating

It’s normal for a tongue to have a thin white coating. However, if the white coating becomes thick or creamy in appearance, it may be a sign of a yeast infection. Also known as oral thrush, this fungal infection is usually treated with prescription antifungal medication.

4. Pale & Dry  

Pale-colored tongues usually indicate one or more nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12. If the tongue is also dry, you may not be producing enough saliva—a problem associated with increased gum disease and tooth decay risk. If drinking more water isn’t enough to address the issue, talk to a dentist about other dry mouth solutions—such as using artificial saliva or adjusting your medical prescriptions.

5. Small White Patches

Small white patches, as well as red lesions or bumps, can be a sign of oral cancer. Since this condition is best treated early on, these tongue symptoms should be addressed as soon as possible.

If you’re concerned about the color of your tongue, Daleville Dental is here to help clear things up. Serving the Daleville, AL, community for more than 20 years, Dr. Jay Walters understands how to diagnose and treat many oral health issues. This local dentist also offers comprehensive preventive services such as teeth cleanings to help keep all areas of your mouth in good condition. For more details on these dental care services, visit this practice online. To schedule an exam, call a friendly team member at (334) 598-4994.