Changes in the color of the tongue can indeed be a sign of health problems. Thatlah why Doctors often ask patients to stick out their tongue during an examination. Let's know what tongue color you need to be aware of.
Diagnosis by tongue color has actually been practiced in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. Even in modern medical science, many acute and chronic diseases can be detected from changes in the tongue. One of them is a change in the color of the tongue and the texture of the tongue.
Recognize the Meaning of Changes in Tongue Color
A healthy tongue is generally pink in color with the appearance of small spots called tongue papillae. So what if there is a color change? The following are some of the causes of tongue discoloration that you need to understand:
1. Tongue is white
In infants, a white tongue is often caused by milk remaining in the mouth so there is no need to worry. But in adults, this condition can indicate a lack of body fluids (dehydration).
Not only that, a white tongue or full of white spots can also be a sign of a yeast infection in the mouth. Other conditions that can cause a white tongue are leukoplakia and lichen planus orally.
2. Tongue is red
A bright red tongue generally indicates a deficiency in vitamin B3, vitamin B9, or vitamin B12. In addition, a red tongue change can also be a sign of a serious illness, namely Scarlet fever or Kawasaki disease which is common in children.
3. The tongue is black and hairy
The papillae on some people's tongue can grow longer, putting them at risk of harboring more bacteria. When bacteria accumulate, the tongue can appear black or darker in color. However, don't worry. This condition is very rare and only experienced by people who do not maintain good oral hygiene.
Under certain conditions, black and hairy tongue can also occur in people with diabetes, as well as people undergoing long-term antibiotic treatment or chemotherapy.
4. The tongue is blue or purple
A blue or purple tongue is generally a sign of heart problems and poor blood circulation. If the heart is not pumping blood properly or if the blood is deprived of oxygen, the tongue and lips will turn a purplish-blue color.
Not only that, a blue tongue may also indicate lung problems or kidney disease.
5. The tongue is yellow
Yellow tongue usually occurs most often in a smoker or people who use chewing tobacco. In addition, a yellow tongue is sometimes also a sign of jaundice and psoriasis.
6. Tongue is gray
A gray tongue is sometimes a sign of digestive problems, such as stomach ulcers. You can also experience a gray discoloration of your tongue when you have eczema.
Those are the various tongue colors and their causes. It should be noted that tongue discoloration is not always caused by disease, especially if the changes are temporary. However, if the color of the tongue does not return to its original state, you should consult a doctor.
In addition to changes in the color of the tongue, you also need to observe changes in the shape and texture of the papillae of the tongue. If there are lumps, discolored patches, or pain, you should consult a dentist who specializes in oral diseases to find out the cause and treatment.