Your tongue might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to your health, but it can actually reveal a surprising amount about what’s going on in your body. From vitamin deficiencies to signs of infection or oral disease, the colour, texture and condition of your tongue offer clues you shouldn’t ignore.
A quick look in the mirror each day could help you pick up early signs of issues — not just in your mouth, but potentially in your overall health as well.
Here’s what your tongue might be trying to tell you, and when it’s worth coming in for a closer look.
A Healthy Tongue: What It Should Look Like
A healthy tongue is typically:
- Pink in colour
- Slightly moist
- Covered with small nodules called papillae (which help with taste and texture)
It may have a thin white coating, but it shouldn’t look patchy, swollen, or sore. If your tongue feels comfortable and looks uniform in colour and texture, it’s likely in good condition.
What Different Tongue Changes Could Mean
1. White Patches or Coating
A thick, white coating or white patches that don’t brush off could be a sign of:
- Oral thrush (a yeast infection, often linked to antibiotics, inhalers or lowered immunity)
- Leukoplakia (linked to smoking or irritation — usually harmless but occasionally precancerous)
A thin, even white coating is usually normal, especially in the morning — but anything thick or irregular deserves a closer look.
2. Bright Red or “Strawberry” Tongue
This can be linked to:
- Vitamin B12 or iron deficiency
- Scarlet fever (especially in children)
- Kawasaki disease (a rare condition, mostly in children)
If your tongue looks overly smooth and glossy or unusually red, it’s worth further investigation.
3. Black or Brown Tongue
Often caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, certain medications, or using mouth rinses with oxidising agents.
- Known as “black hairy tongue”, it looks alarming but is usually harmless and reversible with improved hygiene.
4. Sores or Ulcers
Painful ulcers on the tongue may be:
- Canker sores (harmless and short-lived)
- Viral infections (like herpes simplex)
- Trauma from biting or irritation from sharp teeth or dental appliances
If an ulcer lasts more than two weeks, come and see us. Persistent sores may need further assessment.
5. Geographic Tongue
This condition causes map-like patches to appear on the surface of the tongue, often moving over time. It’s harmless and doesn’t require treatment, though it may cause mild sensitivity to spicy foods.
6. Swollen or Puffy Tongue
This may indicate:
- Allergic reactions
- Irritation from dental appliances or biting
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Persistent swelling or discomfort should always be checked.
7. Pain or Burning Sensation
Burning mouth syndrome can affect the tongue, causing ongoing discomfort without a clear cause. It’s more common in post-menopausal women and may be linked to nerve changes or dry mouth.
What Can Cause Tongue Changes?
Changes to the tongue may result from:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or vaping
- Stress or fatigue
- Ill-fitting dentures or appliances
- Hormonal changes
- Immune system changes or medication side effects
In some cases, the tongue is the first place a systemic issue becomes noticeable.
Tips for a Healthy Tongue
- Brush your tongue daily: Use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to gently clean your tongue.
- Stay hydrated: Dry mouth can lead to changes in tongue texture and increase bacteria.
- Eat a balanced diet: Iron, B vitamins and zinc all support oral tissue health.
- Visit us regularly: We’ll check your tongue at every dental exam and can investigate anything unusual.
- Avoid tobacco: Smoking and vaping not only stain the tongue but increase your risk of oral cancer.
When to See Us
Come and see us if you notice:
- Persistent pain or burning
- A lump or sore that doesn’t heal after two weeks
- Thick white or red patches
- Changes in taste or speech
Your tongue can be a helpful early warning system — and we’re here to check anything you’re unsure about.
Your tongue does more than help you eat and speak — it’s also a useful indicator of your overall wellbeing. By paying attention to its appearance and keeping up with your oral hygiene, you can stay one step ahead of potential problems.
If something about your tongue looks or feels off, don’t wait. Come and see us. A quick check-up could give you peace of mind — or help catch something before it becomes a bigger issue.