What Your Tongue Says About Your Health

What your tongue says about your health and why you should be checking it regularly for signs of problems.  By examining your skin, throat and yes, your tongue, a trained doctor can assess your overall health.

What a Healthy Tongue Looks Like

A healthy tongue should be pink in color with a thin white coating.  The shade of pink varies, based on the individual person.  A healthy tongue has little bumps or papillae on the sides and top. The papillae give the tongue its characteristic rough texture.

 What Tongue Colors Tell You

One of the first noticeable symptoms of an unhealthy tongue is a change in color from the normal pink shade.

The different colors can indicate conditions such as:  

• A black tongue can signify poor oral hygiene. Some medications, dark liquids and tobacco may also be the culprit. In rare cases, diabetes and HIV have been linked to a black tongue.
• A white tongue with patches can be signs of a fungal or yeast infection, or oral thrush.
• A purple tongue can be a symptom of poor blood circulation or a heart condition.
• A red tongue may mean a vitamin B Deficiency. It could also be the result of an allergic reaction.
• A tongue grey in color with grayish-white patches can accompany Eczema.
• Bacteria buildup can cause the tongue to turn either yellow or green.
• A blue tongue indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood.

Acupuncture and Other Treatments

A dentist can examine your tongue for indications of health issues. They will look at the color as well as the shape. Chinese medicine provides a map of the tongue, where issues correspond with problems to specific organs. The tongue is related to the internal organs and meridians that acupuncture is meant to address.

How to Keep the Tongue Healthy

• Drink lots of water
• Brush regularly
• Rinse Well
• Drink Green Tea
• Have a professional examine the tongue

To learn more about how your tongue may be affecting your health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Abeyta’s in Albuquerque, NM at  (505) 293-7611. You will enjoy not only the peaceful and calm environment provided, but also customized care, from ONE doctor, which creates a unique experience for you and your entire family. Part of their commitment includes providing information that helps patients make better-informed decisions about their oral health as well their overall health.