What does discoloration on your tongue mean?
Poor Oral Hygiene The tongue has small bumps, called papillae, which can become swollen, inflamed, and discolored if there is an overgrowth of bacteria, yeast, or even with dehydration.
What causes change of tongue color?
The tongue’s color and surface may change as the result of injury, poor oral hygiene, disease, or other factors. Some or most of the tongue may be involved. Many of the changes occur without producing pain or discomfort.
Is it normal to have a discolored tongue?
In some instances, though, a discolored or painful tongue can indicate more serious conditions, including vitamin deficiencies, AIDS, or oral cancer. For this reason, it is important to seek medical advice if you have any ongoing problems with your tongue.
How do you get rid of discolored tongue?
To practice good oral health and to remove the tongue discoloration:
- Brush your tongue. Give your tongue a gentle brushing whenever you brush your teeth to remove dead cells, bacteria and food debris.
- Brush after eating.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- Maintain good nutrition.
What causes a GREY tongue?
Cyanosis occurs as a result of poor circulation or insufficient oxygenation of the blood. A grey tongue can develop due to intestinal or digestive problems. As bacteria builds up in the mouth due to digestive issues, it can create a greyish coating on the tongue.
What does it mean when your tongue is discolored?
Typically, a healthy tongue sheds and regenerates continuously. If that doesn’t happen, bacteria and other substances become trapped. This bacteria can cause your tongue to look brown. Several things can cause this deviation in color. Brown tongue causes include smoking, drinking a lot of coffee or tea, and poor oral hygiene.
What does a discolored tongue mean?
Tongue discoloration due to leukoplakia appears as white to gray patches on the top of the tongue and may also affect the inner cheek and gums. Hairy leukoplakia is a similar condition believed to be caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection which is more likely to arise in a person with a depressed immune system, like in HIV aids.
What causes discoloration of the tongue?
Anemia can cause paleness of the tongue but not an actual whitening as the other conditions below.
What does it mean when your tongue turns red?
The tongue can also turn red and bumpy, which may indicate a vitamin B deficiency or scarlet fever. Alternately, these changes can occur as part of an allergic reaction to a drug or food. A red, bumpy tongue can also indicate glossitis — inflammation of the tongue. In rare cases, it is another sign of Kawasaki disease.