Is Your Tongue is Healthy? Does it Matter?
                     IS YOUR 
TONGUE HEALTHY?
Does It Matter? 
Your tongue can reveal 
things about your health. 
A healthy tongue should 
be pink, pain-free, and 
covered in tiny projections 
called papillae. 
Changes in its color, texture, or 
sensations could indicate issues 
with your oral health along with 
other conditions within your body.
Why Isn’t My 
Tongue Pink?
Some people’s tongues naturally have 
lighter or darker patches. 
This is normal provided that yours still 
fits within the range of pink shades.
Geographic tongue is a condition 
that affects around 1 to 3% of the 
population. It causes red patches on 
the tongue. 
These may have red and gray borders. 
The condition is considered harmless, 
but some people note that they 
experience burning sensations.
Tongues that appear white may 
have a coating of debris and 
bacteria that are causing 
inflammation within the papillae.
This can sometimes be remedied 
by increasing your oral hygiene.
Dental cleanings also help to 
keep bacteria levels down in 
your mouth.
White patches on your tongue 
and in other areas of your mouth 
could indicate oral thrush. 
Younger children and senior 
adults are more likely to develop 
this condition. 
The infection is easily cleared up 
with medication, but it could 
indicate underlying diseases 
such as diabetes.
A bright red tongue can mean 
multiple things about your health. 
Vitamin B deficiencies present 
with this as a symptom. 
Certain illnesses, such as scarlet 
fever, may temporarily cause your 
tongue to turn red.
Is a Hairy 
Tongue Bad?
Healthy papillae on your tongue 
create a velvety appearance. 
They should all be fairly uniform in 
height and barely noticeable when 
you look in the mirror.
Occasionally, these papillae enlarge 
in response to changes in your 
body. The hairy papillae may also 
appear to be black, brown, or 
yellowish shade.
Hairy tongues may be due to an 
overgrowth of bacteria. 
Certain medications, such as an 
extended round of antibiotics, 
can cause the papilla to change 
their length. 
People with diabetes or who are 
undergoing radiation treatment 
may develop a hairy tongue.
Although it may be unsightly, 
a hairy tongue may not always be 
preventable if you need to take 
certain medications. 
In other instances, correcting your 
health issues can cause your tongue 
to return to normal.
People who are missing several 
teeth may not be able to chew 
foods that help the papilla to 
shed properly. 
Tooth replacement can return 
normal functioning to the mouth 
that affects the growth process 
in the papillae.
What Does 
a Sore on Your 
Tongue Mean?
Almost everyone has experienced 
the discomfort of a sore tongue. 
Sores from burns and other common 
accidents are usually not anything to 
worry about.
These should heal within 1 to 2 weeks 
unless there is a problem.
Sores that do not heal could be 
indicative of oral cancer. 
Recurring sores along the side of your 
tongue can also clue us in to an issue 
with nighttime tooth grinding. 
During dental exams, we take a look 
at your tongue. If we notice unusual 
symptoms, then we let you know 
what to do next. 
Take a moment to look at your 
tongue every now and then during 
your oral hygiene routine. 
Many changes in its texture or color 
are easily corrected with early care.
Noble Dental Care is a family-oriented 
dental care clinic with dentists that 
care about you and your health.
Give us the opportunity to give you 
the smile of your dreams.
Call us for an appointment at 
(480) 820-3515.