What Does Your Tongue Say About Your Health

1. Beware: A VERY red tongue

Image source/ RedditOur tongue can tell us a lot about our health and, if you have noticed that your tongue is very red it may be a sign of Kawasaki disease. This means that all of the blood vessels in your body may have become inflamed. It could also be a symptom of Scarlet fever.

2. A burning sensation

Image source/ Popular ScienceHave you noticed a persistent burning sensation in your mouth? It could possibly be a result of burning mouth syndrome, which is a problem with the nerves. There are other possible reasons for a burning tongue which may be things such as acid reflux or an infection, as well as diabetes.

3. White patches

Image source/ jalewaWhite patches are noticeable because our tongues generally should look a rosy kind of pink colour. So, if you do notice white patches, it could be a health sign to pay attention to. A commonly found reason for white patches on the tongue may be bacteria thrush.

4. Hairy tongue

Image source/ fabhowA hairy tongue may sound strange, but a tongue can feel or appear hairy as a result of many medical conditions. One of these may be as a result of certain bacteria in your mouth which is easily treated. But of course, it could also possibly be a sign of something more serious.

5. A black tongue

Image source/ trendingtonguesA black tongue is more common than you may assume. And it may be totally harmless. It could be a result of something called antacid. If you have consumed antacid in medication, it contains an ingredient called bismuth which can turn the tongue completely black - which can be alarming, but it could be harmless.

6. A very smooth tongue

Image source/ redditA healthy tongue is considered to have a rough, bumpy texture - small little pink bumps all over the surface. And so, if you notice you do not have these and that your tongue is very smooth it could be due to a lack of vital vitamins that our body needs.

7. Patches of smooth and bumpy texture

Image source/ blogspotAnother possible sign that something may be wrong is if you have patches of smooth as well as bumpy textures on your tongue. This could be a signifier of things such as psoriasis (a skin condition) or something called lichen planus - an inflammatory immune disease.

8. Red and flat tongue

Image source/ lifealthIs your tongue appearing redder and flatter than usual? Rather than it being its usual pink colour with bumpy texture? If so, this could be a sign that you are deficient in B3 which means that you may not be consuming enough B3 as a part of your diet.

9. Bumps under the tongue

Image source/ jalewaBumps under the tongue may feel very strange and may even be uncomfortable. Or you may only notice then when you feel the bumps below your tongue. These bumps may be a sign that you have some kind of virus that your body is working to fight off.

10. A single bump at the end of your tongue

Image source/ originofideaA single bump at the end of your tongue could be what is called, transient lingual papillitis which are more commonly referred to or known as 'lie bumps'. This may appear when your tongue is irritated. It does not necessarily mean that anything is wrong.

11. Sore tongue

Image source/ AAFPA sore tongue could be due to a whole host of things, and you may be aware of the cause. If not, it could be one of many non-major issues such as lichen planus. But of course, if the tongue is persistently painful and also has other signs such as white patches, it could be a sign of something more serious such as oral cancer.

12. A huge tongue

Image source/ hergamutDoes your tongue feel too big for your mouth? When your tongue feels like it is huge to the point where normal function is inhibited or it feels different for you, it may be due to a condition called hyperthyroidism which you may need to get checked by the doctor.

13. Grooves in your tongue

Image source/ Sydney Acupuncture CBDSome people have these fissures or grooves in their tongue naturally, or they develop with age and are not due to an underlying condition. However, something they can be linked with psoriasis or down syndrome for example. It is important to clean them to remove any food which has gathered there.

15. Red patches on your tongue

Image source/ RedditRed patches on your tongue may be indicating to you that something is wrong. Again, this may be something serious or non-serious. For example, it may be due to a fungal infection. On the other hand, red patched on the tongue may also be an indication of diabetes.

16. Yellow tongue

Image source/ RedditA yellow tongue can be displeasing to look at. But it may not be anything serious. It could be due to poor oral hyenine. Or it may be due to other things such as alcohol or tobacco causing the surface of your tongue to appear yellow. A yellow tongue has been linked to bad breath.

17. Teeth marks

Image source/ wordpressIf you have teeth marks in your tongue, then it may be a result of you grinding your teeth or biting your tongue. You may not even be aware that you are doing it, as many people grind their teeth in the night and have no control over it. One way to help may be to invest in a gum shield for the night-time.

18. Ulcers

Image source/ RedditUlcers can be a sign that you are run down, and your immune system is fighting something. They may also be a sign of something serious if ulcers persist then it is good to get checked out. For example, persisting ulcers have been linked with oral cancer.

19. Furry tongue

Image source/ RedditIf you develop a furry tongue, it will probably feel strange and unpleasant in your mouth. It is an unusual sensation where your tongue does feel like it has a fluffy surface. In some cases, this has been linked to having appendicitis, amongst other symptoms.

20. A swollen tongue

Image source/ shiingawaA swollen tongue could be due to having an infection in your body or your mouth that has caused it to swell. It could also be due to having an allergic reaction to something, perhaps a kind of food. And so, it is important to take note of this and seek medical advice.

21. A layer of white

Image source/ RedditA layer of white in your tongue is very common amongst many people. And, more often than not it may just be a case of a build-up of plaque. And so, to remove the plaque, brushing properly and regular dental hygiene practices may remove it back to its normal state.

22. Thin tongue

Image source/ wordpressIf your tongue appears to be thin or thinner than usual it may be a result of dehydration. When you are dehydrated there is less water in your body. And so, it can cause your cells to appear shrunken and as such, your tongue may appear to be thinner in size.

23. Stripy tongue

Image source/ RedditA stripy tongue may look different in different cases, but if you have what appear to be a kind if stripy tongue then it may be a result of Oral Lichen Planus. This is an unto immune disease which can be diagnosed by a medical professional who will direct you on how to handle it.

24. A vivid coloured tongue

Image source/ drugsWhen your tongue isn't its usual natural pinky hue, it could be a sign that something is slightly off with your body which may be good to get checked out. For example, one possibility of having a vividly coloured tongue could be strep throat amongst other things.

25. A cream/ patchy tongue

Image source/ RedditHaving a creamy or patchy looking tongue may be a symptom of oral thrush. This creamy layer could possibly be an indication of bacteria on your tongue and in your mouth. If it persists, then you may need to seek treatment from the doctor. Thrush can be treated easily.

26. Blistered tongue

Image source/ searchhomeremedyOne simple explanation of a blistered tongue may be that you have burned it on a hot beverage or food resulting in the surface of the tongue blistering. But it could also be a cold sore which may be the result of the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1).

27. Thick yellow coating

Image source/ PinterestA thick yellow coating on your tongue could be a sign that you are not keeping up a regular dental hygiene regime, or you are practicing poor dental hygiene habits. But it may also be a sign that you have an intestinal and gut imbalance which is appearing on your tongue.

28. Brown tongue

Image source/ healthjadeIf you have noticed that your tongue has turned slightly brown in colour, it is not necessarily means to panic. A brown tongue may be linked to smoking. As well as this it could be a result of you burning your mouth and tongue on hot food which should wear off after a few days.

29. Dry tongue

Image source/ RedditSometimes we may get a sensation where our tongue feels totally dry, which can make it feel uncomfortable to swallow. This could be a sign of dehydration - perhaps you are not consuming enough water - therefore you should take the time to rehydrate.

30. White patches

Image source/ RedditWhite patches can be a sign of a multitude of things. One of these is leucoplakia. This is something which may not be dangerous, however this can sometimes turn cancerous and so if these white patches have remained on your tongue for a while, it is definitely a good idea to have it checked out.

31. You Have Ridges In Your Tongue

Image Source / RedditRidges in your tongue, specifically the end of it, might not be the sign of a huge health condition because instead it can be evidence of your teeth pressing too hard into your tongue while you sleep. You might already have issues with your teeth when you sleep like teeth grinding and end up biting into your tongue a little when you sleep.

32. A Tongue That's Both Black And Hairy

Image Source / Chadds Ford DentistIf you've got a tongue that's both black and hairy, it could be due to a few different health reasons, including yeast infections, diabetes or just bad oral hygiene. The hairy look can come from dead skin cells being built up on the top of your tongue, which can be improved if you use a tongue scraper and keep better oral hygiene.

33. Your Tongue Is Made Up Of 8 Different Muscles

Image Source / WikipediaYour tongue is a very flexible muscle in the body - as you can tell from all your chewing and talking - but it's not just one muscle in itself - it's made up of 8 different muscles. The reason you can use your tongue all day long without thinking about it is because of how flexible it is, even though it's not the strongest muscle.

34. The Average Tongue Is Four Inches Long

Image Source / Reddit(Don't be getting out your tape measures and trying to put them to the back of your mouth!). From the inside of your mouth to the tip of the tongue, you'll usually find it measures four inches on average - though there are rare cases of tongues longer than this (the longest ever tongue was twice that!).

35. You Should Always Keep An Eye On The Color Of Your Tongue

Image Source / LiviAs shown in the previous point, there are plenty of different health issues that can arise through the color of your tongue, so it's important to keep an eye on it. A healthy tongue will always be a nice pink colour, so any variation (red, black or white for example) will be an indication of a health issue you'll want to get checked out.

36. The Bumps On Your Tongue Aren't Your Taste Buds

Image Source / TwitterMost people think that the little bumps on your tongue are the taste buds - and it's completely understandable when you think you place things on your tongue - onto the little pink and white bumps - and can then taste it. But those bumps are actually called papillae.

37. And The Taste Buds Actually Can't Be Seen By The Naked Eye

Image Source / InsideHookThe bumps called papillae are actually where the taste buds can be found, but they're in there without actually being visible. You wouldn't be able to look at your tongue and see the taste buds anywhere with your naked eye. But, of course, we just trust that the taste buds are there because we can taste things!

38. Every Single Part Of The Tongue Can Taste Different Things

Image Source / RedditYou might have seen many depictions of the tongue where it's split up into sections in terms of the taste buds, and which part of the tongue can taste what, like which section of the tongue tastes sour things and which part tastes sweet. But actually, taste buds are all over the tongue, and each one of them is capable of tasting any kind of flavour.

39. Some Taste Buds Can Die And Be Replaced

Image Source / RedditAnd no, this doesn't happen when you take a bite out of the horrifically hot piece of pizza that makes you regret everything! While you don't burn them off yourself, some taste buds on the tongue can actually die off - as often as every few weeks! And when they die off, your body is quick to replace with new ones to make sure your ability to taste never has to suffer.

40. Your Tongue Has Thousands Of Taste Buds

Image Source / Wired UKSo there's a reason that you can't see your tongue's taste buds with your naked eye, because there aren't just a couple of big ones sat on your tongue. Your tongue actually has thousands of taste buds - between 2,000 to 10,000 to be exact - which is why your taste palette can be so amazing (and why they're way too small to see!).

41. It's Not A Genetic Thing To Be Able To Roll Your Tongue

Image Source / RedditBeing able to roll your tongue is a cool party trick, and genetics does pay a part in who can roll their tongue and who can't. But it's not only about genetics - some people can learn to roll their tongue without it being a genetic thing, and even environmental factors can apparently affect whether you can roll your tongue or not.

42. Your Tongue Might Need To Go On A Diet!

Image Source / IJustWantToSleepDid you know that your tongue can actually put on weight? If you're going through a stage of putting on a lot of weight and getting obese, your tongue can actually also put more fat on it to appear bigger. Fat increases everywhere in the body, after all, and that includes your tongue being a risk.

43. Females Usually Have Shorter Tongues Than Males

Image Source / RedditTo say that there's an (untrue) myth that females never stop talking, it turns out that males have larger tongues to keep wagging than females do. An average male tongue is 8.5cm, and an average female tongue is around 7.9cm. So not by much, but it's still a difference.

44. The Tongue's Muscles Are The Only Ones To Work Independently From The Skeleton

Image Source / RedditThis may seem very obvious when you see this, because we all know that you don't have a bone running through your tongue, but it's a fact many people might not have thought about too much - but it's actually fascinating. Every other muscle in your body works with the help of the skeleton, but your tongue is just doing its own thing.

45. Prints On Your Tongue Are Similar To Fingerprints

Image Source / DentaGamaDid you know that your tongue actually has a certain 'print' on it? This tongue print is unique to you and your tongue, in the same way that your fingerprints are yours and yours alone. It's actually being researched into using tongue prints as a biometric authentication method (but unlocking your phone with your tongue could look a bit weird).

46. There Are Five Different Flavors Your Tongue Can Detect

Image Source / FreepikThe kind of tastes your tongue can detect are split into five different categories of sweet, savory, sour, bitter or salty. Probably why your tastebuds can go into overload if you eat something both sweet and savory at the same time - like a beef burger on a sweet donut - just to keep your taste buds on their toes!

47. The Tip Of Your Tongue Is The Most Sensitive Part Of The Body

Image Source / RedditAnd for good reason! So the very tip of your tongue is its most sensitive part, as well as being the most sensitive part of the body, and there's a key reason for this. Your tongue being this sensitive means you can more easily find any 'foreign objects' when you're eating, which is why you can usually quickly notice you've got a hair or bone in your food. Your tongue can then easily pick up any food left in your mouth after swallowing, too.

48. Your Tongue Actually Protects Against Germs

Image Source / QuoraWith so many warnings out there about how easily it is to catch germs through your mouth and nose, not to put dirty fingers or dirty items in your mouth etc., you may be surprised to learn that your tongue also protects you against germs getting in. The cells of the tongue, as well as tonsils and tissue, are all there to protect you against germs that could get in through your mouth.

49. You Don't Just Have Taste Buds On Your Tongue

Image Source / RedditDid you know taste buds aren't just exclusive to your tongue? Though that's probably what you've been brought up to most associate them with. But they're still in your mouth (not on the elbow or feet or anything), and specifically at the back of your throat. You can find further taste cells back there, as well as your nose and even down the throat.

50. The Taste Buds Are Actually Evolutionary Life-Savers

Image Source / Meat Free FitnessThat taste buds are actually there to help keep us safe and alive. When humans were evolving, the taste buds helped you recognise dangerous or poisonous foods. The sensitivity to bitter tastes, for example, would mean you could detect spoiled food so you could spit it out before swallowing it. Our amazing bodies always working to protect us!

51. Dry And Shrunken Tongue: Dehydration

Image Source / RedditYour tongue is a great indicator if you're dehydrated. If your tongue is dry with a rather shrunken appearance, it's a sign that you're not getting enough water - and that your tongue as well as the rest of your body is suffering for it! Make sure to up your fluid intake!

52. Furry Tongue: Bad Oral Hygiene

Image Source / RedditUnderstandably, your tongue can give away a lot about your oral hygiene routine - or lack of it. If your tongue is looking (and feeling) particularly furry, or even coated, then it could be a sign that your oral hygiene isn't as good as it should be. It could also be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection.

53. Swollen Tongue: Allergic Reaction

Image Source / RedditAllergies can actually develop at any stage of your life, so even if you've never been allergic to anything before, a swollen tongue might be a sign that you're having an allergic reaction to something now. Or, if you do have allergies anyway, you might want to check you've not accidentally exposed yourself to something if your tongue is swollen.

54. Inflamed Tongue: Vitamin Deficiency

Image Source / RedditIt's amazing how many different ways there are for your body to show you that you aren't getting the right vitamins and minerals, and one of these ways is through your tongue. If your tongue is particularly red and inflamed, it could be a response to a vitamin deficiency, and in particular not getting enough B vitamins.

55. Smooth, Shiny Tongue: You're Doing Everything Right!

Image Source / WikipediaIt's not all doom and gloom when it comes to your tongue - if your tongue is looking shiny and feeling particularly smooth, it's a sign that your tongue and body is in good health. It's a sign you have a healthy digestive system, as well as getting all the nutrients you need.

56. Deep Grooves: Malnutrition

Image Source / RedditIf your tongue looks and feels like it has very deep grooves running along it, or indentations in it, it could be a sign that you're suffering from malnutrition. You may need to re-jig your diet plan and make sure you're eating everything you need to be. A tongue that looks like this could also be a sign of other health conditions.

57. Pale Tongue: Anemia

Image Source / RedditA healthy tongue should look rosy and red (without looking inflamed, of course) so a pale tongue is an indication that something is off. A pale tongue might be a sign of anemia, where you lack healthy red blood cells, or it could be a sign that your blood isn't circulating properly.

58. Bright Red Tongue: Excess Body Heat

Image Source / Today's RDHIf your tongue is bright red - more red than it should healthily be - it could be a sign that you've far too much heat in the body and it could be your tongue reacting to that. This type of tongue could also be an indication that you might have an overactive digestion system!

59. Yellow Tongue: Liver Problems

Image Source / RedditUsually when we talk about anything appearing oddly yellow on the body, it's to do with your liver, like if the white of your eyes have a yellow hue to them. The same could be applied to your tongue, as one that looks particularly yellow might be a sign that you have liver or even gallbladder problems.

60. Black/Dark Tongue: Infection

Image Source / RedditIf your tongue is looking extremely dark, or even black, it can be a sign that you might be suffering from some sort of infection, whether bacterial or fungal. It could also be a reaction to certain medications, which might mean it's completely harmless, but it's always worth getting it checked!

61. Next Up... What Clues Is Your Face Giving You About Your Health? A Yellow Color On Your Skin And Eyes Could Relate To The Liver

Image Source / RedditAs mentioned, yellow on the body can indicate things going on with your liver, and the same applies to your skin or eyes. If there is too much of the waste product bilirubin in the body, which happens when red blood cells break down in the liver, this can result in a yellowing coloring which may show as a hue on your skin, or in the white of your eyes.

62. Moles On The Skin: Benign Or Cancerous?

Image Source / RedditLots of people have many moles all over their body, and if you've had them checked or if you've just always had them, they can be nothing to worry about. But if you've noticed a sudden mole, or a mole that appears to be changing or getting darker, it could be a warning sign of cancer, so always needs to be checked by a healthcare professional.

63. Sores Around The Mouth: Herpes Virus

Image Source / RedditThere are many things that can cause a sore, cracked mouth - particularly when the cold weather hits, or if you're prone to cold sores - but sores around the lips and mouth can also indicate the herpes virus. The virus shows itself through sores on the body, and it's generally nothing to worry about unless you're always getting them and want to speak to a doctor, and there are times when it's more important to get it checked out, like if you're pregnant.

64. Cracked Lips: Dryness In The Body

Image Source / RedditFor cracked lips, you might have always blamed the cold weather and got your next batch of ChapStick out, but did you know that cracked lips can actually hint at dryness in the body rather than in the environment? The most obvious cause of this is dehydration - if your body is not getting enough fluid, it might show through having dry and cracked lips.

65. Butterfly Rash: Autoimmune Condition

Image Source / RedditA butterfly rash is a type of rash that appears across the face, spanning both cheeks and across the bridge of your nose, like the wingspan of a butterfly. This rash can actually be a sign of an autoimmune condition called lupus. This type of disorder can mean the body is attacking its own healthy cells instead of any infections or bacteria.

66. Abnormal Hair Growth: Hormone Imbalance

Image Source / RedditAbnormal hair growth relates to any place where you wouldn't normally have a lot of hair, and particularly in women (though of course we all know those pesky chin hairs that won't go away no matter how much we pluck them). But if you're seeing abnormal hair growth in areas like the hands, face or stomach, it could indicate hormone imbalances or even a condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome.

67. Hair Loss: It Could Be Alopecia

Image Source / RedditNobody likes to see their hair thinning and falling out, and while it's normal for hair on your head to come out from time to time - like when you brush your hair - it can be a sign of something more serious like alopecia if it's coming out in large amounts and if the hair on your eyebrows or eyelashes is being lost, too. Hair loss can also be a sign of other things, like vitamin deficiencies or anemia.

68. Droopy Eyelids: Ptosis

Image Source / RedditIf one of your eyelids is looking a little droopy, it might not be because you haven't been getting enough sleep - rather, it could be because of a condition called ptosis. This can affect either one or both of your eyelids, and can - in a lot of cases - be harmless. But if the droop is affecting your vision or seems severe, it can be a sign of other issues, so a droopy eyelid is always worth checking with your doctor!

69. Puffy Eyes: Fluid Build-Up

Image Source / RedditWe all hate it when our eyes look puffed up with under-eye circles, no matter how much sleep we get, but did you know this could be a symptom of fluid build-up? When fluid builds up in the eye area, because the skin is so thin it can make it look puffier than usual. Puffy eyes could also be a reaction to hormonal changes, diet or even an allergic reaction.

70. Panda Eyes: Chronic Health Problems

Image Source / RedditSpeaking of dark under-eye circles - if you're always look like a panda, in most cases it can be harmless and may even be hereditary, but in other cases it could actually be a sign of an underlying health proble, such as chronic allergies, fatigue or even kidney problems.

71. Sudden Loss Of Vision: Emergency

Image Source / RedditNever ignore a sudden loss of vision! If you're suddenly finding your vision is impaired, it could be one of many things, all of which should warrant emergency attention. It could be a sign blood isn't flowing properly to the eyes or brain, or it could be a warning sign of a stroke - so never ignore vision loss!

72. Swelling/Bulge On The Eye: Graves' Disease

Image Source / RedditOne of the symptoms of Graves' disease, when the thyroid gland releases more hormones than it should, is a swelling on the eye. The swelling could make the eyeball itself bulge or stick out abnormally from the socket. This symptom is actually very rare for those who have this disease, but any swelling on the eye should always be checked out!

73. Ring In Your Eyes: High Levels Of Cholesterol

Image Source / RedditIf you have a ring in your eye - something that looks like a border around the front of your cornea, in a grey-white coloring - it could be a sign of a build up of fat deposits and high cholesterol which then manifest as this ring in your eye. It's more likely to happen if you're under 40. It could show as part of a ring, or a full ring.

74. Eye Twitch: Pinched Nerve

Image Source / RedditIs there anything more annoying than an eye twitch when you're just trying to go about your day? In most cases, eye twitches don't mean anything serious and they go away on their own, but in other cases when you have a serious eye twitch that just won't quit, it could be a sign your nervous system is trying to tell you something. It could be a pinched nerve, or it could be a symptom of other things like tiredness or too much caffeine.

75. Can't See A Thing In Low Light: You Need More Vitamin A

Image Source / RedditThere's a reason that people say eating carrots will help you see in the dark. Carrots contain a nutrient which helps to promote better vision in dim light. If you're struggling to see in low light conditions, it could mean that you need more vitamin A in your diet (if you don't need glasses, of course!).

76. Grey-Brown Patches On Skin: A Variety Of Health Issues

Image Source / RedditIt's difficult to pinpoint just one issue when you're dealing with skin patches or bumps. If you have grey-brown patches specifically, it can often happen to people who are pregnant. Patches on the skin can also be a reaction to sun exposure, while bumps on the skin - especially if they're itchy - might be a sign of an autoimmune disease. Other skin bumps could also relate to allergies or infections.

77. Spots On Your Jawline: Hormone Imbalance

Image Source / RedditThere are many reasons people can get a lot of spots, and acne-prone or oily skin is normal. But if you're getting a serious bout of spots along your jawline in particular, it could be a sign of changing hormone levels, hormone imbalance or, in more serious cases, polycystic ovarian syndrome.

78. Can't Move Your Face: Seek Medical Assistance Immediately!

Image Source / RedditIf you can't move your face, or just one part of your face, you should always contact emergency services, as this could be an indication of many serious things, like a stroke or Bell's palsy which can cause paralysis in the face. If it's a stroke, this will usually be symptoms that occur suddenly, including slurred speech and numbness.

79. Pale Complexion: Anemia

Image Source / RedditAnemia usually causes paleness in both the skin and can sometimes occur on the tongue. Any change in complexion, no matter what color or how pale, can be a sign of something going on even if it's not anemia, so it's worth paying attention to. A blue coloring around the lips, too, can be a sign of a heart or lung condition.

80. Bad Breath: Heart Or Bone Issues

Image Source / RedditBad breath isn't only caused by a lack of oral hygiene, though of course that's a common issue! If you find that you're having an awful smell from your mouth it could also indicate some health problems, including heart or bone issues, while bad breath accompanied by throat problems might indicate problems like tonsillitis.