Doctors often ask patients to stick out their tongue during an examination, as they look not only at the throat but also assess the health of the tongue. The tongue is considered a mirror reflecting a lot about the body’s condition and immunity, and any change in its color can indicate a health issue.
A healthy human tongue is usually pink, but the shade may vary from person to person. It is recommended to clean the tongue once or twice a day, as this simple action helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria and microbes.
A white coating on the tongue is a common change, typically occurring due to the buildup of debris and microbes, and can be removed through cleaning or scraping.
A yellow coating may be a sign of oral thrush, a fungal infection affecting the mouth, leaving the tongue’s surface covered with a yellow substance.
A black tongue is often associated with smoking or consuming strongly colored beverages like tea and coffee, and it may also result from poor oral hygiene.
If you notice redness of the tongue without an obvious cause such as consuming hot drinks, it may be a sign of vitamin deficiency or other diseases, warranting a consultation with a doctor.
