Your mouth can tell you a lot about your health, any dentist will tell you that. But did you know that your tongue, specifically, can signal quite loudly whether or not you are in good health? Changes in the appearance, color, texture, and more can signify underlying health issues. This is what a healthy tongue looks and feels like and what anything other than that might be trying to tell you about your health.

What Does A Healthy Tongue Look Like?

You can’t know if your tongue health is good if you don’t know what a healthy tongue actually looks and feels like. A tongue in good health usually appears pink or light red in color. It should have a relatively even texture, free of any prominent bumps, sores, or discolorations. The taste buds, which appear as small bumps on the surface of your tongue, should be evenly distributed. A healthy tongue will not show any unusual coatings, patches, or discolorations other than shades of pink. It’s not just about the appearance, however, but also about what a healthy tongue feels like. Your tongue shouldn’t be painful or particularly sensitive, either to touch or to move around your mouth. Truthfully, your tongue should be so sensation-free that you don’t really think about it or its existence in your mouth very often. In general, a healthy tongue will mean fresh breath, good perception of taste, and good digestion. This reflects overall well-being and good oral health.

What Does an Unhealthy Tongue Look Like?

An unhealthy tongue is the opposite of everything just mentioned. It has improper colorings and discolorations, sensations, pain, uneven texture – the list goes on. These are some of the more common tongue problems and ways that your tongue is trying to tell you that there is something going on with your health that requires your attention.

Red Tongue

Your tongue should be pink to light red in color. A deeper red or purple color may signify that there is something wrong. A red tongue can be a sign of various health conditions, including:

Geographic tongue: This is when there are red patches with white borders that have the appearance of a map on the tongue’s surface. The position of patches may change over time. It is generally harmless.
B vitamin deficiencies: In particular, deficiencies of vitamins B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin). An improvement of vitamin status should return the tongue to a normal color.
Kawasaki disease: Most common in children under 5, this is a serious condition characterized by high fever and a strawberry-like appearance of the tongue. If left untreated, it could lead to heart problems.
Scarlet fever: This is another serious condition that coincides with strep throat. It can cause large bumps on the tongue or a strawberry-like appearance. It can be fatal if left untreated.
If you notice your tongue appearing red or purple instead of its usual pink hue, it may be worth speaking with your doctor to determine the underlying cause. While in many cases it can be harmless, there are cases in which it needs to be treated.