Learn About Problematic Tongue Shades with Our Family Dentist in Keller TX

Have you ever had something to eat or drink and you had your tongue change colors? While this could be something rather insignificant that you can anticipate with certain foods, we’re sure we have all had it happen randomly.Imagine this occurring, the color change in the tongue, and that nothing that you know of necessarily provoked it. What would you do?To explore some of the possible shades your tongue can turn to and why, our family dentist in Keller TX will be taking a look at the tongue color wheel!To start, a red tongue is one that can be anticipated after indulging in say, a cherry ice pop, but what if it happens naturally? A red tongue can be an indicator that you may not be getting enough B12 or Folic Acid in your diet. However, it can also be a sign that you may have Scarlet Fever. While the vitamin issue is easier to sort out with supplements and dietary changes, the fever is not as threatening as it used to be either. Schedule an appointment with our team or our referred physician if you’ve noticed this color change and are feeling under the weather to seek resolution.When the tongue transitions from a healthy pink to a pale, splotchy white, you should be concerned. White tongue can be correlated to oral yeast infections, such as thrush, that typically strike babies or elderly patients with weakened immune systems. While these infections can be rather easy to clear up with antibiotics, a white tongue can also be indicative of leukoplakia, which can be an early sign of oral cancer developing.Dr. Patel will always look out for this and other oral cancer signs at your check-ups, but make sure to schedule an appointment with our office or your physician if you notice the color is not returning to your tongue.Lastly, at the opposite end of white, we go to a more foreboding shade of black. And ironically, black tongue seems to be the least worry-inducing of all the colors. It usually indicates that the little hairs on your tongue, called papillae, have grown too long and are collecting bacteria on them. Typically all you need to do to restore the color of your tongue is to brush your teeth and tongue more frequently than you have been.As we have seen, some shades of the tongue can easily be resolved, but some may be indicative of serious situations developing. The only way to be sure is to have our family dentist in Keller TX examine and diagnose it at your next appointment.To schedule that appointment, call Esthetique Dental today at (817) 741-1240.