Signs of a "bad" or unhealthy tongue include changes in its color, texture, size, or sensation, as a healthy tongue is typically uniformly pink and covered in small bumps (papillae). These changes can indicate a range of issues, from poor oral hygiene to underlying health conditions.
Signs of an Unhealthy Tongue
Tongue warning signs include changes in color (white patches for thrush/leukoplakia, pale for anemia, purple for poor circulation, bright red for infections/deficiencies), texture (smooth for glossitis/B12 lack, bumpy for infections/stress, black hairy for buildup), or presence of sores/lumps (ulcers, oral cancer signs if persistent), with signs like swelling, pain, or persistent changes signaling potential dehydration, allergies, vitamin issues, or serious infections/cancers that need a doctor's attention, especially if with other symptoms like breathing issues or difficulty swallowing.
A sore tongue during pregnancy is often caused by hormonal changes, stress, or nutritional deficiencies (like iron or B vitamins), leading to issues like canker sores, oral thrush, or inflammation (glossitis), which can be managed with good hygiene, salt water rinses, avoiding irritants, and ensuring proper prenatal vitamins, but persistent issues need a doctor's visit.
When should I worry about my tongue? Schedule a visit with a healthcare provider if you have severe pain or symptoms that don't resolve within a few weeks. Most tongue problems improve over time. Symptoms that don't improve may signal an underlying condition that requires treatment.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes painful blisters on the lips, mouth, or tongue. Herpes on the tongue starts off as tongue redness that develops into a sore and then crusts over. Herpes tongue blisters will go away on their own. But treatment can help them go away faster.
Tongue problems can range from pain to changes in color and texture, often caused by various factors like trauma, smoking, canker sores, burning tongue syndrome, or medical conditions such as diabetes or oral cancer.
Strange tastes, smells and cravings
During early pregnancy, you may find you no longer like some foods or drinks you used to enjoy. You might notice: a strange taste in your mouth, which some describe as metallic. you crave new foods.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy?
Changes to the tongue
If any new lesions, masses, discolorations or irregular patches are noted on the tongue's surface, they may be signs of a bacterial or fungal infection, an immune deficiency or even a pre-cancerous condition.
Signs of your body undergoing excessive stress can show up on your tongue as unusual redness, sores, and ulcers. Also, if your tongue appears to have marks around the edges, that could signify consistently biting your tongue due to stress.
Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can cause tongue discomfort. Some common infections include: Oral thrush: A fungal infection causing white patches on the tongue. Geographic tongue: Patchy areas of redness and inflammation.
Staying hydrated is also vital to maintaining a healthy tongue. Bacteria and food debris on the tongue and teeth can be washed away by drinking water regularly. Maintaining a healthy diet is beneficial for both your tongue and body. Since The tongue is a muscle, it needs a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to thrive.
"There are two basic ways that oral cancers present in the mouth — as white patches or red patches," says Dr. Chen. "Red patches are a bit more concerning than white patches, but either needs to be evaluated if it doesn't go away after several weeks."
During pregnancy, the body goes through many changes. Hormones can affect how your skin retains moisture, and the lips might become drier than usual. This can lead to chapped lips. Increased blood flow and changes in water retention can also play a role in making your lips feel dry or cracked.
High levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can temporarily loosen the tissues and bones that keep your teeth in place. This can make your teeth loose. Periodontal disease (also called periodontitis or gum disease). If gingivitis is untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease.
If you have any concerns regarding a change in your tongue, make an appointment with your doctor. Some types of grooves or cracks are normal, and so is an occasional canker sore, but anything that does not go away or causes soreness beyond four weeks is cause for seeking professional advice.
Mayo Clinic: “Canker Sores,” “Leukoplakia,” “Oral lichen planus,” “Geographic Tongue,” “Oral Thrush,” “Mouth Cancer.” Merck Manual: “Tongue Discoloration,” “Tongue Injury,” “Kawasaki Disease.”
Some people with anxiety disorders often experience a tingling sensation on their tongue, commonly referred to as “anxiety tongue” or “stress tongue.” Anxiety tongue may also involve swelling, muscle spasms, or burning sensations. Anxiety as an emotional response is linked to your stress response.
A “COVID tongue” can come in many forms, such as indentations, swelling of the tongue, mouth ulcers, or a patchy pattern on the tongue. More research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes of this symptom and the best treatments for it.
What do HPV Bumps on the Tongue Look Like? HPV causes small, white, beige, or brown-colored skin growths that can appear on all body surfaces, especially on the moist mucous membranes near the mouth, anus, and genitals. HPV bumps on the back of the tongue may look like a raised fluid-filled structure.