What Does a Healthy, Normal Tongue Look Like?

Summary

A healthy tongue is indicated by a pinkish tone, although your tongue color may change based on what you eat, medications you take, and your oral hygiene practices. If you notice your tongue color is not a consistent pink, consult your dentist to see what issues may be present. Keep your tongue healthy with daily brushing and flossing and consider using a tongue scraper to help maintain your oral health.

What Does a Healthy, Normal Tongue Look Like?

Your tongue is a vital muscle that is responsible for tasting,helping break down food, and assisting with swallowing. The tongue also helps with your speech and communication. Though kids may play with sticking their tongue out in fun and games, adults should check their tongue often in the mirror as the color and health of your tongue can give you clues about your overall health.

The best way to keep your tongue healthy is by drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced healthy diet and cleaning your tongue regularly. You can get a tongue scraper to help easily remove particles from your tongue each morning for fresh breath and a healthy mouth.

Healthy Normal Tongue Color

A healthy tongue is a pinkish color with a rough, sometimes bumpy like texture. Your tongue may change colors and look different depending on what you eat and drink and whether you maintain your tongue cleaning and oral hygiene routine.

Tongue Color

What your tongue should look like varies on a day to day basis and tongue color changes with your diet and gut health as well. A pinkish tongue tone is considered the more healthy color and ensuring you keep up on oral health care can help you have more fresh and healthy tongue.

Sometimes there is a white hue or coating that can form on your tongue. As long as it goes away with brushing and oral hygiene, it shouldn't be a problem. However, other tongue changes may happen based on food, medicine, oral hygiene routines, and other health conditions or bacteria and you should contact your dentist or pediatric dentist if you have concerns.

Tongue color meaning: Dentists and Pediatric dentists can also inform you about your tongue color and health and flag other health conditions by looking at your kids tongue or your tongue.

• Pink tongue – Different shades of pink are considered 'normal' healthy tongues. Yet, don't confuse a healthy dark pink tongue for a red tongue.
• Reddish tongue – maybe a concern and could indicate allergies, vitamin B deficiency, scarlet fever, or eczema.
• Orange or yellowish tongue – could be created by poor oral hygiene, certain foods, or be a sign of dry mouth. If persistent, it can also be associated with conditions like jaundice and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
• Green tongue – may show a buildup of bacteria. Oral thrush, which is a fungal infection, typically appears as white patches.
• Blueish tongue – could indicate serious health issues, like blood circulation or kidney disease.
• Purple tongue – could relate to heart disease or poor blood circulation
• Grey tongue – could relate to digestive issues.
• Black or brown tongue – This is often a harmless condition known as 'black hairy tongue,' caused by a buildup of dead skin cells on the papillae. It can be related to medications, smoking, or coffee/tea consumption.

If you are concerned about the color of your kids' tongue or how it looks, be sure to contact your pediatric dentist.

Healthy Tongue Pictures vs. Unhealthy

A healthy tongue usually looks pinkish. An unhealthy tongue may be other colors or exhibit a thick white coat.

How to Keep Your Tongue Healthy

Normal oral hygiene routines will keep your tongue in top shape and color! Keep your tongue healthy by brushing and flossing at least twice a day and don't forget to also brush your tongue towards the back to front when brushing.

Healthy Tongue vs. Thrush

If you notice your pinkish tongue covered in white or yellowish patches, that may look like mucus or cottage cheese, you may have oral thrush. Oral thrush is a fungal infection, also known as oral candidiasis. Oral thrush and candidiasis may be present if you take certain medications or have a compromised immune system and you should contact your doctor or dentist if you notice the white patches.

How Oral-B Helps Keep Your Tongue Healthy

Your tongue is responsible for a number of actions including eating and speaking. However, bacteria and food particles can get trapped on the tongue's surface which may lead to bad breath, gum issues, and other oral health concerns.

Complete your oral care routine with a little attention reserved for tongue cleaning:

• Brush 2X/day with an Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush: An electric toothbrush removes more plaque bacteria than a regular manual toothbrush for a cleaner, healthier mouth. Some Oral-B iO toothbrush models include a tongue care mode with gentle vibrations for tongue cleaning.
• Pair It with an Oral-B iO Gentle Care Replacement Brush Head: Use a soft-bristled brush head to further remove bacteria and residue that may have accumulated on your tongue. Simply apply a little bit of toothpaste and gently brush the tongue surface from back to front.
• Use a Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste: Brush with a toothpaste that's formulated to target and neutralize plaque bacteria, even around the gum line, to further leave your mouth feeling refreshed and healthy.
• Rinse with a Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Mouthwash: Round out your oral care routine with an antigingivitic/antiplaque mouthwash to kill bad breath germs, prevent cavities, and wash away any leftover particles or bacteria.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water daily can help support the flow of saliva which naturally cleanses the mouth by minimizing bacterial growth.
• Maintain a Well-Balanced Diet: Certain foods, such as those high in sugars and acids, leave your mouth more prone to bacteria growth. Consistent hydration, fruits, vegetable, and whole grains can help keep your mouth and tongue healthy.

When it comes to your oral health, it's important to not forget about your tongue. Take the time to clean your tongue daily to help fight bad breath, reduce plaque buildup, and protect your overall health.