Tongue ‘speaks’ a lot on your health: When should you consult doctor?

The tongue is a muscular organ that plays a crucial role in speech and is the primary organ of taste. However, the tongue could also indicate the state of your physical health. Changes in the tongue's colour, structure, shape or coating could be caused by protein deficiency, viral infection or any other disease. Interestingly, observing the tongue is an important step in diagnosis in traditional medicine. The tongue's colour hints at certain diseases or underlying health conditions. A healthy tongue would usually be pink in colour. Meanwhile, a white coloured tongue could be a sign of anaemia. If the tongue appears dark or red, it could be because of fever or a vitamin deficiency.

Heart or respiratory illnesses would make the tongue change its colour to blue or purple. The tongue will turn yellow in colour if you suffer from liver or bile duct-related diseases. You may suffer from indigestion, oral fungal infection or severe dehydration if the natural white coating on the tongue thickens. Meanwhile, a yellow coating could be caused by infection or improper liver functioning. A tongue devoid of any coating may appear shiny and smooth, but it indicates nutrient deficiency or high body temperature. So, it is possible to detect the early signs of certain diseases by observing the colour of the coating on the tongue.

The texture and structure of the tongue too are also strong indicators of health and well-being. A tongue with a smooth surface could be a sign of a deficiency of vitamin B12 and iron. Meanwhile, tongue cracks might be due to severe dehydration or geographic tongue. Thyroid problems may cause inflammation or allergic reactions on the tongue. If you notice any changes in the shape of your tongue, then it would be better to take care of your health or change your habits. A big tongue with folded edges indicates sleeplessness, anxiety or water retention. Meanwhile, a thin tongue may be caused by dehydration or anaemia. Imbalance in the nervous system may cause shivering or tension on tongue.

When should you consult a doctor?
Consulting a healthcare practitioner is essential, as some symptoms demand immediate medical attention. Leukoplakia is characterised by white patches on the tongue, indicating a risk of cancer. If the tongue appears red and is painful, it could be because of a viral infection or oral cancer. Severe pain on the tongue without any prominent symptoms may be a sign of nerve damage or nutrient deficiency. Consult a doctor as soon as possible if the pain persists.

Here's what to do to keep your tongue healthy
Maintaining oral hygiene, drinking lots of water, and eating a balanced and nutrient-rich diet can ensure the health of the tongue. It is important to observe your tongue at regular intervals to notice any changes in colour, texture, or shape. If you notice any such changes, they could indicate an underlying health condition that requires treatment.