Your tongue can reveal important clues about your overall health. “Changes in appearance, color, \[and] texture… can signify underlying health issues.”

A **healthy tongue** is pink or light red with a smooth, even texture. “Your tongue shouldn’t be painful or particularly sensitive.” If you rarely notice it, that’s a good sign.

An **unhealthy tongue** may show:

* **Red or purple** color: May signal vitamin B deficiencies, scarlet fever, or Kawasaki disease. “A red tongue can be a sign of various health conditions.”
* **White patches**: Often due to oral thrush, leukoplakia, or lichen planus. These may appear like “cottage cheese” or white lace.
* **Yellow coating**: Usually harmless, caused by bacterial buildup, smoking, or certain vitamins.
* **Black and hairy**: Often looks alarming but is usually benign. Causes include poor hygiene, antibiotics, or diabetes.
* **Soreness or burning**: May result from ulcers, hot food, or glossodynia. “Burning tongue syndrome… can be triggered by various factors.”

Bottom line: If your tongue looks or feels unusual, don’t ignore it. “Being vigilant… can help you stay proactive about your health.” A quick checkup could prevent bigger issues later.