We use our mouths every single day, but we may not be paying enough attention to our tongues. It turns out they can tell us a lot about our overall health
Sometimes our bodies tell us all sorts about our health, but you probably didn’t realise your tongue can uncover a lot.
As well as helping us speak, eat and drink – it also lets us know when something isn’t quite right with our bodies. All you have to do is look at what colour it is.
According to a video on TikTok, your tongue may be letting you know a thing or two if it turns a certain shade. Sometimes they go different colours, and it’s usually for a reason.
The clip, shared by healthwellnesslifestyle, explained it all in simple terms. You just need to look out for a few things when you open your mouth.
The guide says, if you have a “light pink” tongue then it’s healthy. Meanwhile, a yellow tongue could indicate you’re experiencing “gastric or digestion” problems.
A white or grey coloured tongue if often linked to yeast, and a purple tongue can be associated with “lung and heart” problems. If your tongue is bright red then you may have issues with your heart or blood circulation.
Since the explainer was shared, people have been left perplexed. Many didn’t know the colour of their tongue carried so much hidden meaning.
One person said: “Mine is always pink”. Another wrote: “Great info.”
A third replied: “Light pink and very grateful to the almighty God that made me healthy, and I’m taking care of myself too.”
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Light pink. I’m safe. Thanks so much.”
According to the NHS, if you have a sore or white tongue it’s not usually serious, and can be treated quite easily. If you do have one, it’s advised you use a soft toothbrush, brush your tongue or use a scraper and straw to drink.
You should also avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, and ensure you don’t eat anything too spicy or acidic that could irritate your tongue further. As well as this, you also shouldn’t use a toothpaste that includes sodium lauryl sulphate.
If you need further advice about this, contact your GP or your dentist. Biting and burning your tongue can result in it swelling, but this should only last for a few days.
Also it says having a white tongue could imply you’re suffering from an underlying health condition such as anaemia, scarlet fever, lichen planus, leukoplakia, geographic tongue mouth ulcers or oral thrush.
The NHS says it’s vital not to self-diagnose yourself, and you should always seek medical advice if you’re concerned about your tongue in any way.
