What does the yellow color on the tongue mean?

What should be the color of the tongue?

The normal color of the tongue is pink or pink-red. The tongue of a healthy person is moist, smooth and covered with small, invisible warts that help to feel the taste and texture of food.

The tongue can sometimes turn a different color than pink, which can be caused by the consumption of certain foods, drinks, smoking or the use of certain medications. In these cases, a change in the color of the tongue is usually temporary and does not necessarily indicate a health problem.

However, if the tongue has a color other than pink (such as white, yellow, gray, black or bluish) for a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, swelling, loss of taste or difficulty swallowing, it is worth consulting a dentist or family doctor to determine the cause of the color change.

Causes of yellow bloom on the tongue

Yellow tongue after tooth extraction

After tooth extraction, a yellow coating on the tongue may appear for several reasons:

• Accumulation of bacteria in the mouth that can settle on the tongue.
• Painkillers, antibiotics, or antiseptic fluids used after surgery can affect the color of the tongue.
• Pains and discomfort that make it difficult to maintain oral hygiene.
• Materyalên ku di dema prosedurê de têne bikar anîn, wekî anesthesiya herêmî, çerxên emeliyatê an cil, dibe ku bibe sedema veqetandina demkî.
• Limited-fluid drinking due to pain, which can lead to dehydration and yellow bloom.

In most cases, the yellow coating after tooth extraction is temporary and goes away with the improvement of the condition of the oral cavity. It is worth taking care of hygiene and hydrating the body. If the plaque persists for more than a few days or weeks, you should consult a dentist or doctor.

Poor oral hygiene and yellow tongue

Insufficient brushing of teeth, tongue and mouth leads to the accumulation of bacteria, dead cells and food debris on the tongue, which can cause a yellow coating.

Hygiene tips:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride paste for a minimum of 2 minutes.
• Also brush your tongue or use special tongue scrapers.
• Use dental floss daily.
• Use non-alcoholic mouthwashes.
• Regularly visit the dentist at least once a year.

Smoking and Yellow Tongue

Smoking can cause a yellow coating on the tongue because:

• Tobacco smoke contains toxic substances that settle on the tongue.
• Smoking causes dry mouth and reduces the production of saliva, which cleans the oral cavity.
• It disrupts the balance of bacteria in the mouth, favoring the development of hyperpigmentation.
• Irritates the oral mucosa.
• It worsens blood supply and tissue regeneration.

Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent yellow spot and other health problems.

Foods and dyes

Some foods and drinks can cause temporary discoloration of the tongue:

• Artificial dyes in sweets, carbonated drinks, ice cream.
• Coffee and tea — contain tannins.
• Turmeric — an intense yellow spice.
• Red wine — contains dyes and tannins.
• Fruit juices of intense colors (oranges, raspberries, blueberries, black currants).

These changes are usually short-lived and disappear after maintaining good oral hygiene.

Medications and yellow coating on the tongue

Some drugs can cause yellow bloom as a side effect, for example:

• Antibiotics
• Iron preparations
• Antifungal drugs
• Antihistamines and antiallergic drugs

Dehydration and yellow coating on the tongue

Dehydration reduces the production of saliva, which promotes the accumulation of bacteria and the formation of a yellow bloom. Nîşan jî hişkbûn û nerehetiyê di devê de ne.

To prevent dehydration, drink water regularly (2-3 liters per day, depending on needs).

Diseases associated with yellow bloom on the tongue

Yellow bloom can testify to various diseases, including:

• Mycosis of the oral cavity Candida albicans infection, more common in people with weakened immune systems.
• Tongue black hairy — a rare disorder with elongated warts, causing a yellow, brown or black bloom.
• Inflammation of the oral cavity — inflammation of the gums, mucous membrane, Crohn's disease.
• Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals — vitamins of group B, iron, folic acid.
• Gastrointestinal disorders — reflux, heartburn, indigestion.
• Diseases of the liver and biliary tract — jaundice.
• Diabetes Especially poorly controlled.

What symptoms can accompany a yellow tongue?

It is worth observing additional symptoms that may indicate a health problem:

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Pain, burning, or irritation of the tongue
• White or yellow spots and lumps (eg with ringworm)
• Swelling of the tongue
• Change in taste (metallic aftertaste, loss of taste)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dryness in the mouth

If the yellow bloom persists for a long time or the above symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor.

When to see a doctor?

In most cases, the yellow coating is temporary and can be removed with good oral hygiene. However, it is worth going to the doctor if:

• A raid persisted despite hygiene for several weeks.
• It is accompanied by pain, swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite or changes in taste.
• Nodules, ulcers, white spots or bleeding appear.
• A raid does not go away despite treatment and lifestyle changes.

In such situations, further diagnosis and treatment is necessary.

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