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| - Last Updated on April 10, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that colour of the tongue can reveal hidden health problems. However, our fact check shows this is mostly false.
The Claim
An Instagram reel claims that the colour of your tongue can reveal hidden health problems. It says that a yellow tongue means there is bacteria in the mouth, white means water deficiency, red means vitamin B12 deficiency and lack of blood, grey means tongue eczema, black means diabetes, and purple means heart disease. It also says that if your tongue is pink, it means you are healthy. The video urges viewers to share this information with others.
Fact Check
Can a yellow tongue definitively mean you have bacteria in your mouth?
Not always. A yellowish coating on the tongue can sometimes be due to an overgrowth of bacteria. But it’s often associated with other factors like poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, smoking, medications (like antibacterial and psychotropic agents) or certain foods and drinks. In some cases, it could indicate conditions like jaundice or oral thrush, but it’s not a direct and sole indicator of general “bacteria in your mouth.”
Similarly, some people claim that chocolate cravings indicate magnesium deficiency. But, this is misleading.
Does a white tongue always signify water deficiency?
No, not exactly. A white coating on the tongue, often described as “oral thrush” or leukoplakia, can occur due to a fungal infection or an overgrowth of cells, respectively. While dehydration can contribute to a dry mouth, potentially making a white coating more noticeable, it is not the primary cause of a white tongue.
Is a red tongue a guaranteed sign of Vitamin B12 deficiency and lack of blood?
Not really. A smooth, beefy red tongue can sometimes be a symptom of Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anaemia (a lack of red blood cells). However, a red tongue can also happen due to other issues like iron deficiency, scarlet fever, Kawasaki disease, geographic tongue (a harmless condition with map-like patches on the tongue), or even just eating certain foods. It’s not a definitive indicator of Vitamin B12 deficiency or anaemia on its own.
Does a grey tongue always indicate tongue eczema?
No, it does not. A grey or pale tongue is not a medically recognised sign of “tongue eczema”, which itself is not a medically accepted diagnosis. Geographic tongue has occasionally been reported in people with eczema. However, a greyish tongue is not a result of eczema. Grey discolouration of the tongue is most due to factors like dehydration, inadequate oral hygiene, smoking, or the use of certain medications. In some uncommon cases, it could point to an underlying health problem. It’s important to have any persistent changes checked by a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
We spoke with Dr Snigdha, BDS, MDS, from Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Garhwa, Jharkhand, to learn whether a grey tongue can indicate tongue eczema. She says, “No — and in fact, ‘tongue eczema’ is not a recognised medical diagnosis. A greyish appearance of the tongue can result from many factors, such as poor circulation, certain medications (especially antibiotics), dehydration, poor oral hygiene, or smoking. Very rarely, tongue discolouration may signal an underlying systemic illness, including liver issues in some cases. Conditions like oral lichen planus can cause white or greyish patches. But then, these are not referred to as eczema. A grey tongue isn’t common in healthy individuals and I suggest consulting a healthcare professional if it persists.”
Is a black tongue a certain sign of diabetes?
No, it is not. A black hairy tongue can arise due to an overgrowth of papillae—tiny bumps on the tongue—that trap bacteria, food particles, and other debris, resulting in a dark or black appearance. This condition is commonly linked to poor oral hygiene, smoking, dry mouth, or the use of certain medications. While people with diabetes are more prone to oral health issues, a black tongue is not a direct or reliable sign of diabetes. In fact, geographic tongue or fissured tongue is seen more often in individuals with diabetes.
Does a purple tongue always mean you have heart problems?
Not always. A purple or bluish tint to the tongue can sometimes indicate poor oxygen circulation in the blood, which could be linked to heart or lung problems. However, it can also happen due to other conditions like cyanosis (due to cold exposure) or certain blood disorders. It is not a definitive sign of heart problems and requires medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
In addition, if a sore, lump, or patch on the tongue doesn’t heal within two weeks, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist. If needed, they may recommend a biopsy to find out what’s going on and rule out anything serious.
On a related note, another viral post claims that sweating while eating is a sign of blocked arteries. This claim is completely false and not supported by medical evidence.
Does a pink tongue always mean your tongue is healthy?
Generally, yes. A healthy tongue is usually pink with small bumps (papillae) on the surface. However, the absence of any noticeable colour changes doesn’t entirely rule out all health issues, and other symptoms or oral changes should still be monitored.
Dr Pooja Sharma, BDS, MDS, from NIMS University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, explains, “A pink tongue is often seen as a sign of good oral health, but it’s not the full picture. We also check for things like texture, moisture, coating, swelling, pain, or unusual patches. Some health conditions can affect the tongue without changing its colour, and many don’t show any signs in the mouth at all. So, while a pink tongue is generally a good sign, it doesn’t guarantee perfect health. That’s why regular dental check-ups are important—to catch anything that may not be immediately visible.”
THIP Media Take
The claim that colour of the tongue can reveal hidden health problems is mostly false. Tongue colour can sometimes change due to health issues, but it’s not a reliable or accurate diagnostic tool by itself. Most changes are temporary or caused by common habits like smoking, poor hygiene, or diet. Serious medical conditions involve multiple symptoms and need proper evaluation—not just a look at the tongue.
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