The color of your tongue can tell you whether you have cancer or diabetes, according to Harvard

Health problems can manifest themselves in our bodies in different ways. Before we start to feel unwell or after a slight rise in temperature, symptom more things you can look at to check your health status.

It’s about the color of your tongue. A detail that, according to an article published in Harvard, may indicate some untreated problem in your body.

Tian Jianga prosthodontist from the Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, says that the tongue should normally have always the same shape, texture and color.

Therefore, when it changes, we must observe the colors it represents and consult our doctor.

What is the healthy aspect of language?

Harvard remembers that a rounded and symmetrical tongue usually represents light pink color. In populations of African, Asian or Mediterranean origin they are also purple or brown in color.

In addition, it is also often observed whitish coating on the tongue which Jiang believes is a protein called keratin which protects the tongue when we eat.

The tongue also has taste buds, small bumps that can be seen that help us detect taste, temperature, or touch.

What color can the tongue change?

It is true that some foods can cause tongue discoloration, but it is important to know that these effects are only temporary.

From curry foods to colored sweets, should be rinsed with plenty of water will be enough to eliminate these colors. However, there are other tones that, if they do not disappear, should concern us:

Brown or black

A brown or black tongue is a sign that you are suffering from this condition. black hairy tongue, a condition that occurs when the pupils become too elongated. Something unusual, but if this happens, it begins to trap bacteria and a mixture of food coloring, which causes the color change.

This condition can occur in people with poor oral hygiene and develop taking into account risk factors such as intake antibiotics or antihistaminesHe smokingdry mouth or excessive coffee consumption or black tea.

White spots

White spots in the mouth or sores are more common as they may result from side effects antibiotic treatment or against cancer.

Dental ulcers, which form as a result of overgrowth of yeast or fungus in the mouth, are also caused by diabetes or HIV.

In addition, the use of dentures, smoking, dry mouth or the use of steroid inhalers also contributes to the appearance of these ulcers.

Finally, “in rare cases,” says Harvard, it is a symptom oral cancer.

red or yellow

Again, you may have red or yellow sores. very painful which also in rare cases indicate oral cancer.

The rest of the time this is usually due to oral thrush.

Bright red

If the red spots on the tongue are more intense, this is B12 deficiency symptom or scarlet fever, a throat infection caused by pharyngitis that also causes red rashes on the skin.

If these spots do not hurt and do not change their location, this is a disease called ‘geographic language‘which does not pose any health risk.

What to do if you have an alarming tongue color?

Particularly alarming is the change in the color of the tongue. if it is accompanied by other symptomsaccording to Harvard.

This heata lot of sore throat, ulcers which do not go away and new symptoms appear.

A sign that you should see your family doctor or dentist to have your condition assessed and prescribe the necessary medications to stop the pain.

Experts will also find out whether this is important best oral cleaning or more hydration.

Finally it must be Your decision whether to contact a specialist with the problem or not.

How to properly clean your tongue?

Doctor Tian Jiang gave the key to tongue care, which should accompany brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

“Stick out your tongue and move your brush from back to front: one passage in the center, one on the left side and one on the right. This helps eliminate bacteria and debris that accumulate on the papillae,” suggests Jiang, advising against using tongue cleaners that scratch the tongue.

“Efficacy data contradictory“, he says, “It all comes down to what you are willing to do on a daily basis to keep your tongue, teeth, mouth and gums as healthy as possible.”