Common "Colored Tongue" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Colored Tongue

A healthy tongue appears pink in color with a thin white coating and papillae. Black tongue occurs when there is an increased buildup of keratin. White tongue occurs in cases of leukoplakia, lichen planus, and oral thrush. Purple tongue occurs when there is poor blood circulation in the body. Geographic tongue causes greyish-white spots on the tongue. Yellowish discoloration of the tongue occurs in cases of bacterial overgrowth and dry mouth. Taking foods with beta carotene makes the tongue orange. Green tongue occurs in cases of excess bacterial growth. Bluetongue occurs due to a lack of oxygen in the blood.

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All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

My tongue has purple spots, which get irritated while I eat spicy food. Why?

Query: Hi doctor, I have got purple spots on my tongue, which gets highly irritated when I eat spicy food. It is there for the past seven months and has increased in size. I have vitamin B complex supplements for the past three months.  Read Full »


Dr. Mousam Chattopadhyay

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your query and the attached image (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I am very sorry for the discomfort. As a Specialist, I am here to help you. Lesions on the tongue are sometimes widespread, and sometimes they need serious attention. K...  Read Full »

Why do I have red patches on my tongue?

Query: Hello doctor, I have my niece with red islands or patches on the tongue surface. Her age is 23 months. This is there for the past one year.  Read Full »


Dr. Amit Kumar Modi

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. These patches are related to vitamin B deficiency and gastric discomfort. Sometimes, they also have superadded infection of bacterial or fungal origin. I would advise you to start a multivitamin syrup, deworm the child and apply a mouth paint (Candid mouth paint) for...  Read Full »

Does the tongue color look normal?

Query: Hello doctor, I have a concern in my mouth. I am a 25-year-old woman. Is it normal for the underneath of my tongue to look like this?  Read Full »


Dr. Geethanjali. S. S

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen the picture you have attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity). This is 100 % normal for the tongue to look like. The undersurface of the tongue looks in this color because of the artery and veins supplying the tongue is quite visible clearly...  Read Full »

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