Why Is My Tongue Yellow

As you eat different foods and drink them throughout the day, it’s not unusual for your tongue color to vary slightly.

The color of the tongue can be affected by alcohol, medications, and tobacco. It can sometimes appear yellow or off-white.

It is not always a sign that there is something wrong with your tongue, but it could be an indication of a health problem.

This article will explain in detail the symptoms and causes of the yellowing tongue.

I will also discuss treatment options and when you should consult a doctor for more advice.

What Is Yellow Tongue?

Most of the time, a yellowish tongue is harmless.

When dead skin cells or bacteria, or other colored particles are trapped on the surface of the tongue, a thick yellowish or off-white layer can appear.

This is usually not noticed and can be treated at home with proper oral hygiene.

Symptoms

You may also experience other symptoms in addition to your yellow tongue.

• Breath that is bad, foul, sour, and strong
• Sore throat
• Chills and fever
• The inside of the mouth and the tongue can be affected by lesions, sores, and cuts
• Burning when swallowing, or difficulty swallowing
• Nausea and Changes in taste

The yellow tongue can be caused by a variety of conditions, and each one will have its own symptoms. However, many of these symptoms may overlap. It is, therefore, important to consult a medical professional for a correct diagnosis.

Common Causes

The yellow tongue can be caused by a medical condition, lifestyle habits, or a combination of both.

Diet

Prepackaged and processed food can contain dyes or colorants which leave yellow or colored stains.

Included are coffee, tea, snacks, sweets, sports drinks, condiments, and cheese, as well as some vitamins and supplements.

Poor oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is a common and effective treatment to prevent and treat yellowing of the tongue.

After every meal, brush your teeth and the surface of your tongue to remove bacteria.

You can reduce the risk by limiting your intake of sugary food.

Eczema, autoimmune conditions

Eczema and other autoimmune diseases can weaken your immune system. This allows bacteria to grow in the mouth, causing it to become yellow or discolored.

Oral psoriasis, however, is an extremely rare condition.

Mouth breathing or dry mouth

Your mouth can become dry if you breathe through your mouth continuously for a long time.

A dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. Saliva is important because it is a barrier that protects the mouth from bacteria and germs.

Dry mouth and mouth-breathing prevent saliva from properly forming, so your tongue is at greater risk of discoloration.

Mouthwashes that contain oxidizing agents and certain medicines and drugs

The color of your mouth can be changed by using toothpaste and mouthwash that contain peroxide or other ingredients such as menthol, witch hazel alcohol, and thymol.

Some medications and drugs also contain substances that cause discoloration or staining.

Oral candidiasis

Oral candidiasis is a yeast infection that affects your oral cavity. It can affect anyone. However, people with compromised immune systems may be more susceptible.

Another risk factor is using a steroid-containing inhaler. You should rinse your mouth out after using one to reduce the risk of developing thrush.

The symptoms include a thick yellowish/white layer on the lips, sores or cracks in the mouth and inside, a loss of taste or sour taste, as well as difficulty swallowing.

Geographic language

The bumps (papillae), which are located on the surface of your tongue, help you to grip food and contain your taste buds. They also give your tongue a rough texture.

Your tongue may appear yellow, discolored, or reddish when some of the bumps are missing.

Geographic tongue is named because of the missing patches that make it resemble a map.

You can soothe the discomfort with mild mouthwashes and pain relievers.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition that can affect your eyes, skin, and sometimes even your tongue.

Jaundice can cause serious symptoms such as nausea and weight gain.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience jaundice with or without any other symptoms.

Diagnosis & Tests

After examining your mouth and tongue, and asking you questions about your medical history and lifestyle, your medical provider will diagnose the cause.

Some doctors may conduct extra tests such as a blood or urine test, a biopsy, an endoscopy, or an imaging test.

Treatment And Management

The yellow tongue is usually treatable by maintaining good oral hygiene.

Rinse your mouth frequently throughout the day and gently scrub the tongue surface with a soft brush.

The yellow tongue can be managed and treated in a variety of ways.

• Diet: If your tongue appears yellow, you should avoid liquids and foods that contain food coloring. You can also stay away from alcohol, coffee, and tea for a while.
• Drink lots of water throughout the day: Avoid substances like tobacco, chewing gum, alcohol, and caffeine that can dry out your mouth or prevent saliva production. A medical professional may prescribe medications or therapy to improve mouth breathing and stimulate saliva production.
• Oral candidiasis is treatable with antifungal medication: Some of these medications are available over the counter, while others will require a prescription from a doctor. Try some remedies with apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and probiotics.
• Jaundice: Always consult a healthcare professional if you experience jaundice to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Depending on the cause, your medical provider might prescribe you medications to treat jaundice.

You should consult a doctor if your yellow tongue persists despite your best efforts to cure it. Do not take any medication without consulting a medical professional. Our board-certified clinical staff is available 24/7.

The following is a list of preventions.

These prevention tips can help reduce the risk of yellow tongue.

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice daily and rinse after each meal. Once a day, floss your teeth and use a soft bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the inside of your mouth and your tongue.
• Limit alcohol and tobacco: Too much-chewing tobacco or smoking can discolor the teeth, gums, and tongue. Avoid tobacco products as much as possible.
• Consume a healthy diet: Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. This will also prevent your mouth from drying out. Consume foods high in fiber and nutrients. Avoiding black coffee or tea can sometimes help to prevent discoloration.

When to Consult a Medical Professional

• Seek medical help if you have a yellow tongue and notice the other symptoms listed above.
• You will be asked to undergo tests, an examination, and some questions in order to find out the cause of the yellow tongue.