this long chart on color changes helps to identify the disease state and health condition of the patient ,usually on primary diagnosis.this long chart is arranged with perfect images along with color change & what does it meant by .....................i hope this will be helpful on medical professionals
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4. Colors of an ‘unhealthy’ tongue
When your tongue is not its normal pink color, you could have an
underlying health issue. Below are other colors your tongue may
be and what they could mean.
5. Yellowing of the tongue usually results from bacteria growth.
Poor oral hygiene and dry mouth can each lead to an
overgrowth of bacteria on the tongue. Also, the tongue may
turn yellow before it becomes black and hairy. This occurs
when the papillae grow larger, trapping bacteria on
the tongue's surface.
6.
7. Yellow.
Your tongue may have a yellow appearance if you smoke or use
chewing tobacco. Sometimes jaundice and psoriasis may also cause
yellow tongue.
Gray.
Sometimes digestive issues may cause your tongue to turn gray. Peptic
ulcers or eczema may also be to blame.
9. Brown.
This is usually harmless and caused by what you eat and drink.
However, tobacco use is another cause of brown tongue, a harmful
habit that could potentially lead to signs of oral cancer in the
tongue, such as sores.
Black.
A dark brown to black tongue is most commonly attributed to
bacteria from poor oral hygiene habits. Diabetes is another
potential cause of a black tongue.
15. Purple.
Heart problems and poor overall blood circulation may
cause your tongue to turn purple. A purple tongue may also
be seen in Kawasaki disease.
16. White.
A white tongue is usually caused by white patches that grow on the
surface. These are usually caused by fungal infections, such as oral
thrush. Antifungal medications can clear these patches up. White
tongue may also be caused by benign conditions such as leukoplakia
or oral lichen planus, which creates the appearance of white lines.
Sometimes leukoplakia may become cancerous.
17. A white tongue, or white spots on your tongue, could be an indication
of:
Oral thrush –
a yeast infection that develops inside the mouth. It appears as white
patches that are often the consistency of cottage cheese. “Oral thrush
is most commonly seen in infants and the elderly, especially denture
wearers, or in people with weakened immune systems,” . “People
with diabetes and those who are taking inhaled steroids for asthma or
lung disease can also get it. And oral steroids can trigger thrush too.
Oral thrush is also more likely to occur after you’ve taken antibiotics.”
18. Leukoplakia –
a condition in which the cells in the mouth grow excessively, which
leads to white patches on the tongue and inside the mouth.
“Leukoplakia can develop when the tongue has been irritated,” . “It’s
often seen in people who use tobacco products. Leukoplakia can be a
precursor to cancer, but isn’t inherently dangerous by itself. If you see
what you think could be leukoplakia, contact your dentist for an
evaluation.”
Oral lichen planus –
a network of raised white lines on your tongue that look similar to lace.
“We don’t always know what causes this condition, but it usually
resolves on its own,”.
23. Blue.
Blue tongue may be indicative of poor oxygen circulation in
the blood. This may be attributed to lung problems or kidney
disease.
papillae can multiply and look hairy, which is a characteristic of
a benign condition called hairy black tongue.
24. A bright pink color on the tongue is most often due to a
deficiency in iron, folic acid, or vitamin B-12. An allergic
reaction to gluten can also cause this. A white tongue is
usually a result of smoking, drinking alcohol or poor oral
hygiene
25. Red.
A red (not dark pink) tongue could indicate as something
as simple as a B vitamin deficiency, which can be
remedied by supplementation. Scarlet fever, eczema,
and Kawasaki disease may also cause your tongue to
turn red. Red patches with white borders along your
tongue is a rare, but harmless condition called
geographic tongue.
26.
27. When to see a doctor?
Long-term changes in color
Your tongue might look slightly darker or lighter from day to day.
However, any long-term changes in color noted above should warrant a
visit to the doctor.
Changes in size or shape
You’ll also want to see your doctor if you notice changes in the shape of
your tongue, such as swelling, unusual lumps, or thinning.
28. Changes in moisture or coating
Any changes in moisture and coating also ought to be looked
at, especially if you notice thick whitish or yellowish film on
your tongue. This type of coating could extend to other areas
of the mouth, which could indicate an infection.