Key Highlights: 

• A yellow tongue may be harmless or indicate underlying health issues 
• Common causes include poor oral hygiene, medications, diet, and medical conditions  
• Proper diagnosis and treatment can address the underlying causes of a yellow tongue  
• Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent and treat a yellow tongue  
• Importance of addressing symptoms and potential risks associated with a yellow tongue 
   

Introduction 

A yellow tongue can affect many individuals during their lifetime. In most cases, this condition is short-lived and is usually not harmful. Even so, it’s crucial to know why this color change happens. This knowledge is key to good oral health. 

In this blog post, we’ll talk about why tongues sometimes turn yellow. The reasons can range from having a poor oral hygiene to being on certain medicines, consuming specific foods, and even encountering severe health issues. We’ll also get into how we can detect and resolve the root causes of a yellow tongue. Finally, we’ll share some tips on how to avoid it. 

Understanding the Causes of Yellow Tongue 

So, what exactly is a yellow tongue? It’s vital to get this cleared up before we proceed. 

Definition and appearance 

When we say, “yellow tongue,” we mean the tongue’s surface showing a yellow tint or layer. Many things can cause this, from harmless dead skin cells buildup to more grave health problems. 

Usually, the yellow layer on the tongue comes from dead skin cells, bacteria, or staining particles. They pile up on the tiny bumps (known as papillae) on the surface of the tongue. This buildup gives the tongue a yellow look. It may bring along other symptoms like a bad breath or discomfort. 

A yellowish tongue can feel smooth or rough. It depends on what causes it. Sometimes, the tongue may feel furry due to the pileup of dead cells and bacteria. 

Common Causes of Yellow Tongue 

To address a yellow tongue effectively, we need to understand why it can happen. These reasons can be everyday habits like bad oral care, or more complex health issues. 

1. Poor oral hygiene 

Neglecting oral care is one big cause of a yellow tongue. When you don’t care for your teeth properly, dental plaque, bacteria, and food bits can pile up on your tongue’s surface. 

• If plaque piles up on the tongue, it’s easier for staining agents and bacteria to get stuck. This leads to the yellow tint. 
   
   

2. Dry mouth and mouth breathing 

Having a dry mouth and breathing through the mouth can also lead to a yellow tongue. 

• Many things can cause a dry mouth. These include certain medicines, illnesses, radiation treatment, and even not drinking enough water. 
• If there’s less saliva, the body struggles to naturally clear up bacteria and food bits from the tongue. So, the chances of getting a yellow tongue increase. 
• Breathing through the mouth can also lead to a dry mouth. It also makes it easier for bacteria and particles to pile up, thus colouring the tongue. 
   

3. Geographic tongue 

A geographic tongue is a harmless oral issue. It leads to red, uneven patches on the tongue. These patches often have a yellow border. Though we don’t fully understand what causes a geographic tongue, genetics, stress, or hormonal changes may be part of the reason. 

• In some cases, the yellow border around the red patches of a geographic tongue can make the tongue look yellow overall. 
   

4. Medicines with bismuth content 

Some medicines, especially those with bismuth in them, might cause a yellow tongue as a side effect. 

• The bismuth in these drugs can react with sulphur compounds in saliva. This can cause a yellow or even black colour on the surface of the tongue. 
   

5. Antibiotics 

Antibiotics, which are great for dealing with bacterial infections, can sometimes lead to a yellow tongue as a side effect. 

• Sometimes, the use of antibiotics can change the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth. This can lead to a rise in some types of bacteria or yeast causing a yellow tongue. 
• Also, certain antibiotics (like tetracyclines) might cause direct staining of the tongue or, they can lead to the growth of black hairy tongue. This is a harmless oral issue wherein the papillae of the tongue become enlarged and get stained.  
   

6. Other medications and drugs 

Beyond antibiotics and bismuth-heavy medicines, several other things can change the colour of the tongue. 

• Examples of such items include iron supplements, some psychotropic drugs, anti-malaria medicines, birth control pills and some chemotherapy drugs. 
• It’s important to know if any medicines or drugs you take can change your tongue’s colour. Always ensure to discuss any worries with your healthcare provider. 
   

7. Mouthwashes 

Some mouthwashes, especially those containing oxidizing agents, may play a part in tongue discoloration. 

• Ingredients present in mouthwashes like peroxide, menthol, or alcohol might dry out the mouth or irritate tongue cells. This can cause a yellowish tint. 
• Though mouthwashes can help keep the mouth clean, overusing them or being sensitive to oxidising agents can discolour the tongue. 
   

8. Tobacco smoke and chewing tobacco 

Using tobacco products, be it through smoking or chewing, can harm oral health and lead to tongue discoloration. 

• Tobacco has chemicals and toxins that can stain tongue cells and inflame them. Prolonged tobacco use may make the papillae bigger, making it easier for them to trap bacteria and staining particles, causing  
  tongue discoloration.  
• It can also lead to other oral and overall health issues. 
   

9. Diet 

Various edibles and drinks may temporarily stain your tongue yellow or brown. 

• Foods with artificial colours, colorants, or sticky textures may cause a yellow tint when eaten. Such items include sweets, chips, crackers, and certain drinks like tea and coffee. 
• Other items that can discolour the tongue include certain vitamins and supplements with yellow dye in them as well as beta-carotene-heavy foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupes. 
   

10. Medical conditions and yellow tongue 

Several health issues may leave a yellow tongue in their wake. These include jaundice, autoimmune conditions, stomach conditions, and psoriasis. 

Diagnosis and Treatment 

Knowing when to seek a doc’s help and understanding how to detect and treat a yellow tongue is crucial for oral and overall health. 

When to consult a doctor 

Even though a yellow tongue is normally harmless and doesn’t last too long, at times, professional help is needed. 

• Identifying symptoms needing professional help: Look for a doctor if you feel discomfort, pain, or other symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, belly pain, or yellowing of the skin and eyes. 
• Tips to monitor tongue colour and related health issues: Keep an eye on your tongue for changes in colour, texture, or the presence of odd patches, and seek medical advice if issues don’t go away or get worse. 
   

Diagnostic process 

To identify the cause of a yellow tongue, a healthcare provider will check the tongue. They’ll also look at medical history and symptoms. 

• Healthcare workers may diagnose based on what you show and what you tell them. Or they might need extra tests, like blood tests or imaging, to figure out why you have a yellow tongue. 
• Depending on why they think you have a yellow tongue, they might have to run specific tests. These include liver function, infection checks, or autoantibody tests. They need these to give an accurate diagnosis. 
   

Managing yellow tongue’s underlying causes 

Depending on why your tongue is yellow, you have different management options to deal with the condition. 

Let’s talk about these tied to the root causes of a yellow tongue: 

If you are concerned about having yellow tongue, discuss it with your healthcare provider. They can help you best understand the cause behind your yellow tongue and advise appropriate management.  

Avoiding Yellow Tongue 

You can avoid the occurrence of a yellow tongue by keeping up with proper oral hygiene and developing good habits for taking care of your tongue. 

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly and think about using fluoride mouthwash. See your dentist for regular cleanings. Also, be sure to clean your tongue. You can use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper for this. 
• Drink lots of water throughout the day, avoid harsh mouthwashes, and avoid tobacco use. All these can help maintain a healthy, colourless tongue. 
• Limit eating foods and drinks that cause staining or use mouth care products that don’t change colour. This can prevent a yellow tongue. 
   

Conclusion 

To sum it up, you need to know that a yellow tongue is usually harmless and temporary and knowing its common causes can help manage it. Good oral hygiene and better habits can go a long way in avoiding a yellow tongue. It also helps improve overall oral health. However, if you have any concerns related to your tongue colour, ensure to consult your health care provider for understanding the precise cause, its management and appropriately dealing with underlying health issues, if any. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

References: 

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Antibiotic-induced black hairy tongue: two case reports and a review of the literature – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7556181 

2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Orofacial manifestations of adverse drug reactions: a review study – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5808263 

3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The yellow hairy tongue [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6320443 

4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). A Guide to Yellow Oral Mucosal Entities: Etiology and Pathology – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6405798 

5. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Yellow Tongue Coating is Associated With Diabetes Mellitus Among Japanese Non-smoking Men and Women: The Toon Health Study – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5976872 

6. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Objective research on tongue manifestation of patients with eczema [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28582901 

7. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Black hairy tongue syndrome – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4138463 

8. ScienceDirect. Diabetes with pyogenic liver abscess—A perspective on tongue assessment in traditional Chinese medicine. [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 20]. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229913002070 

9. American Cancer Society. Mouth Sores and Pain [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 20]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/eating-problems/mouth-sores.html 

10. American Cancer Society. Tests for Pancreatic Cancer [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 20]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.