This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
If the eyes are the key to the soul, then your tongue is the key to your health. You can actually determine a lot of diseases just by checking out the status of your tongue. The next time you're looking in the mirror, stick your tongue out and see if anything looks out of the ordinary. Check out the most common things your tongue can tell you about your health.
[Photos: Shutterstock]
Red Tongue
Your tongue should normally be a pink-ish color, so if you notice yours looks like you just ate a red lollipop, something's not right. A red tongue can mean you have a deficiency in iron or vitamin B-12. According to Reader's Digest, this can lead to discomfort whenever you eat something hot or spicy. Vegetarians are especially at risk for this. You can raise your B-12 levels and get your tongue back to normal by taking supplements or eating foods like meat, fish, and eggs.
White Tongue
A white tongue is usually caused by an excess of bacteria or dead cells (yuck!). This usually isn't a huge deal, so don't freak out if your tongue starts to look funky. According to Mayo Clinic, white spots mean you might need to revamp your dental hygiene routine (mouthwash and dental floss, people!) or you are dehydrated.
White Tongue
However, sometimes a white tongue can be a sign of more serious illnesses or infections, like strep throat and even congenital heart disease, according to Dr. Axe. But don't panic! A white tongue doesn't always equate to poor health, so don't turn into a hypochrondiac just yet! Your body will let you know in other ways if something is off.
Hairy/Furry Tongue
As gross as it sounds, it's usually not very serious if your tongue magically starts to sprout hair. Who knew you could even get hair on your tongue!? According to the Cleveland Clinic, this is pretty uncommon, but it's also caused by poor dental hygiene and extra bacteria in your mouth. Brush your teeth AND gums thoroughly to avoid a tongue hairball!
