If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then consider the tongue a sort of check-engine light for the body. The tongue’s appearance gives doctors an idea about certain aspects of your health, and its color is an important clue.

What should your tongue look like?

The tongue should have a rounded, symmetrical shape. It’s generally light pink, though it may have a little purple or brown pigmentation in African, Asian, and Mediterranean populations. It can also have a hint of white coating.

“The coating comes from a tough protein called keratin, which helps keep your tongue from being scratched when you eat,” says Dr. Tien Jiang, a prosthodontist in the Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

Up close, you might be able to see that your tongue is covered in tiny bumps (papillae) that serve several purposes:

Can diet affect tongue color?

Yes. Sometimes diet may be partly to blame for a shift away from your usual tongue tone. That’s because the papillae can absorb the colors and residues of foods and drinks you consume. For example, that blue popsicle or candy you ate as a kid probably turned your tongue an exciting shade of azure. Coffee, tea and many types of foods, such as curried dishes with lots of yellow turmeric, can also leave their marks.

Discoloration is usually just temporary, however. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining good oral hygiene will wash away food and dyes that cling to the tongue.

A dark or bright tongue, white patches, and other causes for concern

Some tongue colors and appearances are signs of health issues. Check with your doctor if you notice any of the following:

Should you brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper?

Good oral hygiene requires that you floss your teeth at least once a day and brush them at least twice a day. Take a few seconds to use the brush on your tongue.

“Stick out your tongue and swipe your toothbrush from the back of your tongue to the front: one swipe down the middle, one swipe down the left side, and one swipe down the right side. That helps remove bacteria and debris that collect in papillae,” Dr. Jiang says.

Some people swear by using a tongue scraper to clean the tongue. Dr. Jiang isn’t a fan, but doesn't have a problem with someone using the tool, which is pulled forward on the tongue in a similar fashion to brushing the tongue. “The data about tongue scraper effectiveness are mixed,” she says. “It just comes down to what you’re willing to do daily to keep your tongue, teeth, mouth, and gums as healthy as possible.”

Worried about your tongue? What to do

If you’re worried about anything wrong with your tongue — especially if you also have a fever, a very sore throat, sores that won’t go away, or other new symptoms — call your primary care doctor or dentist.

Your doctor or dentist can

(Heidi Godman is executive editor of Harvard Health Letter.)

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