Most often, yellow tongue is a temporary condition that will recover on its own after a while. However, sometimes it can be a sign of a real medical condition. This is why, it is important to understand the cause to make sure that it does not get worse.

The tongue is an essential muscle for chewing and speaking. It is also covered with small bumps, the taste buds, which allow you to perceive the taste. Its normal color varies in shades of pink or red. In some cases, the surface of your tongue may turn yellowish and appear “charged”, that is, covered with a deposit of bacteria or food that gives it this unusual color. Depending on the cause, the coloring can vary from yellow to dark black.

Several factors can influence the color of the tongue and give it a yellowish tint. These include:

• certain foods or condiments, such as, for example, curry or certain food coloring;
• coffee consumption;
• alcohol or tobacco abuse;
• poor oral hygiene which promotes the accumulation of bacteria or yeasts which produce yellowish or even brown pigments;
• the dehydration ;
• certain oral hygiene products, such as mouthwashes;
• antibiotic treatment, which unbalances the bacterial flora;
• the simple act of breathing through the mouth;
• or, more rarely, the yellow tongue can be a sign of jaundice, caused by problems with the liver or gallbladder. In this case, it is accompanied by yellowing of the eyes and skin.

The yellow tongue may be the first sign of a so-called “black villous” tongue. Normally, the taste buds on the surface of the tongue are small, pinkish-white bumps in color, but in some cases the taste buds grow or swell beyond their normal size and make the tongue appear hairy. They then retain more dead cells, food residues and promote the proliferation of bacteria that give the tongue this yellow or black color. This is why we then speak of a “black villous” tongue.

One of the most common causes of bad breath is the build-up of bacteria on the tongue which results in the yellow coloration. In the long term, a poor bacterial balance in the oral cavity promotes dental plaque and can even disrupt the sense of taste.

Abnormal coloring of the tongue, such as bad breath or bad teeth, can ultimately affect self-esteem and social interactions.

Most of the time, yellow tongue can be treated at home and without special care. Good oral hygiene and brushing the tongue when washing teeth helps to remove the yellowish coloration as well as food residues and some of the bacteria and yeasts responsible for it. Some toothbrushes include a special face for brushing the tongue, and there are also “tongue scrapers” that you can find in pharmacies.

Quitting smoking helps reduce the risk of tongue disease by reducing the buildup of dead cells and strengthening the bacteria and yeast flora that are naturally present on the tongue and in the mouth.

Drinking enough water and a good diet, rich in fiber, also contributes to a good balance the balance of microorganisms in the mouth and therefore to the good health of the tongue.

Consider seeing a doctor if:

• the yellow coloring of the tongue does not disappear with time and with better hygiene;
• your skin or the whites of your eyes also appear yellow, as this may suggest jaundice.