Verified By Apollo Doctors October 8, 2023
30575Yellow tongue is a condition where the tongue appears yellow instead of its normal pink or reddish colour. The yellow colour appears when dead skin cells build up on the surface of your tongue. Bacteria on your mouth also produce a yellow pigment and makes it appear yellow.
The yellow tongue is a common condition and rarely poses a severe problem. It is not contagious and is typically temporary, and often disappears with the maintenance of better oral hygiene. In some cases, it may indicate the presence of some other condition like jaundice.
The most prominent symptom is the discolouration of the tongue. Some other symptoms you may experience are:
A yellow tongue is mainly caused by:
Certain medications and lifestyle factors can also increase the likelihood of yellow tongue. Some of them are:
A yellow tongue is not an illness. However, if the discoloration persists for too long and your skin and eyes also turn yellow, it may indicate jaundice. In this case you need to consult with your doctor.
You can keep yellow tongue at bay by:
During the examination, your doctor will assess your eyes, mouth, and skin and ask you about your medical history. If needed, your doctor may also recommend tests.
Yellow tongue rarely needs medical treatment. In most cases, maintaining proper oral hygiene will solve the problem. You can also try the following:
Although yellow tongue is not a serious condition, there may be underlying health conditions causing it. You should get your doctor’s opinion to rule out the presence of something more serious.
Yes, antibiotics and blood-thinning drugs can cause yellow tongue. But, it is temporary and usually goes away on its own.
Oral thrush is a yeast infection on the tongue. Yes, it can cause a yellow tongue.
The most common cause of yellow tongue in infants is jaundice. You should consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
At Apollo, we believe that easily accessible, reliable health information can make managing health conditions an empowering experience. Apollo Hospitals Online Health Library team consists of medical experts who create curated peer-reviewed medical content that is regularly updated and is easy-to-understand.
October 25, 2024