Your tongue does more than help you eat and talk — it can give early warnings about your overall health. For many Nigerians living in the UK, paying attention to oral health is often overlooked, but your tongue could be your body’s “check engine” light.
✅ What a Healthy Tongue Looks Like
According to NHS guidance and UK dental experts, a healthy tongue should be:
- Rounded and symmetrical
- Light pink in colour, though brown or purplish tones are normal in African and Asian populations
- Slightly white-coated (keratin buildup, which protects the tongue)
The surface of your tongue should also have small bumps called papillae — these help with taste and texture recognition.
🍛 Can Diet Affect Tongue Colour?
Absolutely! Common Nigerian and Afro-Caribbean dishes often contain strong spices like turmeric and curry which can temporarily stain the tongue. Drinks like zobo, palm wine, coffee, or cola can also change its colour. This is usually harmless and goes away with:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Brushing your tongue regularly
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
🚨 When to Be Concerned
Some tongue colours and symptoms may point to an underlying condition. You should see a GP or NHS dentist if you notice any of the following:
⚫ Brown or Black Tongue
Known as “black hairy tongue”, this happens when the papillae grow too long and trap bacteria. Common triggers include:
- Smoking
- Antibiotics
- Dry mouth
- Poor oral hygiene
- Drinking excessive coffee or tea
⚪ White Patches or Sores
Could be a fungal infection (oral thrush), often caused by:
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV)
- Wearing dentures
- Use of steroid inhalers
Sometimes, persistent white patches can be a sign of oral cancer — get them checked.
🔴 Bright Red Tongue
May indicate:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency (especially common in plant-based or low-meat diets)
- Scarlet fever (a bacterial infection needing urgent attention)
- Geographic tongue — harmless but looks patchy and red
😣 Painful Sores
Could be:
- Canker sores
- Oral thrush
- In rare cases, oral cancer
🪥 Should You Brush or Scrape Your Tongue?
Yes! The NHS recommends cleaning your tongue daily to prevent bad breath and bacteria build-up.
Here’s how:
- After brushing your teeth, gently brush your tongue from back to front
- You can also use a tongue scraper, but it’s optional. What matters most is consistency.
🤒 When to Seek Help
Visit your GP or NHS dentist if:
- You notice a sudden colour change
- Sores don’t heal after 2 weeks
- You also have a fever or feel unwell
They can provide treatment or refer you to a specialist.
🗣️ Naija tip: Oral health is not just about teeth — the tongue matters too. Don’t ignore the signs. Book that check-up with your NHS dentist today!
👉🏿 For more community health advice for Nigerians in the UK, visit Naija UK Connect
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