Yellow Tongue: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Yellow tongue is a condition that causes yellow discoloration of the tongue. While it is usually not serious, it can be a sign of an underlying health problem. Yellow tongue can be caused by bacteria or a fungal infection, poor oral hygiene, dehydration, or certain medications. In some cases, it may indicate an allergic reaction or other medical condition.

• Primary Hairy Tongue: Primary hairy tongue is a benign condition of the tongue in which the filiform papillae elongate and give the appearance of a yellow, black, or brown furry coating on the surface of the tongue.
• Geographic Tongue: Geographic tongue is a common condition where patches on the top and sides of your tongue appear to have a map-like pattern due to changes in their shape and color. The patches are usually red with white borders and may have a yellowish tinge.
• Black Hairy Tongue: Black hairy tongue is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth that causes your papillae, or small bumps on your tongue, to become longer than normal and trap food particles and bacteria. This can cause your tongue to take on a dark, furry appearance that may be yellowish or blackish in color.
• Furry Tongue: Furry tongue is caused by an accumulation of dead cells on the surface of your tongue due to poor oral hygiene. This can cause it to take on a fuzzy or furry appearance that may be yellowish or whitish in color.

• Yellow tongue is a harmless but often concerning condition that is caused by a buildup of bacteria and debris in the small bumps on the surface of the tongue.
• It can also be caused by dehydration, dry mouth, smoking, drinking coffee or alcohol, eating certain foods or taking certain medications.
• In some cases, yellow tongue may be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as jaundice or anemia.

• White/yellow coating on the tongue
• Bad breath
• Soreness and swelling of the tongue
• Taste disturbances
• Difficulty swallowing

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush teeth twice daily and floss regularly.
• Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and debris from the tongue surface.
• Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash after brushing teeth each time.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out bacteria in your mouth and throat area

• Physical examination: In order to diagnose yellow tongue, your doctor will first need to perform an examination of your mouth and take note of any discoloration present on your tongue.
• swab tests: the doctor may then take swabs or samples for laboratory testing to identify the underlying cause and rule out any other possible causes such as: fungal infections like thrush; vitamin deficiencies like B12 deficiency; liver problems; kidney problems; or autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome.
• Serum vitamin b12: for evaluation of jaundice and other git disorders serum vitamin b12 is most important investigation. Normal Vitamin B12 is typically within the normal range, between 200 and 900 pg/mL.

Possible complications of Yellow Tongue include:

• bad breath, pain or burning sensation while eating or drinking,
• difficulty speaking, hearing loss, difficulty swallowing
• An increased risk of developing oral thrush.

• Drink a mixture of equal parts of honey and lemon juice. This helps to cleanse the tongue and reduce the yellow discoloration.
• Gargle with a solution made from one teaspoon of turmeric powder in three cups of warm water twice daily for about 10 minutes each time.
• Mix equal parts of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and use it as a mouthwash to get rid of yellow tongue discoloration quickly.
• Prepare an herbal decoction by boiling one tablespoon each of coriander leaves, fenugreek seeds, and turmeric powder in four cups of water until it reduces to one cup. Strain this decoction and use it as a mouthwash twice daily for quick relief from yellow tongue discoloration.
• Make a paste out of neem leaves or neem bark powder mixed with some warm water and apply this paste on your tongue at least once a day to help reduce yellowing discoloration over time

• Seafood: Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes, such as smoked salmon, oysters, mussels, and scallops.
• Local Favorites: Try traditional dishes like bannock bread or wild game such as caribou and muskox.
• Vegetarian Options: Enjoy vegetable-based dishes like roasted squash or wild greens like dandelion greens or sorrel.
• Wild Berries and Fruits: Sample wild fruits like blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, strawberries, and currants.
• Traditional Foods: Enjoy traditional foods such as fish soup with wild rice or caribou stew with potatoes and carrots.

• Raw or undercooked seafood: Eating raw or undercooked seafood can lead to serious health risks, including food poisoning.
• Unwashed greens: Unwashed produce may contain bacteria or parasites that can cause food-borne illnesses.
• Refrigerated leftovers: Leftovers should be stored properly and eaten within a few days to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Raw eggs and unpasteurized dairy products: Consuming raw eggs and unpasteurized dairy products can lead to food poisoning or other illnesses due to bacteria present in these foods.
• Processed meats: Processed meats such as hot dogs, sausage, and deli meats may contain unhealthy additives like nitrates and preservatives that can be unsafe to ingest in large amounts.

• Debridement: Removal of bacteria, food debris, and other foreign matter from the tongue using a scalpel or chemical agents.
• Tongue scraping: Using a tongue scraper, a metal or plastic tool to scrape off bacteria and debris from the tongue.
• Oral hygiene: Brushing the teeth twice daily and flossing regularly to remove bacteria and food particles from the mouth.
• Dietary changes: Eating foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, can reduce symptoms associated with yellow tongue.
• Probiotics: Oral supplements that contain beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to the oral microbiome and reduce symptoms associated with yellow tongue.
• Laser Therapy: Use of a laser to vaporize the discolored tissue on the tongue surface.
• Antimicrobial Therapy: Use of antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat any underlying infection causing the yellow discoloration.
• Topical Corticosteroids: Application of steroid creams to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort associated with yellow tongue.
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Use of light-activated drugs to reduce inflammation and eliminate bacteria that may be causing the discoloration.

It is advisable to consult a general physician, ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist or a gastroenterologist for yellow tongue.

• Antibiotics: To treat bacterial infection, antibiotics such as penicillin are prescribed.
• Antifungal medication: Anti-fungal medications such as nystatin or clotrimazole can help treat fungal infections.
• Vitamin B Complex: Taking vitamin B complex supplements can help improve the appearance of yellow tongue due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Recovery from yellow tongue typically depends on the underlying cause.
• If caused by poor oral hygiene, recovery could take a few days to a week after proper brushing and flossing techniques are implemented and maintained.
• If caused by an infection, treatment with an antifungal medication can help clear up the condition in about two weeks, but may require multiple treatments or different types of medications.
• In some cases, yellow tongue is associated with other medical conditions such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, which may require additional treatments in order to resolve the condition completely.

• The results of treatment for yellow tongue can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
• In most cases, the yellow discoloration will resolve once the underlying cause is addressed and treatment is complete.
• However, some causes may require ongoing treatment or further medical attention, such as an antibiotic regimen, in order to keep symptoms at bay and prevent recurrence.
• In general, the results of treatment for yellow tongue should be considered temporary with maintenance and preventative measures needed to help ensure long-term relief from symptoms.

• Follow your doctor’s instructions: It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully in order to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Keep the incision clean and dry: The area around the incision should be kept clean and dry. Gently wash it with soap and water when you shower or bathe, then pat it dry with a clean towel.
• Avoid strenuous activity: Depending on the type of surgery, your doctor may advise you to limit strenuous physical activity for a few weeks following the procedure. This will help prevent excessive strain on the surgical area and reduce the risk of complications or further injury.
• Wear loose clothing: Tight clothing can put pressure on the surgical site, so wearing loose-fitting clothes can help reduce discomfort and keep the area from becoming irritated or inflamed.
• Take pain medications as prescribed: Your doctor may prescribe pain medications to help manage any discomfort that you may experience following surgery. Be sure to take these as advised by your doctor for best results.
• Ask questions if something doesn’t seem right: If you have any concerns about your recovery, don't hesitate to ask questions or reach out to your surgeon’s office for advice or guidance during this time period

• The cost of Yellow Tongue treatment in India depends on the severity of the condition, the type of treatment, and other factors.
• Generally, treatments range from Rs 500-2,000.
• In some cases, a doctor’s consultation fee may be charged in addition to the cost of treatment.

• Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea may occur as side effects of yellow tongue treatments.
• Skin irritation: Redness, itching, stinging and burning sensations of the skin may occur due to topical medications or antibiotics used for treatment.
• Allergic reactions: Hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face or throat can occur in rare cases due to an allergic reaction to medications used for yellow tongue treatment.
• Discomfort: temporary pain and discomfort at the site of application or injection may be experienced during the course of treatment.

If you are suffering from any complications relating to yellow tongue then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can cause complications like ' jaundice, liver infection, or anaemia ' in which treatment courses can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.