5 Causes of a green tongue that you should know

What causes a green tongue?

A healthy tongue will appear red or pink with a smooth tongue surface. So, there is no reason to be taken lightly when the tongue turns greenish color.

The following medical conditions are the causes of a green tongue:

1. Yeast infection in the mouth

Yeast infection of the mouth, or in medical language is called oral thrush, is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans that causes an infection. At first, this yeast infection in the mouth will make the tongue turn white, but it is possible that the tongue color will turn green over time.

Other symptoms that arise when experiencing a yeast infection in the mouth include:

There are white bumps or texture changes on the tongue or tonsils
Bleeding from the lump when scratched by a toothbrush or food
Pain around the area of the lump
Difficulty and pain when swallowing

Not only adults, babies can also get yeast infections in the mouth with signs of irritability and difficulty eating.

2. Hairy tongue

As the name implies, hairy tongue is a condition that makes the surface texture of the tongue rough like hairy. This is caused by a build-up of keratin cells, the protein that makes up human hair and nails.

The rough and hairy surface of the tongue is a favorite place for bacteria and fungi to grow and thrive, giving rise to a green hue on the tongue. Apart from discoloration, hairy tongue also causes symptoms such as:

Abnormal sensation on the tongue, due to disruption of taste function
Burning sensation on the tongue
Bad breath due to bacterial and fungal growth

3. Geographical tongue

The appearance of an irregular pattern on the tongue as if it were a collection of islands on a map is called a geographic tongue. At first the pattern may appear dark red in the center with a white border, but then it will turn green over time.

Look for geographic tongue symptoms such as:

Irregular patterns on the tongue of varying shapes and sizes
Pattern on the tongue that is frequently displaced or is not persistent
The patterns on the tongue often disappear and arise

Some people who experience geographic tongue also complain of a discomfort or burning sensation on the tongue and mouth when eating, especially spicy and sour foods.

4. Lichen planus

Lichen planus is the cause of a green or white tongue due to the development of bacteria or fungi, consumption of food and drinks, and the use of certain products. When you have lichen planus, your symptoms include:

There are white sores in the mouth, which can cause burning pain
These white sores can change color depending on the development of bacteria and consumption of food and drink

5. Oral cancer

Oral cancer is less common than infections of the mouth. However, oral cancer usually causes one sign that is not much different, namely the appearance of an open sore that does not heal on the tongue.

The sores can then change color when the tongue begins to be grown by bacteria or fungi, consuming certain foods and drinks, or using certain products in the mouth.

If you have oral cancer, several signs will appear such as:

Irregular patches on the tongue that are red, pink, white, or green in color
The tongue or gums bleed for no reason
A tingling or numb sensation on the face, lips, chin, and neck
Drastic weight loss
Pain in the throat or jaw
A sore appears on the tongue

Whatever symptoms you feel on the tongue and around the mouth, it's a good idea to consult further to a trusted dentist to get the right diagnosis and treatment.