If your baby’s tongue has a purple hue, it may be due to a condition called purple-blue baby syndrome. This rare condition usually appears in infants one to four days old and can cause their skin and tongue to appear blue or purple.
Most cases of purple-blue baby syndrome are caused by a low amount of oxygen in the baby’s blood. This goes hand in hand with difficulty breathing. The baby may also experience a rapid heart rate, a delay in feeding, and may struggle to gain weight.
In some cases, a low level of glucose in the blood can also cause your infant’s skin and tongue to take on a purplish hue. Parents who notice their baby’s tongue is purple should contact their pediatrician for counsel and treatment.
Other possible causes for a purple tongue are viral or bacterial infection, cyanide poisoning, or sickness from certain medications. It is best to discuss any concerns with a physician as soon as possible.
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What causes a baby to have a purple tongue?
A baby may have a purple tongue for a number of reasons. The most common cause is a condition known as tongue-tie, or Ankyloglossia, where the frenulum – a band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth – is unusually tight.
With tongue-tie, the baby cannot move their tongue freely and can cause difficulty eating. Other causes of a baby having a purple tongue could include the body’s natural response to cold temperatures, where the tongue and other areas of the body can turn a purplish color.
It can also be due to certain medications, dehydration, or certain birth defects, such as Down Syndrome. In rare cases, it can also be a sign of a severe bacterial or viral infection and should be seen by a doctor immediately.
What deficiency causes purple tongue?
Purple tongue, also known as black hairy tongue, is a condition in which the little bumps on the tongue, called papillae, become inflamed and elongated, giving the appearance of having a black, hairy-looking tongue.
Generally, this condition is not indicative of any serious health problem but is considered to be a cosmetic issue.
One possible cause of purple tongue is vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 is essential for keeping the papillae of the tongue healthy. Without adequate B-12, these papillae become sensitive and can start to grow.
When this happens, the papillae appears purple or dark brown and can even look hair-like. People who eat animal products (meat, dairy, eggs) should get enough B-12, but those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet can be prone to deficiency.
Other possible causes of purple tongue include dehydration, smoking, alcohol use, infectious diseases such as oral thrush or syphilis, or other nutritional deficiencies including iron, riboflavin, or folic acid.
Your healthcare provider may recommend a blood test to determine if a deficiency is present or can provide dietary and lifestyle recommendations to treat the condition.
Is it normal for your tongue to be purple underneath?
No, it is not normal for your tongue to be purple underneath. If you notice that your tongue is purple underneath, it is possible that you have a condition known as cyanosis. Cyanosis is a rare condition in which there is a lack of oxygen in the blood, causing the skin and mucous membranes to turn blue or purple.
If you find that your tongue is purple underneath, it is important to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of the discoloration and to receive the appropriate treatment.
If a medical professional does not identify a reason for the discoloration, it is possible that the purple discoloration is due to certain foods or drinks that you have consumed. In this case, the discoloration will usually fade gradually over time.
Is purple tongue serious?
Yes, a purple tongue can be a sign of a serious medical condition. A purple tongue can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, tobacco use, dehydration, poor oral hygiene, certain medications, and certain systemic diseases.
Some of the more serious causes of a purple tongue, which may require medical attention, include: anemia, low blood pressure, heart or liver failure, or certain infections like HIV. If you notice that your tongue is purple, you should consult your doctor or dentist to determine the cause and get treatment, if necessary.
When should I be concerned about my baby’s tongue?
Parents should be concerned about their baby’s tongue if they notice any abnormalities, such as a white or discolored coating on the tongue, or if the baby’s tongue appears to be too large for their mouth.
Additionally, if the baby is having trouble nursing or bottle-feeding due to the tongue being in the way, then parents should consult a doctor. Other signs that may point to an underlying issue are excessive drooling, difficulty making certain sounds (particularly consonants), or trouble keeping their tongue on the roof of the mouth.
Lastly, if a baby’s tongue looks swollen or they have difficulty keeping it in the mouth, medical attention is advised. In any of these cases, it is recommended to seek medical advice from a pediatrician.
What color is a sick tongue?
A sick tongue typically looks white or yellowish in color. Additionally, depending on the illness or condition, might also have an altered texture, become swollen or reddened. An illness such as a virus might cause the tongue to become coated in a yellow, white, or grayish layer, or to look like cottage cheese; bacterial infections can cause the tongue to look yellow or gray; and a fungal infection can make for a bright yellow, orange,or white tongue.
It is important to note that changes in tongue color can also be the result of a few different things such as iron deficiency, dehydration, or reactions to medications, and not just a sign of a sickness.
Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice and get a proper diagnosis from a doctor if you are concerned about your tongue and any changes in color.
Does Covid make your tongue purple?
No, Covid does not make your tongue purple. While some patients with Covid-19 have reported a metallic taste or loss of taste, there have been no reported cases of people having a purple tongue because of the virus.
In fact, a purple tongue could be a sign of a different medical condition, such as vitamin deficiencies, bacterial infections, or certain allergies. If you are noticing a purple tongue, it is important to see a doctor to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, if you are experiencing any other Covid-19 symptoms, such as fever, coughing, or shortness of breath, it is important to get tested for Covid-19 and follow all local public health guidelines.
Why is my tongue so dark underneath?
Your tongue may be dark underneath due to a variety of different causes. Certain foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine can stain the surface of your tongue, giving it a dark appearance. Smoking cigarettes and using other forms of tobacco can also cause discoloration on the tongue.
Additionally, some people may naturally have a darker tongue due to their individual skin and body chemistry.
Health conditions such as anemia, vitamin deficiencies, jaundice, and oral thrush may also be responsible for the color of your tongue. Certain medications including antibiotics, antihistamines, and antihypertensives can also cause changes in the color of your tongue.
An excessive growth of bacteria on the tongue can cause your tongue to become darker as well.
If you are concerned about the darkness on your tongue, we recommend seeing your doctor for a professional diagnosis. Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, or medications to address the issue.
What color is the underside of your tongue supposed to be?
The underside of your tongue should typically be a light pinkish-red color. This can vary depending on factors like hydration level, temperature, saliva, and diet. However, if you notice any drastic changes in color, such as a bright or dark red, white patches, or streaks of red and/or white, you should see a doctor as this could be an indication of an underlying health issue.
Are dark veins under tongue normal?
Dark veins under the tongue are normally found in everyone and are considered normal. These dark veins are a natural part of the anatomy in the mouth, and often referred to as a lingual vein. During routine oral health examinations, your dentist or doctor may note the presence of a larger vein located in the midline of the tongue.
The lingual veins appear as dark veins and can vary in size and intensity in different individuals. However, it is important to remember that while the presence of veins in the tongue is normal and common, any changes in the size or shape of these veins can be an indication of an underlying medical condition and should be discussed with a doctor or dentist.
It is also important to recognize that there can be other causes of dark veins under the tongue that are not related to a medical condition, such as overuse of tobacco or other lifestyle choices. In such cases, it can be beneficial to discuss any modifications to your lifestyle or diet with a healthcare professional.
What does a cancerous tongue look like?
A cancerous tongue can look very different, depending on the specific type of cancer and its progression. However, some common signs of tongue cancer may include sores that do not heal, developing a white or red patch on the tongue or inside the mouth, feeling a lump or something that looks like a sore on the tongue, pain or numbness in the tongue or mouth, trouble chewing or swallowing, difficulty moving the tongue or jaw, and changes in voice.
Other symptoms may include an earache, a sore throat, bad breath, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. If any of these symptoms are present, people should see a healthcare provider right away.
Is the bottom of my tongue supposed to be dark blue?
No, the bottom of your tongue does not supposed to be dark blue. The color of your tongue will normally vary between a light pink and a dark red color. Depending on certain health conditions, it may appear slightly darker or lighter in color, but if it is an overall darker blue color, this could be due to an underlying medical concern.
In rare cases, dark blue tongues can be a result of diabetes, congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, and some neurologic diseases. It is important to note that blue discoloration of the tongue can also be a result of certain topical medications, such as antifungal medications, antibiotics and antiseptics.
If you notice a bluish hue to your tongue that persists or has not been present previously, it is best to consult a doctor to have it evaluated.
How do you get rid of a purple tongue?
A purple tongue can be the result of various medical conditions, so it is important to visit a doctor or dentist if it does not go away. However, if the cause of the purple tongue is not a medical condition, then there are some tips to get rid of it.
The most important step is to start brushing your tongue when you brush your teeth daily. This will help remove bacteria, debris, and dead cells that may be contributing to the purple coloring. Also, it’s advisable to scrape your tongue regularly using a tongue scraper.
This also helps to remove bacteria and debris to help eliminate the purple hue.
Additionally, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This means avoiding smoking and drinking excessively, drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough rest. All these points combined help to keep your entire body, including your tongue, healthy and strong.
Finally, rinsing your mouth regularly with a mouthwash made with tea tree oil or manuka honey can help in removing impurities and anything else that may be causing discoloration or irritation.
Can you tell your health by your tongue?
Yes, it is possible to tell your health by examining your tongue. Your tongue will usually appear pink and slightly bumpy, with a thin coat of moisture on top. If the color and texture of your tongue changes it often indicates an underlying health problem.
Issues with your tongue can range from minor soreness to more serious health concerns, such as anemia, dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, bacterial infections, or yeast infections. A change in tongue color can also indicate a fever, oral thrush, hepatitis, jaundice, or irritation to certain medications.
A more serious underlying problem may be indicated if the tongue is coated with a thick, white layer or has white patches on it. If you notice any changes in your tongue, contact your doctor. Additionally, they may be able to recommend lifestyle modifications to help improve your health.
