Some conditions caused by diabetes such as high glucose in saliva, lowered resistance to infection and dry mouth (low saliva levels) can encourage the overgrowth of these fungi, leading to oral thrush. Oral thrush causes uncomfortable, sometimes ulcerated white or red patches on the skin of the mouth.
In rare cases, more serious health conditions cause the tongue to turn yellow. A 2019 study suggests that a yellow tongue can be a sign of diabetes. Another possible cause is jaundice.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a public problem closely associated with numerous oral complications, such as coated tongue, xerostomia, salivary dysfunction, etc.
Oral Health Problems Can Point to Diabetes
In fact, in a study published in May 2019, researchers found that people with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of thick or yellow tongue “fur,” as well as blue-tinged tongues.
Thrush: People with diabetes who frequently take antibiotics to fight various infections are especially prone to developing a fungal infection of the mouth and tongue. The fungus thrives on the high glucose levels in the saliva of people with unmanaged diabetes.
White tongue is the result of an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. The appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae.
A white tongue is usually caused by a buildup of bacteria and dead cells on the surface of the tongue. Good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental checkups will keep your tongue healthy. Sometimes a white tongue can be a sign of an underlying health problem or a medication side effect.
Diabetes and some medicines used to treat diabetes can cause the salivary glands in your mouth to make less saliva. When less saliva flows, the risk for dental cavities, gum disease, and other mouth problems increases. Diabetes can also increase the amount of glucose in your saliva.
Thrush is a common problem and particularly for people with diabetes. Higher levels of glucose in the blood make candida all the more likely, so diabetics who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar may find themselves particularly prone to yeast infections.
Oral thrush is another condition that may cause the tongue to appear white. Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by the Candida yeast. Symptoms include: white or off-white patches in the mouth and on the tongue.
Iron deficiency anemia or pernicious anemia – A pale (almost white), smooth tongue can be caused by a deficiency in iron or vitamin B12.
If there is a thick, white coating, you may have a condition called “Candidiasis,” which is an overgrowth of yeast in the body. If the coating is yellow, it could indicate major digestive stagnation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or liver/gallbladder disease.
Colors of an Unhealthy Tongue
Purple - Heart problems and poor overall blood circulation may lead to your tongue turning purple. A purple tongue is also commonly seen in Kawasaki disease. Blue - A blue tongue can indicate a lack of oxygen caused by respiratory issues, kidney disease, or a blood disorder.
Rarely, yellow tongue may be a sign of jaundice, a yellowing of the eyes and skin, which sometimes indicates liver or gallbladder problems. Self-care is usually all that's needed to treat yellow tongue, unless it's related to another medical condition. Medical treatment for yellow tongue usually isn't necessary.
Diabetes can cause changes in the small blood vessels. These changes can cause skin problems called diabetic dermopathy. Dermopathy often looks like light brown, scaly patches. These patches may be oval or circular.
Even if you may not be aware you have symptoms of diabetes, your dentist or optometrist may notice them during routine exams. An oral exam can help detect more than 120 diseases, including diabetes, that show early symptoms in the mouth and jaw.
Dry mouth is a common symptom of high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Sometimes dry mouth is the first noticeable symptom of diabetes. If you have dry mouth and think you could have diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider.
White tongue usually isn't harmful, but you should see your dentist or provider if your tongue (or even just its appearance) is bothering you or if you're having any pain. This way, they can find any health risks early and treat you before things worsen.
Although the appearance of white tongue may be alarming, the condition is usually harmless and temporary. However, white tongue can be an indication of some serious conditions, ranging from infection to a precancerous condition.
When your tongue is so heavily coated that it results in the appearance of a white tongue, it's a warning sign that you're suffering from an overworked digestive system. If your digestive system is overburdened, it can't function properly. This leads to a buildup of a bacteria or yeast called candida.
A thick white coating on the back or at the center of the tongue may be a sign of an overloaded digestive system. This can be caused by an imbalance of good bacteria in the gut, nutritional deficiencies and stress.
Take time to gently clean your tongue with a tongue scraper after brushing your teeth. Thick white coating or patches of white on the tongue may be a sign of oral thrush, an infection caused by an overgrowth of the candida fungus.