Why do doctors look at the tongue? From fever to cancer, understand which disease is in the body in 5 seconds from the colour of the tongue
- bySudha Saxena
- 24 May, 2025

Your tongue not only tastes good, but it is also a mirror of your body's health. So the next time you look in the mirror, take a closer look at your tongue, maybe it is saying something.
When you go to the doctor for a health checkup, the doctor first asks you to stick out your tongue. Have you ever wondered why the doctor looks at your tongue first? Does the tongue reveal the disease of the body or how is the disease detected by looking at the tongue?
Why do doctors always examine the tongue? Examining the tongue is not a new thing. Diseases have been identified by looking at the tongue since ancient times in Chinese medical practice and it is still done. The tongue is such an organ whose color, moisture and texture can be used to determine the condition inside the body. Let's know how.
What does a tongue examination reveal, how is a tongue examination done?
The tongue is usually pink and slightly warm. If its colour or texture changes, it can be a sign of illness. From the digestive system, mental stress to cancer – the tongue can tell a lot. If the tongue is too dry, too wet, has a white layer or is of an unusual colour – then the doctor understands that something is wrong in the body. The VELscope test can identify tongue and mouth cancer early.
What does the white coating on the tongue say?
If there is a white layer on your tongue, it can be a sign of fungal infection. This disease usually occurs in children, elderly, lung patients or people with diabetes. Sometimes it can also happen after taking antibiotics.
Blue, purple, black, or brown tongue
A blue or purple tongue indicates heart or lung disease. Lack of oxygen or vitamin B2 deficiency can also be the reason for this. If your tongue looks scary i.e. black or brown, then it could be due to smoking, mouth dirt, dry mouth, or the effect of medicines.
What does red tongue mean?
Redness of the tongue can be a sign of heat or fever in the body. Folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency can also be the cause. In children, it can be a symptom of scarlet fever or Kawasaki disease.
Wet and pale tongue
This can be a sign of common cold or weakness. Apart from these, mental stress also affects the tongue. Ancient Chinese physicians believed that mental stress or excessive thinking also shows its effect on the tongue. Sometimes excessive oiliness on the tongue indicates that you are either worried or eating too much junk food.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always contact your doctor for more information. NBT does not take responsibility for its truth, accuracy and effectiveness.