- Spots on the tongue that do not go away with good oral hygiene should be checked by a dentist.
- Seek care promptly if tongue spots appear with pain, bleeding, or persistent bad breath.
- Red or white patches that do not improve may be a warning sign of tongue cancer.
Spots on the tongue are often associated with poor oral hygiene and may appear as white, dark, or red patches. These spots can result from a buildup of bacteria in the mouth or from common irritants such as certain foods or minor burns.
In some cases, spots on the tongue may also be related to conditions like geographic tongue or fungal overgrowth. Although many causes are harmless, some spots may be associated with more serious conditions, including tongue cancer, especially if they do not go away.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing the teeth and tongue daily, can help prevent spots on the tongue. If the spots persist or appear with symptoms like pain, bleeding, or bad breath, a dentist can evaluate the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Why are there spots on my tongue?
The most common causes of spots on the tongue are:
1. Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can cause dark or white spots to appear in the mouth, often along with bad breath and a buildup of bacterial plaque on the teeth and gums.
What to do: To remove dark or white spots caused by inadequate brushing, keep a consistent daily oral care routine.
According to the CDC, brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing daily helps remove dental plaque and supports better oral health. Brush the tongue gently and use a mouthwash recommended by a dentist.
2. Geographic tongue
Geographic tongue is a tongue condition marked by smooth, red, irregular patches on the surface of the tongue. These patches are not dangerous, but they can cause pain, burning, and discomfort, especially after eating or drinking hot, spicy, or acidic foods and beverages.
What to do: If you notice signs of geographic tongue, you should see a dentist for evaluation and treatment. The dentist may recommend analgesics, anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, mouthwashes, or anesthetic ointments.
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and should be combined with dietary changes to avoid foods that seem to trigger or worsen your discomfort.
3. Burns
Eating very spicy or very hot foods can burn your tongue, which may cause red spots to appear, along with mild swelling, soreness, and increased sensitivity.
What to do: To ease discomfort, you can try eating ice cream, sucking on ice chips, or chewing mint gum, as these can help soothe symptoms and reduce discomfort.
Read more about natural remedies you can use to help heal a burnt tongue.
4. Food
Frequent or excessive consumption of coffee and tea, for example, can cause dark spots to form on the tongue. These spots are not usually a sign of a serious health problem.
What to do: In these cases, improving overall oral hygiene habits can help the dark spots fade more easily.
5. Overgrowth of oral bacteria and fungi
When fungi and bacteria grow excessively in the mouth, they can cause white or dark spots to appear on the tongue. This often occurs when the immune system is weakened or when oral hygiene is poor.
What to do: In this situation, increase how thoroughly and frequently you clean your mouth and tongue to prevent food debris from building up, as this can fuel fungal and bacterial growth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use a dentist-prescribed mouthwash.
6. Tongue cancer
Tongue cancer may present as red or white patches in the mouth that do not go away, even with proper brushing and tongue cleaning. Other possible signs include tongue pain, bad breath, and bleeding on the tongue.
What to do: Although tongue cancer is uncommon, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a white or red patch in the mouth that lasts more than 2 weeks should be evaluated by a dentist or other healthcare provider. This helps confirm the cause and guide the most appropriate treatment.