Normally, your tongue should have that familiar pinkish hue that we usually see. This is a sign of good health. However, some people will occasionally find that their tongues have turned an unusual red color. This will sometimes come with enlarged taste buds, which gives the surface of your tongue the appearance of a strawberry. A number of different conditions can be linked to such symptoms, some of which should be brought to either our Lynnwood dentistry clinic or your doctor for treatment. These conditions include the following:
- Benign Migratory Glossitis: Also known as geographic tongue, this condition manifests in the form of geographic-like patterns on the surface of the tongue. The patches that form may be outlined with thin, white lines. This is typically a harmless condition, but you should tell your dentist if it persists longer than two weeks.
- Scarlet Fever: This infection can sometimes include strawberry tongue. If you have scarlet fever, you should see your doctor for an antibiotic treatment.
- Kawasaki Syndrome: Young children are typically the only people at risk of this disease. It usually includes a high fever, often paired with a swelling of the hands and feet. Should your child exhibit such symptoms, take him or her to your doctor.
- Vitamin Deficiency: You may develop a red tongue if your diet does not include enough vitamin b12 or folic acid.
