Tongue spots are discolored areas on the tongue caused by inflammation, infections, or other conditions. They appear as white, red, or dark patches and vary in size and shape.
Most tongue spots form due to irritation or injury to the tongue's surface. The tongue's papillae (tiny bumps) can trap bacteria, food debris, or dead cells, leading to discoloration. Conditions like geographic tongue cause spots by altering the tongue's natural texture and color.
| Type | Appearance | Common Cause |
|---|---|---|
| White spots | Small, raised, or flat patches | Oral thrush (candidiasis), leukoplakia |
| Red spots | Smooth, sometimes painful areas | Geographic tongue, allergies, nutritional deficiencies |
| Dark spots | Black or brown patches | Black hairy tongue, smoking, certain medications |
Most tongue spots resolve on their own within a week. However, consult a doctor if spots persist longer than two weeks, grow in size, or cause pain. Persistent spots could indicate conditions like oral cancer or autoimmune disorders.
Last year, I noticed small white spots on my tongue after eating spicy food. They disappeared within days without treatment. However, a friend experienced persistent red spots that required antifungal medication for oral thrush.