Stick your tongue out and stand in front of the mirror, what do you see? If you don’t see a pink and smooth tongue with no spots, you are in for trouble. Though most of us only use the tongue for tasting our food and talking, health scientists say that this part of the body can tell you a lot about what’s going on inside.

Ever noticed how a general physician looks at your tongue when you visit him? Just by looking at your tongue, he can tell if you are getting sick, have vitamin deficiency or if you should be drinking more water.

Curious to know if your tongue gives you a clean bill of health? Compare these pictures with your own tongue and find out.

Pink and Smooth

If you are lucky enough to have a tongue free of any spots or bumps, you can congratulate yourself on being in perfect health. A picture perfect tongue is a little bumpy and full of taste buds (tiny pores). However, beware because if your tongue is too smooth, it might be a sign of vitamin deficiency.

Cracked and Fissured

Though most fissured tongues aren’t a signal for bad health, it can sometimes mean you have autoimmune disease. If you have had these since you were little, you don’t need to worry because these fissures often get bigger as you age. If you are still concerned, go to the dentists regularly so any problems can be ruled out.

Red and Swollen

A tongue which is bright red in color may be a sign of vitamin deficiency. B-12 or folic acid deficiencies can make your tongue look red and swollen. These deficiencies can have a huge impact especially if you are pregnant because folic acid is one of the basic vitamins your baby will need to grow. Think about taking prenatal vitamins or incorporate green leafy vegetables into your diet to help get the nutrients into the body.

Lesions or Sores

It’s okay for you to have sores on your tongue for a week or two, because of spicy food you ate. You should visit a doctor immediately, though, if you notice these bumps or red patches on your skin for more than two weeks. These sores can be a sign of stress or oral cancer and need to be checked out straightaway.

Brown or Black Coating

A tongue that has a black or brown coating on it is the #1 sign of poor dental hygiene. However, if you are sure that your dental routine is nothing but perfect, go to a doctor because you may be developing something else. Patients with diabetes sometimes develop such discolored tongues. Another reason for the coating may be because you are taking antibiotics or have been through chemotherapy. One of the best ways to get rid of this problem (if there is no underlying cause) is to floss regularly and prevent bacteria growth.

White Coating

Oral thrush, or a yeast infection in your mouth can sometimes result in a white coating. This condition is often seen in infants or people with weak immune systems. On the other hand, if you are a frequent smoker and exhibit this white coated tongue, it could be a sign of leukoplakia, which is a precursor to cancer. So make sure you get it checked out immediately.

Scalloped Edge

One of the top signs of thyroid disorder is a tongue which appears to be swollen with scallops all around the edges. Visit the doctor immediately if you have other symptoms such as tiredness, frequent bruising, low blood pressure and hair loss. If thyroid issue has been ruled out, your swollen tongue may be a sign of dehydration, so make sure you are getting plenty of fluids.

A good and thorough dental hygiene routine can help you battle most of these problems. So ensure that you are taking your time brushing and flossing, and you are doing it in the right way. However, if the problems are persistent even after these precautionary measures, make sure you go to the dentist.