What should I do if my tongue is a funny color?

Changes to the color of your tongue almost always have to do with something you have eaten recently. If you notice a funny color you should first ask yourself, what have you been eating and drinking lately? Second, what color is the food and drink, and does that correlate with your tongue color? This may be a simple transfer of stain. Try brushing your tongue with your toothbrush and toothpaste. If you can brush off the color or stain, there is not a concern. If you cannot remove the color, or if there is a plaque on the tongue that does not scrape off, this could be a sign of infection and you should consider seeing your primary care physician. Lastly, smoking tobacco or using smokeless tobacco can increase your risk of both thrush, a fungal infection on the tongue, and cancer of the tongue or mouth.