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Zinc & Tongue Discoloration

In most people, their tongues are a uniform color. It is possible to develop a condition that results in tongue discoloration. No link between a lack of zinc in your diet and tongue discoloration has been proven.

  1. Erythema Migrans

    • Erythema migrans, or geographic tongue, is a form of oral inflammation. It typically affects your tongue, but can also impact other parts of your mouth, according to the American Family Physician.

    Significance

    • The tongue discoloration of erythema migrans can occur in children and adults and is more common in women than men.

    Symptoms

    • The chief symptom of erythema migrans is tongue discoloration. Your tongue could turn white or yellowish in some areas, while remaining pink in others, according to "Walker's Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disease."

    Treatment

    • Most people do not require treatment for this form of tongue discoloration. (See AFP) Some people believe zinc supplements will treat it, but this has not been proven.

    Considerations

    • While zinc deficiency can cause some oral ulcers, no definitive link has been found between a lack of zinc and tongue discoloration.

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