Our bodies often show signs of health problems, and the tongue can reveal a lot.

If your tongue looks “shiny or strawberry red,” it could mean a lack of iron or vitamin B12. Over time, “the tongue may become softer because most of the taste buds will soften.” In more serious cases, it may hurt when drinking hot or spicy beverages. Doctors recommend checking your diet and getting medical advice.

A black or brown plaque on the tongue might look alarming, but it usually comes from “poor hygiene, smoking, or drinking too much black coffee or tea.” It can cause “an unpleasant odor in the mouth and taste disturbances.”

The best remedy is to “give up the bad habits that cause plaque” and clean both your teeth and tongue daily.

In short, your tongue can reflect your overall health—changes in color, texture, or coating shouldn’t be ignored.