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.

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.