Your whole tongue might be white, or you could just have white spots or patches on your tongue. A white tongue is usually nothing to worry about. But on rare occasions, this symptom can warn of a more serious condition like an infection or early cancer.

Is a white tongue bad?

White tongue usually isn't harmful, but you should make sure to see your dentist or provider if your tongue (or even just its appearance) is bothering you or you're having any pain.

What color should tongue be?

While everyone's tongue may look slightly different, a “typical healthy” tongue has similar characteristics. It ought to be pink, with a thin whitish coating on the surface. Papillae are also prevalent on a healthy tongue. These are small nodules along the surface that help you eat and taste your food.