Red Dots on Tongue and Yellow Spots in Mouth: What Could It Be?

Red spots on the tongue and small yellow spots on the oral mucosa?

Hello Dr.
Wu, I have recently noticed some red spots on the tip of my tongue and yellow patches on the oral mucosa around my teeth.
However, I do not feel any discomfort or issues with eating or swallowing saliva.
Could this be an oral condition? The red spots are located around the tongue, and the yellow patches are on the oral mucosa near the teeth.
I would appreciate your response to these questions! Thank you.
Here is the link to the image: http://imgur.com/2dTHOjp

Qiu Xiansheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/19

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

I’m sorry, but medical regulations stipulate that a physician cannot diagnose or treat a patient without seeing them.

Reply Date: 2015/12/19

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding the red dots on your tongue and the yellow spots in your mouth. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing some changes in your oral mucosa, but without any discomfort or pain during eating or swallowing, which is a positive sign.

Red dots on the tongue can be attributed to several benign conditions. One common cause is a condition known as "geographic tongue," where the surface of the tongue appears irregular with red patches surrounded by white borders. This condition is generally harmless and often resolves on its own. Another possibility is that the red dots could be inflamed papillae, which can occur due to irritation from spicy foods, alcohol, or even stress.

The yellow spots you mentioned on the oral mucosa could be related to a few different factors. One possibility is the presence of oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by Candida species, which can lead to yellowish-white patches in the mouth. However, this typically comes with discomfort or a burning sensation, which you have not reported. Another possibility could be the presence of food debris or plaque buildup, especially if you have been consuming foods that can stain or leave residues in the mouth.

Since you mentioned that you are not experiencing any discomfort, it is likely that these findings are not indicative of a serious oral disease. However, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, to prevent any potential buildup of bacteria or plaque that could lead to further irritation.

If the red dots and yellow spots persist or if you notice any changes in your symptoms, such as the development of pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a dentist. They can perform a thorough examination and may suggest further diagnostic tests if necessary.

In summary, while the red dots and yellow spots in your mouth may not be a cause for immediate concern, it is essential to monitor the situation. Maintaining good oral hygiene and being aware of any changes in your symptoms will help ensure your oral health remains in good standing. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. Thank you, and take care!

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