why is my tongue yellow

The yellow color on your tongue is most commonly caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, bacteria, and food debris on the surface of the tongue. This is often due to poor oral hygiene, mouth dryness, mouth breathing, or use of certain oral hygiene products containing oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide. Other contributing factors can include smoking, certain medications, dietary choices (such as drinking coffee or tea), and sometimes infections like oral candidiasis. In some cases, a yellow tongue might be a sign of a more serious underlying condition such as liver or digestive problems, but this is less common. Usually, improving oral hygiene by brushing the tongue regularly, staying hydrated, and avoiding tobacco and staining foods can resolve the yellow discoloration. If the yellow tongue is accompanied by pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, medical consultation is advised to rule out more serious conditions.