- With Mayo Clinic prosthodontist
Alan Carr, D.M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Alan Carr, D.M.D.
Alan B. Carr, D.M.D.
Dr. Alan B. Carr, Department of Dental Specialties at Mayo Clinic, is a consultant in the Division of Prosthodontics and a professor of dentistry at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Carr, a native of Hattiesburg, MS., received his prosthodontics training at Mayo. Following his training he has was an assistant professor at Marquette University and then became a full professor at Ohio State University where his clinical duties included Director of Maxillofacial Prosthetics at the James Cancer Hospital. He returned to Mayo in 2000.
Dr. Carr is board certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics. He served in the Air Force and has degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, University of Mississippi and Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. He also is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, the American College of Prosthodontists and the American Dental Association. He has made dozens of international and national presentations, and is author of a dental textbook.
His clinical practice focuses on combined prosthodontics and reconstruction of patients with disabling oral conditions. His research interests include oral and craniofacial endosseous implants, tobacco cessation, and the impact of oral health on general health, especially for patients with chronic illness and the elderly.
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Question
Yellow tongue: What causes it?
What would cause a yellow tongue?
Answer
from Alan Carr, D.M.D.
A yellow tongue is caused by enlargement of the tiny projections (papillae) on the surface of the tongue, which can occur in otherwise healthy people. The yellow color typically results from the production of pigments (porphyrins) made by certain types of bacteria in the mouth. Occasionally, these pigments may also have a brown or black appearance.
A yellow tongue usually is a temporary, harmless problem. Many things can cause enlargement of the papillae, including smoking, mild dehydration, fever or mouth breathing such as due to nasal congestion.
If the discoloration bothers you, try gently brushing your tongue with a solution that is 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 5 parts water. Rinse your mouth with water afterward. Quitting smoking and increasing fiber in your diet may also help.
