Purple Veins Under the Tongue – Cause for Concern?
Veins are blood vessels that carry blood from all the organs toward the heart. The blood in the veins is dark red (it may appear to be purple, dark blue or even black). This is the normal color of venous blood, because the arterial blood filled with oxygen (oxygenated blood) passes oxygen on to the cells and goes to the veins, where it darkens (deoxygenated blood).
Thin mucous membranes, such as that of the bottom of the tongue, can be transparent (almost translucent), so there we can easily spot the veins and their darker blood. This is most often not a sign of any serious health problems.
Certain conditions may cause caviar tongue (sublingual varicosities), where the color of the veins may vary (blue, dark, black, purple). These are:
- Mechanical damage to the tongue – occurs as a result of chewing, injuries caused by wearing braces or dental procedures.
- Certain medications, such as aspirin or blood clotting medications can cause bruising and caviar tongue. Because of the thin mucous membrane, the veins under the tongue are important for drug absorption, so a lot of medications are absorbed under the tongue.
- Varicose veins usually occur in the elderly. These veins can most often be seen on legs, but also under the tongue. Varicose veins may vary in size and intensity, but they usually have no consequences and do not require treatment.
- Long lasting dental implants in the mouth, such as braces, can cause an allergic reaction that may be visible throughout the entire oral cavity, including the tongue – these changes appear as redness and swelling.
- Hemangioma – a benign tumor that forms as an abnormal collection of blood vessels. It is not dangerous and malignant, it does not metastasize, and can be located on the lower surface of the tongue. Since it has the structure of a blood vessel, our eye perceives it as sublingual varicosities.
- Some other conditions such as: inflammation of salivary glands, vitamin B12 deficiency, smoking, weak immune system, infections (bacterial and viral), and hormone changes in the body.
Purple spots that are most commonly part of the nerve endings can also be visible under the tongue. However, if you happen to notice new spots that have not previously been there, consult with your physician.
I am a 65 year old retired nurse. I still have most all of my teeth, other than a few old fillings. I was inspecting my mouth the other night after brushing my teeth, and noticed a purple spot (about the size of a pin head) on my frenulum. (The skin that holds the under side of the tongue to the floor of the mouth). There is no pain. Should I be concerned?
I am a 65 year old retired nurse. I still have most all of my teeth, other than a few old fillings. I was inspecting my mouth the other night after brushing my teeth, and noticed a purple spot (about the size of a pin head) on my frenulum. (The skin that holds the under side of the tongue to the floor of the mouth). There is no pain. Should I be concerned?
I’m a mom of 47 yrs have a problem of tongue,it happen fast feel like is swollen and I can’t speak I speak like someone with toothache what is the problem
a dentist snip my daughter under the tongue while doing a root canal she had lot of pain a few days, lots blood loss while finishing root canal after 4 days still purple would everything be ok
Hi sorry to hear about your mum , hope your ok. Myself being a mum of a 14yrold daughter and I’ve also a heart condition, can reassure you m, that I’m sure your heart will be just fine and there’s nothing to worry about. My condition can be handed down in female generations so I was worried about my own daughter. After doing a lot of investigation and many specialists I can say she’s fine. There a lot of different heart disease and some are not handed down in family. I’m sure you will be fine. If u are concerned then go chat with your doctor and I’m sure they will put urmind at ease. Hope this helps you and once again I’m sorry to hear about your mum. I’m sure she will be by your side everyday still. Hope your coping ok with things. Take care.
HI, September of last year I loss my mom to heart disease and ever since that I’ve bee concerned about my health. I have really dark veins under my tongue, should I be worried? I’m 14 by the way