The color of a healthy tongue is normally pink, however it can vary somewhat in dark and light hues. On the top and bottom of your tongue, there are little nodules. These are known as papillae. The surface of your tongue is divided into four regions: the tip, the middle, the base, and the sides. If you have white patches on the side of your mouth, this may be caused by tarter build-up under the tongue. The saliva that you produce will help clean away any debris that may come in contact with your tongue. If you fail to do this regularly, then bacteria may grow on the buildup which could lead to serious problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Your tongue is the most sensitive part of your body. It has a lining made of cells called epithelial cells. This protective layer covers the entire surface of your tongue. If you talk constantly, then you are putting stress on your tongue especially if you eat foods with sugars or acids every day. This will cause it to wear out faster than other parts of your body so make sure to give it some time off now and again. If you notice that you are starting to lose hair from around your lips, then this may be a sign of oral cancer. Your dentist will be able to conduct a thorough examination of your mouth to identify any abnormalities.