What Your Tongue Can Tell You About Your Oral Health

What Your Tongue Can Tell You About Your Oral Health

April 12, 2023

One of those things we all take for granted is our tongue! While enjoying our first kisses and unusual meals as young people, we discovered there was more to our tongue. It plays an important role in our capacity to taste and swallow food. Your tongue may give your dentist information about your oral and overall health.

Common Tongue Conditions

Hairy Tongue

Yes, it seems bizarre, but a protein build-up can cause little bumps on your tongue to become elongated, trapping food and resulting in what appears to be strands of hair. A good brushing or tongue scraping should usually solve the problem, but a trip to the dentist is required if it doesn’t.

White Coating on Tongue

The color of your tongue should be a nice shade of pink. Oral thrush is a yeast overgrowth that occurs inside the oral cavity. If sections of your tongue appear to be coated with a white film, it could be oral thrush. Of course, your tongue may appear whitish due to not scrubbing it every time you brush your teeth. You’re good to go if the white brushes away.

White Patches on Tongue

Leukoplakia is a condition that occurs when the tongue is inflamed, which can arise due to smoking or tobacco use. Every medical professional will tell you to quit smoking, but the decision is entirely yours. However, if you notice white patches, schedule an appointment with your dentist to be safe and rule out oral cancer.

Tender or Sore Tongue

You could have a food allergy or a developing canker sore if your tongue is unusually sensitive in one region or all over. Don’t be concerned unless it persists for an extended period. After that, it’s time to seek professional advice from a dentist!

Overly Red Tongue

While an excessively red tongue can signify Kawasaki illness, it’s more usually linked to a vitamin deficit like folic acid or B-12. Adding a vitamin supplement to your morning smoothie could be the answer. Make an appointment with our dentists at Smile Dental Group if you have any questions or concerns.

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