Surprising Facts About the Appearance of Your Tongue

The tongue is a crucial part of your body that helps people test and swallow food and beverages. However, it is a lesser-known fact that the appearance and health of your tongue are connected to overall dental health and the body’s well-being. Many people tend to avoid the obvious signs given by the appearance of their tongue regarding persisting health issues. Here are some common conditions present in your tongue and their meaning by Buffalo Grove dentistry. 

• Whitish tongue 

The normal color of the tongue must be pinkish. If you notice a coating of whitish substance on your tongue, there is a great chance that you need to see a dental health provider immediately. It can be an oral thrush. It is the growth of yeast that takes place in the oral cavity. However, the white substance on the Tongue can be due to not brushing your tongue correctly. If the whiteness goes after brushing your tongue, there is nothing to worry about.

• White patches

Patches on your dumb due to irritation or tobacco usage are known as leukoplakia. If you experience such patches, you should lower your tobacco consumption or quit smoking altogether. However, if you are seeing consistent white patches on your tongue, make sure to make an appointment with a dental professional so that you are assured about your health. There may be chances of oral cancer. Therefore, you should consult a dentist as soon as you notice such signs.

• Over redness of the tongue

Your tongue’s natural and normal hue is pinkish and not overly red. If your tongue appears abnormally red, you may have Kawasaki disease. This can be due to the deficiency of vitamins like B12 and folic acid. If you notice such signs, make sure to consult a dentist and increase your intake of the respective nutrient. 

• Tenderness or soreness of the tongue

If you experience extreme sensitivity in one area of your tongue or all over it, it may be due to an allergic reaction from a food or canker sore. However, if your soreness or sensitivity is persistent, it may be an underlying symptom of something worse. Consult a dental provider immediately to get information about the issue and treat it accordingly. 

• Hair on the tongue

Often, the buildup of protein leads to the creation of small bumpy structures on the tongue, which trap food and makes it appear like your tongue has hair. However, it can be treated with a brush and scraper. If your tongue does not get better even after brushing, consult your dentist about it.

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Earnest Dunaway

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