For most people, the tongue is just a body part that helps in tasting food. Due to this reason, the tongue is often taken for granted, and less attention is paid to its health.
The truth of the matter, however, is that the tongue is a vital organ that can reveal a lot of information about an individual’s overall health. As a matter of fact, most dentists probe a patient’s tongue during dental check-ups to determine the state of the oral, as well as the general body health. It is therefore essential to be able to pick up the clues and decipher any information that the tongue is sending you.
Here are some of the facts that your tongue might be sending you about your health:
White coating on the Tongue
A healthy tongue is supposed to be bright pink in colour. If you notice that your tongue has a white coating, this could be a tell-tale sign that you have an oral yeast infection inside the mouth cavity. Your tongue may also have a white coating due to poor oral hygiene.
It is therefore important to schedule a dental check-up if you notice a white coating on your tongue, even if you brush regularly. This will allow you to get to the root of the problem, and seek effective remedies.
Tongue being too Red
An overly red tongue usually signals Kawasaki disease, which is caused by vitamin deficiency. The condition can be remedied easily at home by adding more vitamins in your diet.
Presence of White Spots on the Tongue
White spots on the tongue could be a symptom of yeast infection – which can easily be treated using medication. However, it could also be the result of excessive tobacco smoking. If you notice white spots on your tongue, you need to go for a dental check-up immediately to rule out any possibilities of oral cancer.
Irregular Bumpy Patches on the Tongue
It is normal to observe regular ridges and grooves on the tongue. However, if you notice irregular red bumpy patches on your tongue, you should seek advice from your dentist immediately, as it could be a sign of sign of fever, herpes or canker sores.
Tender and Sore Tongue
If you notice that your tongue is overly sensitive in different spots, it could be a sign that canker sores are developing. These usually go away overtime by themselves. You should see a dentist if you experience tongue soreness for extended amounts of time.
Take Away
The tongue is a highly sensitive organ that can help reveal more about the health status of an individual. It is therefore important to pay close attention to the colour, texture and feel of our tongues. If you happen to notice anything unusual, you are advised to schedule a dental check-up as soon as possible. This will allow you to get an accurate diagnosis of the problem and seek the right treatment.
Get checked today!