Your tongue is quite talented. This mighty muscle helps you chew, whistle, speak, wipe your lips and show your displeasure by sticking it out at someone. It can even indicate possible health issues.
People who want excellent dental care come to the office of Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA. We know that our patients’ expectations are just as high as ours are. Our relaxed atmosphere and gentle touch complement our excellent service.
There’s no need to freak out if your tongue is coated with white, brown or black fur. Called “hairy tongue,” the “hairs” are actually proteins that transformed ordinary, small bumps into strands that have captured food and bacteria. The cure: Brush or scrape your tongue regularly.
But hairy white blotches that won’t disappear with a good cleaning might be oral hairy leukoplakia, which is triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus. It shows up most often in people with really weak immune systems.
White spots could signal the fungal infection thrush, which frequently develops after a medication or illness disrupts the equilibrium of your mouth’s natural bacteria. White areas that look like folds or ridges might be lichen planus, which means your immune system is attacking your mouth tissues. Solid, level, white areas that you can’t scrape off could signal leukoplakia, a chronic irritation due to smoking cigarettes and chewing on tobacco.
Macroglossia is when your tongue is so big that its size isn’t in proportion with the rest of your mouth. A doctor will diagnose and care for the underlying issue, which may be, among others, some sort of infection, allergies or an underactive thyroid gland.
Harmless fissures in your tongue can appear as you age. They can also be indicators of psoriasis or Sjögren's syndrome (a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks the glands that moisturize the eyes, mouth and other sections of the body).
A smooth, bright red tongue with mouth pain could indicate that you’re low on vitamin B3. A glossy red tongue with no small bumps on the top could mean you need to shore up on iron, folic acid or B vitamins.
Everyone who uses Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA as their dentist knows that we use advanced knowledge and state-of-the-art equipment to achieve outstanding outcomes. Please call us today to make an appointment.
By Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA
August 24, 2023
The tongue is instrumental in allowing us to speak clearly, to taste our foods and in chewing. But did you know the tongue can also speak volumes about your health? Our friendly dentist at Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA wants our patients to know about all aspects of their oral health, and points out that the tongue’s importance may be overlooked in this regard.
Here are some facts to digest about the tongue’s role in our health and how to properly keep it clean:
Watch for colors and patterns:
- A white-coated tongue often results from a buildup of leftover food particles or bacteria from plaque, signaling poor oral hygiene or dry mouth.
- A yellowish color can be a sign of acid reflux or infection.
- A smooth and pale tongue may indicate a low level of iron or anemia.
- Red bumps and swelling may be a sign of strep throat, or an allergy to a medication or a type of food.
- A dark color ominously known as black hairy tongue may be the result of tobacco use and some foods or medications. A poor oral hygiene routine and/or dry mouth contributes to this condition.
Keep it clean:
- Besides daily brushing and flossing, make sure to clean your tongue twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
- Put a small dab of toothpaste on your brush, and, applying gentle but firm pressure, brush from the back of the tongue forward in back-and-forth motions.
- Pull the tongue scraper from the back of the tongue forward several times at varying angles.
- Rinse your mouth afterward.
Although some conditions affecting the tongue may resolve on their own, others could be indicating a serious condition and should be examined by our dentist at Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA. If your tongue has taken on a distinct color that doesn’t change in a week or two, please don’t hesitate to contact our office for an appointment.
By Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA
January 24, 2023
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