What does your tongue say about your health?
You may not pay much attention to your tongue, but its appearance can give you clues about your health, and not just your oral health. The tongue has many blood vessels, so changes there could be a sign of high blood pressure, for example. During annual checkups, dentists often examine the tongue for enlarged or dilated blood vessels and may refer the patient to a cardiologist for examination.
The tongue should generally be pink and smooth with a few small, shallow grooves and small spots. Taste buds can harbor bacteria and change shape or color. In general, people can fight off natural bacteria, but if you have a weak immune system or other health problems, this can cause some problems.
Read on to learn about some of the things that may prompt you to visit a dentist or other health care provider.
Change in color of the tongue
Deep red in colour
A dark red tongue may indicate that you are deficient in certain vitamins, such as folic acid or other B vitamins. This deficiency can reduce the number of red blood cells, making your tongue appear red.
white
A white color on the tongue can indicate a Candida infection, also known as a yeast infection or thrush, which is a fungal infection that is not usually painful.
Leukoplakia also causes white spots on the tongue and can be caused by friction with tobacco, alcohol, or dentures.
Lichen planus is an autoimmune disease, which means it causes antibodies to attack healthy cells, and can cause white lines on the tongue and cheeks. Some of these same autoimmune diseases can also affect the rest of your body, including your skin and eyes, so it’s important to get tested.
black
A black hairy tongue is the result of changes in the composition of bacteria on the tongue and is usually not a cause for concern. Some bacteria consume iron and can appear black on the tongue.
Other colors
Different bacteria can cause different color changes on the tongue. If you notice anything unusual, it is always a good idea to get it checked to make sure there is nothing wrong.
Health problems can be spotted by your dentist by looking in your mouth
Bumps, sores, or sores on the tongue
Tongue ulcers are commonly associated with trauma, such as bites or burns from dentures.
Repeated traumatic irritations, such as denture abrasions, can create a push-like area of scar tissue, which should heal within two weeks.
Lipomas, although not common on the tongue, can also be yellowish. These lumps are loose from the tongue, will move when pressed, and are generally not a cause for concern.
But if you have a hard, sticky sore on your tongue that isn’t healing within two weeks, it’s time to see a dentist or doctor. This is where we start to worry about squamous cell carcinoma, or other oral cancers. Cancer can spread quickly in the tongue because of the number of blood vessels there. So, if the ulcer is not healing or has shrunk, make an appointment to have it checked or biopsied.
Cracks or grooves in the tongue
A cracked or grooved tongue can be caused by genetic factors or it can be something that some people are born with and is not usually cause for concern. Sometimes, we notice changes that can be caused by different types of bacteria on the tongue.
Care of the tongue
Take a look
Get regular checkups. Occasionally, while brushing your teeth, look at the color and feel for any bumps.
brush
When brushing your teeth, be sure to brush the surface of your tongue, but not too vigorously, and try to reach as far back as possible with the toothbrush. Bacteria can build up in the grooves and cause bad breath. Brushing gently for ten to twenty seconds should suffice.
Visit your doctor or dentist.
See your dentist regularly, and if you notice anything that concerns you for two weeks or more, make an appointment with your doctor or dentist immediately.
