Has your doctor ever asked you to stick out your tongue? While assessing your throat, the doctor checks your tongue’s appearance. It can reveal much about your health. You don’t have to wait for a doctor’s visit to maintain your tongue’s health. Cleaning your tongue twice a day can enhance your oral hygiene and improve your breath.
WHAT DOES A HEALTHY TONGUE LOOK LIKE?
Your tongue plays a vital role in eating, speaking, and tasting. It is not a single muscle but a muscular organ made up of eight pairs of muscles. The surface is covered with tiny bumps called papillae, which give it a rough texture.
It’s important to note that these papillae are not the same as taste buds. Out of the 200,000 to 300,000 papillae on your tongue, only about 10,000 contain taste buds. A healthy tongue is generally pink, although shades can vary. A small white coating can be normal, but significant discoloration may indicate health issues.
HOW SHOULD YOU CLEAN?
Cleaning your tongue takes only 10-15 seconds and can easily be added to your brushing routine. You can use a regular toothbrush to scrub your tongue gently. This removes food debris and prevents the build-up of bacteria.
Alternatively, consider using a tongue scraper. These tools, made of metal or plastic, can effectively dislodge bacteria and food particles. Cleaner tongues can also lead to fresher breath, benefiting your social interactions.
WHAT DOES YOUR TONGUE SAY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH?
While cleaning, you may notice changes. Observing these signs is crucial for your health. Here’s what your tongue might reveal.
White Coating
A white coating is one of the most common changes. It can develop if you neglect to brush or scrape. This buildup of food debris and microbes can lead to plaque. Regular cleaning helps prevent chronic infections that may affect other organs.
Yellow Coating
A yellow coating may indicate oral thrush, a fungal infection that causes a raw surface when scrubbed. This condition is more common in older adults on multiple medications or those with diabetes. It can also affect children and young adults after illness. A doctor typically prescribes antifungal medication for treatment.
Black Coating
Smoking or consuming dark foods and drinks can result in a black hairy tongue. This appearance is due to an overgrowth of bacteria, not actual hair. It often indicates poor oral hygiene.
Geographic Tongue
If your tongue has pink patches surrounded by white borders, you may have geographic tongue. This condition is harmless and doesn’t usually need treatment. Its exact cause remains unclear.
A red, sore tongue can signal various issues, including:
- Nutritional deficiencies (folic acid or vitamin B12)
- Diseases (pernicious anemia, Kawasaki disease, scarlet fever)
- Inflammation (glossitis)
- Injury from hot foods or beverages
- Oral ulcers (cold sores, canker sores)
- Burning mouth syndrome
Dryness
Certain medications can cause dry mouth, or xerostomia. Antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and antihistamines are common culprits. Severe dryness can lead to discomfort.
WHAT ABOUT CANCER?
White or red patches on your that can’t be scraped off should be examined by a dental professional. Long-standing or growing patches, as well as painless ulcers, may increase cancer risk. Oral cancers have low survival rates due to late detection and are becoming more common. Regularly checking for color changes, texture variations, sore spots, or ulcers is essential for early detection.
