What Your Tongue Can Tell You About Your Health

How often do you think about the tongue? This fleshy, muscular organ enables us to taste, lick, swallow, and speak clearly. Yet, we take it for granted. Kids explore their surroundings by licking! They also stick out their tongues to show distaste or to get a reaction. Teens and young adults learn even more about what their tongues can do through kissing and expanding their palates.

So, our tongues are an essential body part. It not only allows us to swallow and taste the food, but it also provides vital information. In fact, Dr. Stropes can uncover clues about your dental health and overall well-being.

Oral Thrush on Tongue

A healthy tongue is pinkish. Therefore, if you have a white layer on any part of it, you could have thrush. Oral thrush occurs when there’s an overgrowth of yeast inside the mouth. But the white coating could also develop if you don’t brush your tongue. If you can brush away the layer, you don’t have a yeast issue.

White Patches on Tongue

If you use tobacco products, you may be susceptible to leukoplakia. This condition consists of white patches that form on the tongue due to irritation. If you notice leukoplakia, call Indian Creek Family Dentistry. Schedule a dental exam so Dr. Stropes can rule out oral cancer.

Excessively Red Tongue

A bright red tongue can result from a vitamin deficiency, such as B-12 or folic acid. But it could also be Kawasaki disease. This condition is the result of inflammation in specific blood vessels in the body.

Bumpy Red Patches

Do you have a rough tongue? Is the surface covered with a map of odd bumpy red patches? If so, you might have a high fever!

Sore Tongue that is Tender to the Touch

If one area or your entire tongue is extremely sensitive, you may be getting a canker sore.  If not, you could be responding to a food allergy. Don’t be too concerned if the problems go away after a while. But if it lingers, contact Indian Creek Family Dentistry.

Indian Creek Family Dentistry in Trafalgar, IN

Your Trafalgar, IN Dentist will detect, diagnose, and treat both severe and benign oral health issues. So keep up with regularly scheduled visits and brush your tongue every day!