Your tongue can tell you a lot about your oral health. It can tell you about your teeth and gums and, in fact, it can be an indicator of greater problems that may not even be related to your teeth or gums. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for on your tongue and what each symptom could mean. Today, we will discuss the different things that your tongue can tell you about your oral health. We’ll also provide information on how to address any issues that are detected.
One unusual occurrence you may notice on your tongue is a white coating. This can be caused by a number of things, but it is often indicative of a yeast overgrowth. If you have a white coating on your tongue, it’s important to see your dentist or doctor so that they can determine the cause and provide treatment. Another symptom that can be present on your tongue is white patches. These patches can also be caused by a number of things, but it is important to see a dentist to rule out anything serious such as oral cancer.
A tender tongue can be another symptom that you may experience sometimes. This is often indicative of a food allergy or sensitivity. If you have a tender tongue at certain times or after eating certain foods, it’s important to see your dentist or doctor so that they can help you determine what foods are healthy and safe for you to eat and what you should avoid.
An overly red tongue can be a symptom of a folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency. If you have a red tongue and you’re not sure why, it’s important to see your doctor or dentist to determine the cause and get treatment, if necessary. A deficiency in either of these vitamins can cause a number of greater, long term health problems.
Finally, you may also notice a “hairy tongue” feeling. This is usually nothing to worry about and is simply caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. A deep brushing or scraping of your tongue should clear away the overgrowth, however, if you notice that your tongue is significantly “hairy” and your symptoms won’t go away with home treatment, it’s important to see your dentist so they can determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Your tongue can tell you a lot about your overall health. It is a fast healing organ and one of the fastest healing parts of the body so if it has something to tell you, this usually means you should listen. It may not mean the issue is serious but without diagnosis and treatment, it could become serious. If you notice any of these symptoms on your tongue and they persist and/or cause discomfort or pain, it’s important to see your dentist or doctor right away. They will be able to help you determine the cause and provide simple treatment before the issue becomes anything to worry about. Don’t let your oral, or overall, health suffer – care for yourself today.
