What Your Tongue Says About Your Health

Your tongue allows you to taste a variety of flavors and speak clearly. But did you also know that your tongue can have a bigger role in your overall health? If you suspect there’s something wrong with your tongue, the easiest thing you could do is to stick it out and examine your reflection in the mirror. If it’s healthy, your tongue should be pink in color with small nodules covering it. Visual or textural abnormalities could mean it’s time to call your dentist in Idaho Falls!

Here are some of the more common tongue symptoms that can indicate you have a serious oral health issue.

White Spots or Coating

White spots or a white coating that cover your tongue are often the result of some sort of buildup on the papillae (the small bumps on the surface of your tongue). When debris, dead cells, and other bacteria get lodged between the papillae, it can cause them to swell and become inflamed, creating the whitish appearance of the buildup.

Oral Thrush

This is usually the result of a yeast infection developing inside the mouth. It usually affects the elderly and infants and manifests itself through white patches on the tongue and sometimes on the lips. People with unmanaged diabetes are also at an increased risk of getting oral thrush.

Leukoplakia

This is characterized by accelerated growth of oral cells, which leads to white patches on the mouth and tongue. Even though it is not inherently dangerous, Leukoplakia could be a precursor to cancer, making it important to notify your dentist or primary care physician if you notice this symptom.

Black and Hairy Tongue

The papillae on the tongue are a lot like the hairs of your head in that they will grow throughout your lifetime. There are cases, though, where they overgrow and become excessively long. This can increase bacteria content in the mouth, because bacteria tend to get stuck to the hairs. If this happens, you might notice elongated papillae that are hair-like and appear dark or black. The good news is that this condition is rare and is typically not that serious!

Sore or Bumpy Tongue

Painful sores on the tongue can be an early indicator of much more series health concerns. For example, common causes include:

Trauma

This could happen when you accidentally bite your tongue when chewing or talking. You’re likely to experience a bumpy or sore tongue until it heals completely.

Oral Cancer

If the sore doesn’t go away after two weeks, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The mass could be a sign of oral cancer. It’s worth noting that most oral cancer symptoms are mild during the early stages, and you’re not likely to experience pain right away.

When in Doubt, Visit Your Dentist

Tongue abnormalities can be concerning, and it’s difficult to tell how serious the issue is without closer inspection. If you’re ever unsure about a suspicious symptom, don’t hesitate to visit your dentist in Idaho Falls. Even if the issue ends up being something relatively benign, they’ll be happy to help you secure some peace of mind!

About the Author

Dr. Cline is a highly experienced dentist with advanced training in General Dentistry from ISU in Pocatello. He credits this program with helping him develop a comprehensive, long-term approach to treatment planning. If there’s a strange abnormality on your tongue and you’re not sure what to do, Dr. Cline will carefully inspect the area, review his findings with you, and help you make the best decision for your smile. To contact his office and make an appointment, call 208-487-5987.