What Your Tongue Says About Your Health

Have you ever stuck your tongue out in the mirror just to get a better look at it? If so, keep in mind that your tongue should appear pink and with tiny raised bumps, which are called papillae. If you notice any deviation from this on your tongue, you should let your doctor or dentist in La Porte know right away. It might be nothing, but it might also be a cause for alarm. Let’s take a closer look at what health issues your tongue might reveal.

White Tongue

A white tongue, or white spots on the tongue, could signify oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth. If you have white patches on your tongue that are the consistency of cottage cheese, you might have oral thrush. It’s most common in young children and the elderly, although it could also occur in those with compromised immune systems, like diabetics. It’s also fairly common in patients who have recently taken antibiotics.

Another common white-tongue condition is known as leukoplakia, a condition in which the cells on the tongue grow excessively. This is most often seen in tobacco users, as those products irritate the tongue. It may be a precursor to oral cancer, although sometimes it may resolve on its own. Either way, it’s best to see your dentist.

Red Tongue

A red tongue might be a sign of something relatively harmless, like a deficiency of vitamins like folic acid and vitamin B-12. It might also indicate something more serious, like scarlet fever. If your tongue is red and your body temperature is high, visit your dentist or family doctor, as you need a round of antibiotics to treat scarlet fever.

Black and Hairy Tongue

The papillae on your tongue grow throughout your lifetime, but they grow too long in some people. When this happens, bacteria can more easily accumulate among the papillae, giving the tongue a black and hairy appearance. This condition is typically not serious. Simply improve your oral hygiene regimen and you should be good to go.

Sore or Bumpy Tongue

Painful areas on the tongue could be due to a number of factors. You may have burned your tongue by taking a bite of hot food right out of the oven. You may have irritated the sides of your tongue by grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep. You may have a canker sore, which usually clears up on its own within a week or two. However, sometimes a painful bump on the tongue might be a sign of oral cancer. If you have a lump or sore on your tongue that doesn’t seem to go away, contact your dentist immediately.

Your tongue should be bright, pink, and relatively smooth. If it isn’t, it might only be a minor issue, or it might be indicative of something more serious. The best way to find out if there is any reason to worry is to visit your doctor or dentist.

About the Author

Dr. Daniel Berquist obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Indiana University’s Dental School. He has been practicing at Region Dental in La Porte, IN since 2013, and has loved every minute of it. He thoroughly enjoys being able to connect with patients on a daily basis and develop long-term relationships with them. If your tongue looks abnormal and you want Dr. Berquist to check it out, you can contact him by clicking here or by calling (219) 362-8980.