You know you must brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, but have you considered your tongue health in Bowmanville? The health of your tongue can tell us a great deal about your overall health. Your tongue is an extremely useful muscle, helping you speak clearly, taste, and swallow food comfortably. The condition of your tongue can also indicate symptoms of other problems affecting your general health. Signs to look out for include:
Red Tongue
If your tongue looks red instead of pink, it could indicate you are deficient in certain vitamins like vitamin B12 and folic acid.
White Patches on Your Tongue
If your tongue appears to have white patches that look almost creamy, it could signify a fungal infection. Fungal infections can occur if you have been ill or taking medication that disrupts the balance of bacteria in your mouth. If you have white patches that look lacy, it could be a condition called lichen planus, where your immune system starts attacking the tissues in your mouth. Another condition is called leukoplakia in Courtice and creates hard white areas that cannot be scraped off your tongue. It can be a precursor for oral cancer in Newcastle, so it is a good idea to come and see us here at West Bowmanville Family Dental. Our dentist can examine your tongue and hopefully set your mind at rest.
Hairy Tongue
A tongue that looks hairy doesn’t actually sprout hair as the ‘hair’ is made from proteins that normally create small bumps on the tongue but are formed into longer strands. These longer strands can trap bacteria and food. Usually, a hairy tongue should disappear if you scrape or brush it, but if you have white hairy patches that you cannot scrape off, it could be a condition called oral hairy leukoplakia and can affect people who have certain viruses like Epstein-Barr.
Black Tongue
Sometimes a hairy tongue can also appear to become black. This condition can also occur if you take bismuth, an ingredient sometimes found in antacids. Sometimes this ingredient will stain the tongue black as it becomes mixed with saliva and is entirely harmless and should disappear when you stop taking the medicine.
Burning Tongue
Some people find their tongue feels as if it has been scalded, as if they have eaten or drunk something that is too hot and that they develop a metallic or bitter taste, and it can indicate a condition called burning mouth syndrome. It can also be due to problems with the nerves of your tongue, and certain health conditions like acid reflux, dry mouth, mouth infections and diabetes can also cause a burning tongue. Certain things can trigger this sensation, including eating highly acidic foods like pineapple or using specific brands of mouthwash or toothpaste.
Lumps or Bumps on Your Tongue
The tongue can often develop lumps or ulcers or become injured if you bite it. Certain medications or infections can also result in a sore tongue. However, if you have a lump, a painful tongue, an ulcer or a canker sore in Clarington that fails to heal, please come and see us as soon as possible. Although it is very rare, a painful tongue can indicate cancer, especially if it has lumps or red or white patches.
Keeping Your Tongue Clean
When you brush your teeth, it can be a great idea to brush your tongue very gently with your toothbrush or to use a special tongue scraper that you can buy for just a few dollars. Cleaning your tongue helps remove harmful bacteria so you can maintain good oral health.