As kids, we used our tongues to explore the world, says the top dentist in Salt Lake.
Don't chuckle! Remember the first time you licked a vanilla ice cream with chocolate coating on top? Heavenly, wasn’t it?
And what about that time you were leisurely writing on your study desk with a chalk and suddenly wondered what it tasted like. After staring at it for a second or two, you actually licked it and threw up!
Much to our mother's dismay, we licked everything we saw and stuck it out at our siblings and parents just to see what they would do in return.
But the tongue isn't just a random part of the body. It's an important part of how we taste and swallow food. And, believe it or not, your tongue can also tell your dentist about the health of your mouth and body as a whole. In fact, what your tongue can tell you about your health might surprise you, says the expert of the dental clinic in Salt Lake.
What your tongue says about your health?
The tongue has a white coating
The right color for your tongue is a pretty shade of pink. Oral thrush is a yeast overgrowth that happens inside the mouth. If parts of your tongue look like they are covered with a white substance, this could be a sign of it. Of course, your tongue could also be white because you don't clean it every time you brush your teeth, but if you see the signs of an oral thrush, do consult your dentist.
Tongue with White Spots
Leukoplakia is a disease that can happen when the tongue is irritated, especially if someone smokes or chews tobacco. It can be a sign of oral cancer. If you see white spots on your tongue, you should make an appointment with your dentist to be safe and rule out oral cancer.
Too Red of a Tongue
A very red tongue can signify Kawasaki disease, but it is much more likely to be caused by a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B-12. Having a vitamin supplement with your doctor’s advice could be the solution, says the cosmetic dentist in Newtown.
Tender, Sore Tongue
If your tongue is too sensitive in one spot or all over, it could be because of a canker sore that is starting to form or a food allergy. Don't worry about it unless it sticks around for a while. If it does, then it is time to get a professional opinion from the dentist.
Tongue with Hair
Yes, it sounds strange and gross, but protein buildup can sometimes cause small bumps on your tongue to get longer and trap food. This makes it look like your tongue has strands of hair. Most of the time, a good brushing or scraping of the tongue will fix it, but if that doesn't work, you should go to the dentist.
Your dentist is the first person you should see if you have any oral health problems, big or small. So, when you go to the dentist, stick out your tongue and get ready for a full oral checkup, says the top dentist in Salt Lake. You never know what your tongue might say about how healthy you are!
0 Comments