Before we learned that there was more to our tongues, probably through a first kiss or by trying exotic foods, we explored so much with them as children. We licked everything in sight and even used them to try to upset our siblings and parents by sticking it out at them.
Well, the tongue is not just a random body part that you should take for granted. Besides helping you taste and swallow food, the condition of it can provide valuable clues to your dentist about your oral health and even your overall health. There are various health things a Stittsville dental clinic can tell from your tongue.
Your tongue can have any of the following conditions:
- It can be tender and sore
- Have white coating
- It can be overly red
- Have irregular red and bumpy patches
- Can be hairy
- Can have white patches
Here is what each of these tongue conditions could be telling about your health:
Tender and sore
You could have a food allergy or infection if you have an overly sensitive tongue. This sensitivity can be in one spot or all over. In most cases, the sensitivity goes away with time. You should, however, seek help from a professional dentist if the sensitivity doesn’t go away.
White coating
The colour is naturally a pretty shade of pink. However, sometimes you realize that your tongue is coated with a white substance. This white coating is called thrush and is usually caused by an overgrowth of yeast inside the oral cavity. It may also result from not brushing your tongue, in which case you only need to brush it away.
Overly red
An overly red tongue is usually linked with a deficiency of vitamins such as folic acid or B-12. It can also be a symptom of Kawasaki disease. You may only need vitamin supplements to treat it.
Irregular red and bumpy patches
You might suffer from high fever if you have irregular red and bumpy patches.
Hairy tongue
Protein builds up on your tongue may lead to the development and elongation of bumps. When the elongated bumps trap food particles, they look like strands of hair. Brushing or scraping your tongue should be able to take care of this condition. You should, however, see a dentist if this doesn’t help.
White patches
Your tongue can develop white patches if it has been irritated. This condition is called leukoplakia and may result from smoking. It could help if you stopped using tobacco. However, in order to rule out oral cancer, book an appointment with a dentist if you see white patches.
Get help from our Stittsville dentist!
If you notice something weird on your tongue, a dentist will help you protect yourself against severe and mild oral health issues. If you are worried about your condition, please contact our Stittsville dental clinic, Mulkins Main Dental, for a comprehensive checkup. You may never know what health issues your tongue condition might be indicating.
About Us
At Manotick Main Dental, our dentists are skilled professionals dedicated to creating beautiful smiles. We believe that everyone should have the confidence to show off their best smile. We believe in the powerful synergy of education and healthcare, where we provide not only top-notch dental services but also empower our patients with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their oral health. Our dental practice is more than just a clinic; it’s a community-focused hub in Perth.
Our Commitment
At Manotick Main Dental, our mission is clear: to ensure that every client, every member of the family, achieves their best smile possible. We’re committed to providing top-notch dental care that goes beyond just the basics. In our Perth dental clinic, we believe in forging strong partnerships with each individual and the local community to deliver high-quality dental services that promote excellent dental health.