Reasons why you should ‘watch’ your tongue
Stick out your tongue and look in
the mirror for clues about problems in your mouth. The tongue of a healthy
person should be pink and covered in tiny nodules (papillae). Any change in the
appearance of your tongue, as well as any pain, should be taken seriously.
Daniel Allan, MD, a family physician, explains why you should be
on the lookout for changes that a doctor or dentist should evaluate.
If you have a white coating or spots on your tongue,
A white tongue, or white spots on your tongue, could be an indication
of:
Oral thrush - is a yeast infection that begins in the mouth and
spreads throughout the body. It appears as white patches with a consistency
similar to cottage cheese. "Oral thrush is most common in infants and the
elderly, particularly denture wearers, or in people with weakened immune
systems," Dr. Allan says. "It can affect people with diabetes as well
as those who take inhaled steroids for asthma or lung disease." Oral
steroids can also cause thrush. Oral thrush is also more likely to occur after
you've taken antibiotics."
Leukoplakia - is a condition in which the mouth's cells grow too
quickly, resulting in white patches on the tongue and inside the mouth.
"When the tongue is irritated, leukoplakia can develop," says Dr.
Allan. "People who use tobacco products are more likely to have it."
Leukoplakia can signify cancer, although it isn't necessarily dangerous.
Contact your dentist for an evaluation if you suspect you have
leukoplakia."
Oral lichen planus – a network of raised white lines on your tongue
that looks similar to lace. "We don't always know what causes this
condition," Dr. Allan explains, "but it usually goes away on its
own."
If your tongue is red
A red tongue could be a sign of:
Vitamin deficiency – "Deficiencies in folic acid and vitamin
B-12 may cause your tongue to appear reddish," explains Dr. Allan. These
levels can be determined with a simple blood test.
Geographic tongue - is a condition in which the surface of your
tongue develops a map-like pattern of reddish patches. "These patches may
have a white border around them," Dr. Allan adds, "and their location
on your tongue may shift over time." "In most cases, geographic
tongue is harmless."
Scarlet fever - is an infection that causes a strawberry-like (red
and bumpy) appearance to the tongue. "If you have a high fever and a red
tongue, you need to see your family doctor," Dr. Allan says.
"Antibiotics are necessary to treat scarlet fever."
Kawasaki disease - is a condition that causes a strawberry-like look
on the tongue. It is seen in children under the age of 5 and is accompanied by
a high fever. "Kawasaki disease is a life-threatening condition that
requires immediate hospital treatment," Dr. Allan explains.
If your tongue is black and hairy
The papillae on your tongue, like hair, grow throughout your life.
However, they can develop excessively long in some people, making them more
likely to contain bacteria.
"When these bacteria grow, they may look dark or black, and
the overgrown papillae can appear hair-like," Dr. Allan says. "Fortunately,
this condition is not common and is typically not serious. It's most likely to
occur in people who don't practice good dental hygiene."
He says people with diabetes, taking antibiotics, or receiving
chemotherapy may also develop a black hairy tongue.
If your tongue is sore or bumpy
Painful bumps on your tongue can be due to:
Trauma - According to Dr. Allan, "accidentally biting your
tongue or scalding it on something hot out of the oven can cause a sore tongue
until the damage heals." Also, "Grinding or clenching your teeth can
irritate and irritate the sides of your tongue, making it painful."
Smoking – Smoking irritates your tongue, which can cause soreness.
Canker Sores - Mouth ulcers are canker sores. "Canker sores on the tongue
affect many people at some point," Dr. Allan explains. "The exact
cause is unknown however stress is thought to be a significant factor."
Canker sores usually heal in a week or two without treatment.
Oral cancer – According to Dr. Allan, "a lump or sore on your
tongue that doesn't go away in two weeks could be an indication of oral
cancer." "Remember that many oral cancers are pain-free in the early
stages, so don't assume that a lack of pain means it's all fine."
Watch your tongue!
According to Dr. Allan, everyone should check their tongue every day when brushing their teeth and tongue. "Any discoloration, lumps, sores, or pain that does not go away within two weeks should be monitored and evaluated by a medical professional," he says.