Is Your Tongue Connected to Your Oral Health?

Did you know your teeth and gums aren’t the only indicators of your current oral health? Your tongue can also shed light on potential issues that might be brewing in your mouth. Your family dentist in Waterbury pays careful attention to your tongue during routine examinations to look for anything concerning. With quick detection, your dentist will restore your dental health for a beautiful smile.

Oral Health and Your Tongue

You may not think much about your tongue until you bite it while chewing, but it is influential in your daily life. Without it, speaking and eating as you know it would be nearly impossible. To ensure it stays healthy for a lifetime, it’s important to monitor it for certain, such as:

White Coating or Spots

A white coating or white spots on your tongue may not appear alarming at first, but they are red flags for potentially serious issues, including:

• Leukoplakia: Results from an abnormal growth of cells in the mouth.
• Oral Thrush: A yeast infection that looks like cottage cheese. It’s common in denture wearers, infants, and people who have diabetes.
• Oral Lichen Planus: Raised, lace-like lines that usually subside on their own.

Red Tongue

Believe it or not, there is such a thing as your tongue being too red. A healthy tongue is pink and covered in small nodules. If it’s darker than it should be, it can be a symptom of:

• Vitamin Deficiency: Low folic acid or vitamin B-12 can make your tongue darken.
• Geographic Tongue: A map-like pattern of reddish spots develop on the tongue, which can shift over time, but they are generally harmless.
• Scarlet Fever: The infection can make the tongue red and bumpy as you experience a high fever. You’ll need antibiotics to treat it.
• Kawasaki Disease: This serious condition occurs in children under 5 and requires immediate medical care.

Black and Hairy

Your tongue has tiny papillae that continue to grow throughout your life. If bacteria aren’t removed from the tongue, it can make them look black and hairy. Most often, it isn’t serious, and it can be treated quickly by improving your dental hygiene.

Sores or Bumps

It’s normal for an accident or trauma to cause a sore or bump on your tongue; however, if there isn’t any cause for painful lumps, there could be an underlying cause, like:

• Irritation from smoking.
• Canker sores.
• Oral cancer.

Keep Your Tongue Healthy

Just as your teeth and gums need daily care, so does your tongue. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your tongue in a circular motion when you brush your teeth. If you notice a change to it, don’t wait to see your dentist.

About Waterbury Smiles

Dr. Marini and Dr. Mancini focus on your oral health as a whole. They do more than just care for your teeth and gums. They also monitor your tongue to detect any concerning areas sooner. If something doesn’t seem right with your tongue, contact our office today for an appointment.