Your tongue is made of Muscles. It is essential for chewing and swallowing food. Your tongue helps keep your airway open so you can breathe properly, too. Bumps, patches, and spots in your tongue can be harmless. But sometimes, they can give clues to what’s going on with your overall health. Infections, stress, medication issues, and even aging can make their marks on your tongue. A healthy tongue is typically pink, though the shades of light and dark can vary. If your tongue is discolored, it could indicate a health problem.  

Here are health issues that your tongue could be indicating.

1. Red tongue

A red tongue could indicate dehydration and excess heat in the body, which increases the risk of dry mouth and mouth ulcers.

2. White Patches

Creamy white spots may indicate thrush, a fungal infection that can occur after an illness or taking certain medications.

3. Smooth Tongue

A smooth tongue can indicate a lack of important Nutrients like iron, folic acid, or B vitamins, or maybe a result of infections

4. Burning Sensation

If you experience a burning or stinging sensation on your tongue, it could be due to toothpaste or hormonal changes.

5. Black Patches

A black and hairy tongue may not be a serious health issue, but it can be a sign of bacterial growth, leading to potential infections, bad breath, and changes in taste. Smoking, excessive consumption of black tea or coffee, poor oral hygiene, and continuous antibiotic use are some common causes.

6. Sore and Bumpy

Have a doctor diagnose any new soreness or bumps on the tongue. Soreness and bumps may be even more concerning if you’re also experiencing pain.

How can I maintain a healthy tongue?

To keep your tongue healthy, practice good oral hygiene. When you brush and floss your teeth, don’t forget to clean your tongue, too. Quitting smoking, drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet can also help keep your tongue healthy. You should also visit your dentist for routine cleanings and examinations.

How should I clean my tongue?

Cleaning your tongue reduces harmful bacteria in your mouth that can lead to bad breath and plaque build up.  The best way to clean your tongue is to brush it. To do this, use your toothbrush to brush your tongue up and down and side to side. Then, rinse your mouth out with water. You can also clean your tongue with a tongue scraper, which can be found in most pharmacies. Your tongue is as unique as you are. Just like your fingerprint, there’s no other quite like it. Taking good care of your tongue keeps it healthy and reduces the risk of harmful oral bacteria and keeps you healthy overall. 

Tags

• tongue issues
• tongue colour and health

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