It is the muscle we use every day to speak, swallow, and taste.
But the tongue can also be an important indicator of our health and give clues about what's going on inside our bodies, experts say.
Different colors, textures, layers, and shapes of the tongue can indicate different health conditions.
And being attentive to this muscular organ can help us detect problems that we would otherwise ignore.
“A healthy tongue is pink in colour and has a slightly rough surface,” says Sarah Ramage, clinical director at Bupa.
"What gives it this texture are the little bumps on the surface, called papillae."
Any change from this condition may indicate a problem or a sign that you need to work harder on your oral health.
So, have you noticed any of these changes?
RED OR WHITE SPOTS
Unusual spots, lumps or marks could be a sign of oral cancer, warns Ms. Ramage.
Red spots may indicate a condition called erythroplakia, while white or gray ones may be leukoplakia, which can lead to cancer if left untreated.
Your dentist will check for these during your regular check-up and, if there are concerns, will refer you to your family doctor or a specialist.
"Oral cancer cases have increased by almost 60 percent in the last decade, so it's important to be aware of any changes," she adds.
WHITE SPOTS (LESIONS)
Creamy white spots or lesions on the tongue may indicate a fungal infection, such as oral candidiasis (thrush).
Although it is usually harmless, if left untreated it can spread to other parts of the mouth, causing a bad taste, pain, or difficulty eating and drinking.
RED, PURPLE OR PALE
Dr. Leslie Anthony, a dentist who manages a clinic in Montana, says:
"A red tongue can indicate heat in the body, such as a fever or hormonal imbalance. A reddish-purple tongue is a sign of some inflammation or infection in the body."
Meanwhile, a pale pink tongue can indicate a vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system, or a lack of energy."
layer
A thick layer indicates intestinal or digestive problems, explains Dr. Anthony.
A yellow coating indicates that there may be an infection in the body, while a gray or black coating may indicate a long-term digestive disorder or a serious health condition.
A thick white layer may indicate poor blood circulation to the limbs or a fungal infection.
FORMA
"If the tongue is swollen with wavy edges or teeth marks, it may indicate malabsorption of nutrients," she adds.
While a very thin tongue can be a sign of dehydration.
"GEOGRAPHICAL" LANGUAGE
A map-like tongue – with normal parts mixed with smooth red areas – occurs when the old surface of the tongue is replaced and the top layer does not fall off properly.
It may leave a red, tender area, like a bruise, but it is usually harmless.
Experts say it's a good idea to look at your tongue in the mirror and notice the colors, texture, bumps, and layering.
It is recommended to watch before brushing your teeth.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR TONGUE
Experts recommend brushing your tongue regularly to avoid the accumulation of bacteria.
Brushing your tongue is easy and can be done with regular toothbrush bristles.
The Colgate website states:
“The tongue collects bacteria and food debris covered by a thin layer of mucus.”
“Remove this odor-causing coating by using a small amount of toothpaste and carefully cleaning the surface of the tongue. Start at the base of the tongue and work your way toward the entrance to the mouth. Clean the entire surface with gentle pressure, then rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.”
For those seeking a deeper clean, a tongue scraper can be used to gently remove the mucosal layer from the tongue.
WHAT IS ORAL CANCER?
Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is when a tumor develops in the inner lining of the mouth.
It can occur on the surface of the tongue, inside the cheeks, on the roof of the mouth (palate), lips, or gums.
Tumors can also develop in the glands that produce saliva, the tonsils at the back of the mouth, and the part of the throat that connects the mouth to the windpipe (pharynx) – although these are rarer.
Symptoms include:
painful wounds that don't heal for weeks
unexplained and persistent lumps in the mouth or neck
loose teeth or holes that do not heal after tooth extraction
numbness or strange sensations in the lips or tongue
white or red patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue – these could be early signs of cancer and should be investigated
speech changes, such as stuttering or lisp
See a doctor or dentist if these symptoms do not go away within three weeks, especially if you drink or smoke frequently. /GazetaExpress/
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