Tongue is one of the vital sensory organs which plays an important role from eating to speaking. It provides a nidus for food debris, bacteria, and contaminants. When tongue is not cleaned properly, it can cause bad breath, tooth decay or an oral lesion. There seems to be a direct relation between your tongue and oral health.
A healthy tongue is pink in color and has nodules on it called papillae. Any deviation from normal appearance of it or pain could be a matter of concern.
Let’s look into a few common and not so common oral health issues, related to your tongue!
Colours of your Tongue and Oral Health
Open your mouth and look at your tongue. That may sound strange, but your tongue can tell a lot about your oral health. For example, a black and hairy looking tongue can signal poor oral hygiene, or diabetes. If your tongue is bright red like a strawberry, it could signal a deficiency in folic acid, vitamin B12, or iron.
A red tongue may indicate heat in the body like a fever or a hormonal imbalance. A reddish purple tongue is a sign that there may be inflammation or an infection in the body somewhere. A pale pink tongue may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system or a lack of energy.
White coating on Tongue:
Oral Thrush or Candidiasis: Its caused by a yeast called Candida Albicans. White layer over the tongue resembles a cottage cheese. Most commonly seen in infants, denture wearers and people with weak immunity. This seen in patients with diabetes, or who are under steroid treatment. Long term antibiotic use may cause Oral Thrush in few patients.
Leukoplakia: In this condition there a white patch on tongue that cannot be scrapped-off. It may be a pre-cancerous lesion. Advanced forms may develop red patches which are a matter of clinical concern. This may lead to bad breath.
Oral-hairy Leukoplakia: It presents as corrugated hairy white lesion on sides of the tongue caused by Epstein Virus, commonly seen in HIV positive patients with weaker immunity.
Oral Lichen Planus: It presents as interlacing network of raised white lines on it. Clinically, not of much significance and should be kept under observation only.
Red colour is associated with burning mouth in oral health:
Vitamin Deficiency: Folic acid and Vit B12 deficiency cause red lesions on it. Screening by blood test will help determine their levels. This may lead to bad breath.
Geographic tongue’s: It is an inflammatory disorder. The affected tongue presents a bald, reddish area that surrounded by an irregular white border. The appearance results from loss of papilla.
- Scarlet Fever: It is an infection of the tongue which gives a strawberry like appearance, caused by bacteria known as Streptococus pyogens. Antibiotics are helpful in treating the infection.
- Kawasaki Disease: It is seen in children under the age of 5 years. It is a condition in which the tongue presents with a strawberry like appearance.
- Hypothyroidism: Enlarged tongue with indentation on the lateral surface is indicative of a thyroid gland dysfunction.
Causes: Stress, psychological factors, habits, allergies, diabetes, hormonal disturbances.
- Ulcerations: Ulcers are a common concern due to a tongue bite. An ulcer should heal within 2 weeks. If any ulcer stays longer than 2 weeks, then a further investigation is necessary. Watch the video to know more about oral ulcers.
- Tongue Piercing: More common in certain cultures. It leads to greater wear and tear of the natural tooth. There is a higher chance of tooth breakage.
Dentist sees relation between Tongue and oral health
- Your dentist will look for any abnormalities within the mouth or symptoms that could possibly lead to oral cancer. For cancer prevention, your dentist will check your lips, head, neck, and mouth tissues.
- Upon a closer examination of the tongue, your dentist will check the size and texture of the tongue to ensure a healthy mouth.
- Your dentist may always check each and every one of your visible teeth during a dental check-up.
- Your dentist would also take a close look at your tonsils and throat for any signs of infection or swelling.
Tongue is one of the vital sensory organs which plays an important role from eating to speaking. Tongue and oral health is very important.