As babies we discover the world with the help of our tongue. Later on it helps us speak, taste and even kiss our loved ones. As important the tongue is, we tend to neglect it and pay far less attention to it than it deserves. Sometimes we need to open wide and take a good look at it, because it can silently indicate health issues.
Red alert
Normally, the tongue is pink. Some sickness however can cause inflammation in the area, causing discoloration to red. The most common cause is the lack of B-12 vitamins, the fuel of red blood cells. It can also indicate scarlet fever, but that is not common theses days. If it`s a child`s tongue that is discolored, the most common cause is Kawasaki-syndrome which means the inflammation of blood vessels.
The sneaking enemy – thrush
Our tongue can get just as dirty as our teeth. That is why we need to make sure to brush the tongue along with the teeth, every single time. However, sometimes it seems we cannot clean it properly. That surely means something is off. If it is white, and red underneath we most probably have oral candidiasis. This fungus can be found in our system in its healthy form, but it can spread and cause issues. It is most common with children, elderly people, overweight people, or those who have weaker immune system. It can be cured with a proper diet, or with medication directly applied on the area.
Yellow card for the tongue
If the discoloration on the tongue is yellow, it means the spread of unwanted bacteria. This can be caused by either bad oral hygiene, or mouth-breathing caused by long-lasting allergies. Whatever the case may be, it can be easily treated by getting rid of the bacteria, restoring the tongue back to its former glory. However, if the discoloration does not go away, we ought to have it checked by a specialist, as according to a recent study it can be an indication for an upcoming stroke.
50 shades of grey
Grey spots on the tongue indicate issues with intestines or the stomach. It comes with a very distinctive bad breath. It can be caused by many things, including stress, bad diet, or exhaustion. A healthy diet, or immune boosting products can help, however full recovery is only possible with a complete change of lifestyle.
Too smooth or jagged
A healthy tongue has a slightly wrinkly surface. If the body lacks different nutriments (iron, B-12 vitamin, folic acid), it can become smooth and highly sensitive. Sometimes its not the entire tongue, only certain spots that has different texture. There is no explanation to why this can happen.
However, when the tongue becomes too jagged, and massive spots appear on it, make sure to show it to a doctor, as it can indicate a tumor. The elongated lines on the tongue however give no reason for distress. These are absolutely normal, and come with age.
It is essential to not only keep good care of our teeth and gums, but also our tongue. Whenever in doubt, make sure to consult a dentist, because there are certain issues we cannot cure ourselves.
