Our tongue plays an important part in speaking and eating, but did you know that it sends quiet messages about your general health? Three different colour changes offer subtle clues about overall wellbeing that are worth noticing.
The human tongue is often called the strongest muscle in the body. In fact your tongue consists of eight muscles working together as a versatile tool. Washington Irving once said that the tongue is the only instrument that gets sharper with use. Both wars and romances have begun with words rolling off the tongue, and a healthy tongue helps us taste food, swallow and speak.
Sometimes changes appear on the surface of the tongue that leave you wondering what is going on. While some tongue conditions are marked by discomfort, many changes can go unnoticed without a quick inspection. When you come to our practice for treatment, we check the surfaces of your mouth for changes, including on and around your tongue. We can help you determine which of them reflect concerns that need further examination or monitoring.
A healthy tongue is pink and covered with papillae: small nodules with taste buds at the tip. The average person has about 10,000 of these projections, and they are replaced every two weeks. Many changes alter the papillae, though only a few are serious. Let us look at some colour changes you might notice.
A white tongue
- Leukoplakia. Cells of the tongue sometimes overgrow and produce a white film or patch, especially in areas that are irritated. Tobacco is a known irritant, as are poorly fitting dentures. Leukoplakia is not dangerous, but in some cases it can lead to cancer. It should be investigated.
- Thrush. Oral thrush or candidiasis is a yeast infection that can lead to excessive, thick white patches. Babies and older patients sometimes get thrush, a condition that can also thrive under dentures. People with diabetes, immunocompromised patients or those taking antibiotics can develop candidiasis. We can help if you are dealing with thrush.
- Lichen planus. This condition has an unclear cause but is characterised by raised white lines on the tongue that interlace. Sometimes avoiding certain foods or improving your home care can return the situation to normal.
A red tongue
- Vitamin deficiencies. The tongue can take on a general reddish appearance if you are short of B12 or folate.
- Scarlet fever. If you have a high temperature and a red tongue, you need to see a doctor immediately; antibiotics are required.
- Geographic tongue. If you notice red patches with meandering edges resembling a map, you may have this condition. While it is benign, certain ointments can be prescribed if it causes discomfort.
A black hairy tongue
Remember the papillae mentioned earlier? Sometimes they overgrow and become a haven for bacteria and stains. Patients undergoing chemotherapy, people with diabetes and those on antibiotics can also struggle with a black hairy tongue. It does not look pleasant and can contribute to bad breath, but it rarely indicates a serious problem. Usually the problem can be resolved with better oral hygiene and tongue cleaning, and our team can help you find an individual strategy for dealing with it.
Your tongue often reflects messages about your general state of health and deserves regular inspection. While cancerous changes are rare, it is important that discoloured or irregular areas are checked. If you notice any of these changes, do arrange an examination with us. When you see us for your regular check-ups, we help you monitor your teeth, gums, tongue and oral lining for optimal health.
