The tongue can be rightly regarded as the mirror of your systemic health. It serves as a great diagnostic tool in a variety of conditions.


NORMAL


Pink, muscular, without cracking/discoloration & has a thin clear coating.


DISEASE


Some conditions involving tongue


White  – anemia (reduced hemoglobin), lichen planus, diabetes, fungal infection etc.


Black  –  hairy leukoplakia, viral infection (HIV), fungal infection etc.


Red  – vitamin deficiency, viral & bacterial infection, cancer etc.


Swollen  – allergy, a side-effect of medication, cancer etc.


TONGUE MYTHS


A common myth seen is regarding tongue scrapers. People often feel that scrapping can alter taste sensation – FALSE!


Scrapping does not alter the taste. In fact, the coating harbors a plethora of bacteria – whose removal is paramount in oral hygiene maintenance.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?


It can provide early indications about many systemic diseases.


If you notice the following alterations, see your Doctor at the earliest-


    

  •  shape/size
    • 

  •  color/texture
    • 

  •  coatings
    • 

  •  ulcer/pain/burning
    • 

  •  altered taste.
    • 

Dr.Manthan Desai MDS


Smiles Dental Clinic-Centre For Advanced Dentistry, Mumbai.


 Read more WHAT DOES YOUR TONGUE SAY ABOUT YOU ?


                
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