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 ?