What Does it Mean When Your Tongue is

February 26, 2019, 3V Dental Associates

If you’re like me, you probably take your tongue’s color for granted. We have an image of what a tongue should look like, but what happens when your tongue’s color or texture is no longer in-line with what you THINK it should be? There are actually many health conditions that can affect the look and feel of your tongue. So if you tongue is not a healthy looking pink, say “ahhhh” in the mirror and take some notes. You may be able to spot an illness or medical condition based on what you see in the mirror! At 3V Dental we take dental and oral health care very serious. If you have any questions about your oral or tongue’s health, contact us today to schedule an appointment at our local Port Washington, NY dental office, where everyone is a friend!

What Does It Mean When Your Tongue Is White?

If you can’t remove the white coating from your tongue with frequent brushing of your teeth or by rinsing your mouth, then the papillae on the tongue are likely contaminated with bacteria. This bacterial overgrowth is a buildup that occurs between the papillae of your tongue, and it is often difficult to remove. To remove this debris, you should use an antibacterial mouthwash and a tongue scraper several times a day.

What Does It Mean When Your Tongue Is Black?

When you notice a black hairy growth on your tongue, it is likely caused by yeast or bacteria on your tongue. The papillae on your tongue can become contaminated and irritated, causing the taste buds to lengthen and grow rather than shedding from the tongue’s surface. It is important to take medication for this condition so that the bacteria and yeast don’t infect your mouth’s gum tissue or alveolar bones. If you notice that your tongue is black, contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation.

What Does It Mean When Your Tongue Is Red?

You can develop a red tongue from eating or drinking certain types of foods or beverages, but this condition can also occur from chronic inflammation inside your mouth or throat. The antibiotic treatment to cure strep throat can also make your tongue’s surface turn red. If you have white patches on top of an inflamed tongue, then you probably have oral thrush. To eliminate a yeast infection, you will need specialized medication to destroy the fungus.

What Does It Mean When Your Tongue Is Bumpy?

If you have a bumpy tongue, then something is irritating your mouth, causing an allergic reaction. Alternatively, you may have burned your tongue with a hot beverage or a spicy food, and the papillae on the tongue’s surface can swell and become tender. In most cases, the bumps will disappear within a few days, but occasionally, bumps on the tongue can indicate that you have cancer inside your mouth. However, before thinking the worst, contact our Port Washington office today to speak with an oral care consultant.

What Does It Mean When Your Tongue Is Coated?

A coated tongue will have a pale surface from an overgrowth of bacteria or because the papillae on the surface of your tongue are inflamed. You might have a coating on your tongue when you have a severe sore throat that is frequently caused by streptococcal bacteria. This coating on your tongue causes a foul and distinctive odor that is repellent. You will probably have a bad taste in your mouth when you have a coated tongue.

What Does It Mean When Your Tongue Is Fuzzy?

When your tongue feels fuzzy, you may want to visit a dentist for a professional teeth-cleaning procedure. The debris that collects on your tongue is made from dead skin cells, bacteria and food particles, and if your tongue has fuzziness, then it indicates that you aren’t brushing and flossing enough. Not only should you have your teeth cleaned to remove the bacteria, but also, you need to buy a plastic tongue scraper to keep your tongue cleaner.

What Does It Mean When Your Tongue Is Wrinkled?

During your examination for gum disease or cavities, a dentist can determine if you have a scrotal-type of tongue condition that causes deep fissures that makes it look wrinkly. Seeing a wrinkled tongue is one of the signs of having a serious infection in the mouth or body. It is also a symptom of having severe malnutrition that can affect the health of your alveolar bones, gum tissue or teeth. In most cases, this tongue condition is painless in the beginning, but it indicates that you must improve your daily diet to boost your immune system.

Have questions or concerns about your tongue health? Contact your local dentist today to schedule an appointment and get answers to those pesky questions. There are common health issues that can be more serious. According to the American Dental Association, sexually transmitted diseases are very common, and should be addressed.

Comments