Is Your Tongue is Healthy? Does it Matter?

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IS YOUR TONGUE HEALTHY?
Does It Matter?
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Your tongue can reveal things about your health.
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A healthy tongue should be pink, pain-free, and
covered in tiny projections called papillae.
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Changes in its color, texture, or sensations
could indicate issues with your oral health along
with other conditions within your body.
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Why Isnt My Tongue Pink?
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Some peoples tongues naturally have lighter or
darker patches. This is normal provided that
yours still fits within the range of pink shades.
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Geographic tongue is a condition that affects
around 1 to 3 of the population. It causes red
patches on the tongue.
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These may have red and gray borders. The
condition is considered harmless, but some people
note that they experience burning sensations.
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Tongues that appear white may have a coating of
debris and bacteria that are causing inflammation
within the papillae.
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This can sometimes be remedied by increasing
your oral hygiene.
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Dental cleanings also help to keep bacteria
levels down in your mouth.
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White patches on your tongue and in other areas
of your mouth could indicate oral thrush.
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Younger children and senior adults are more
likely to develop this condition.
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The infection is easily cleared up with
medication, but it could indicate underlying
diseases such as diabetes.
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A bright red tongue can mean multiple things
about your health. Vitamin B deficiencies present
with this as a symptom.
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Certain illnesses, such as scarlet fever, may
temporarily cause your tongue to turn red.
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Is a Hairy Tongue Bad?
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Healthy papillae on your tongue create a velvety
appearance. They should all be fairly uniform
in height and barely noticeable when you look in
the mirror.
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Occasionally, these papillae enlarge in response
to changes in your body. The hairy papillae may
also appear to be black, brown, or yellowish
shade.
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Hairy tongues may be due to an overgrowth of
bacteria.
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Certain medications, such as an extended round of
antibiotics, can cause the papilla to change
their length.
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People with diabetes or who are undergoing
radiation treatment may develop a hairy tongue.
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Although it may be unsightly, a hairy tongue may
not always be preventable if you need to take
certain medications.
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In other instances, correcting your health issues
can cause your tongue to return to normal.
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People who are missing several teeth may not be
able to chew foods that help the papilla to shed
properly.
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Tooth replacement can return normal functioning
to the mouth that affects the growth process in
the papillae.
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What Does a Sore on Your Tongue Mean?
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Almost everyone has experienced the discomfort of
a sore tongue. Sores from burns and other common
accidents are usually not anything to worry about.
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These should heal within 1 to 2 weeks unless
there is a problem. Sores that do not heal could
be indicative of oral cancer.
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Recurring sores along the side of your tongue can
also clue us in to an issue with nighttime tooth
grinding.
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During dental exams, we take a look at your
tongue. If we notice unusual symptoms, then we
let you know what to do next.
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Take a moment to look at your tongue every now
and then during your oral hygiene routine.
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Many changes in its texture or color are easily
corrected with early care.
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Noble Dental Care is a family-oriented dental
care clinic with dentists that care about you and
your health.
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Give us the opportunity to give you the smile of
your dreams. Call us for an appointment at
[phone].
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