You probably already know that our tongue plays an important
role in how we detect taste, but there are also other things that it can show.
The state of our tongue can be a big indication of our health condition.
Several factors such as changes in texture, changes in color
or presence of blemishes or sores can be signs that your tongue is trying to
tell you that you might need some help.
Here are some things that your tongue can be telling you and
are pointing to your health:
1.
Textural Changes
Naturally, your tongue shouldn’t be smooth. If you feel that
your tongue is smooth, it may be because of glossitis. This is a condition when
your tongue is inflamed so the papillae on the tongue are lost. The smoothness
generally is caused by deficiencies of B vitamins and iron. Therefore, in this
case you should better take care of your nutrition.
2.
Blemishes and Sores
Canker
Sores:
Canker sores are shallow, tiny ulcers that may appear on the
underside of the tongue and in your mouth. According to some research it seems
that stress may be a reason for their appearance. They are usually harmless,
but they cause problems with chewing your food well.
Bumps:
If you have bumps on your tongue, this could be a sign of an
allergic reaction or infection.
3.
Color Changes:
Changes in your tongue color may be an indication of more or
less serious problems.
White: White
colored tongue is usually telling you that you are dehydrated and that debris
is trapped inside your papillae. You can solve this condition by cleaning and
brushing your tongue regularly. For those who smoke this problem is worse.
Black: Your
tongue may get black color as a result of debris and bacteria building up on
its surface. It is often caused by taking oral antibiotics or an abuse of
tobacco. It can be removed with careful cleaning and brushing.
Red: This
is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12. Also, scarlet fever and Kawasaki
disease have red tongue symptoms.
Brown: This
is one of the rare discoloring effects, and it may be a sign of one form of
skin cancer-melanoma.
Yellow:
Dehydration, smoking, fevers can often result with a yellow tongue. In some
extreme cases, this may be a sign of liver illness.
Your tongue is not only responsible for your taste, but it
can show you some signs that something else is going on in your body. That’s
why you need to take care of your tongue as all the other part of your body.
Whenever you wash your teeth, take a look of your tongue and make sure to
remove all the possible bacteria or sugars that might be stuck between your
papillae.
Source :
Healthy Life Style Zone