What The Tongue Says About Your Health
The tongue is like a mirror: you can look at it to see if you have any health problems. Don’t ignore this little organ; it can tell you all kinds of things about your health thanks to its color. Today we want to tell you what each color can mean.
1. Strawberry red
If you look at your tongue and see that it is a strawberry red color, it could mean that you are deficient in certain vitamins. Is it slightly shiny? Then this means that your diet lacks iron and vitamin B12.
In addition, if you notice that it is “thinner” than usual, it could be because your taste buds are slippery.
In severe cases, you may feel sharp pain when you consume hot drinks or spicy food. If this is the case, we recommend that you see your doctor and discuss your diet.
2. Brown
If you notice that you have some sort of brown or black plaque on the tongue, it could indicate that you have poor oral hygiene. It can also show that you are a smoker or a tea or coffee drinker.
You may also notice that you have bad breath from your mouth and experience a change in taste. You may also have difficulty recognizing flavors.
Try to limit these bad habits, not only for your tongue, but also for your health.
Brush your teeth daily and also your tongue!
3. Wittig
If you have a very light colored tongue, or see a coating that looks like cottage cheese, this could be a sign of a yeast infection (candida).
This type of plaque appears when there is a high production of the candida albicans. This infection can be caused by long-term use of antibiotics, diabetes, a poor immune system, or high blood pressure.
In any case, it is best to go to the doctor.
4. Folds in the Tongue
If you notice that you have folds or wrinkles in your tongue, it could be a sign of aging.
These folds are not painful. However, if you have poor oral hygiene, the risk of infection rises. A fungal infection can develop in the fold and can cause significant pain.
To solve this problem, it is best to follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment.
5. Small white dots
If you see small white dots on your tongue, you need to be very careful and observant. This could be a sign of something serious.
These dots are normally caused by excessive cell division in people who smoke.
Some of these cells may be cancerous, but this is not very likely. If they don’t go away after a few weeks, you should go to the doctor and have them examined.
6. Blisters and red dots
If you have blisters and sores that last for a long time, it could be a symptom of a serious illness, such as tongue cancer.
If this is the case, see a doctor immediately. He or she will conduct the appropriate investigations.
7. Burning Tongue
A burning sensation in your tongue can be caused by major hormonal changes. This often occurs during menopause.
Another cause could be that you are using the wrong toothpaste. Some people are allergic to the Sodium Laureth Sulfate component. This is the ingredient that makes the toothpaste foamy.
If you think you may be allergic to this, try a different toothpaste and see if the problem goes away.
8. Painful Sores
If you suffer from painful sores on the tongue, it could be caused by stomatitis.
This condition occurs mainly in children, but it also affects 20% of adults.
Ulcers are signs of stress and a weakened immune system. If they persist for more than a week, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
9. Small Holes or Irregularities
This is not very common, but it does exist. These are rare quirks, but not dangerous.
If they don’t hurt, don’t worry about this. The tongue is just a little different from the rest!