WHAT DOES YOUR TONGUE HAVE TO SAY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH?

Edited by, SNEHA MAVIS

Have you ever wondered why a doctor examines a patient's tongue during a clinical exam? It's because different tongue colours can reveal health and disease severity, making it easier to access their condition.

WHITE TONGUE:

The white coating or patches could be a sign of a major health problem or a hygiene problem, such as 

• Oral candidiasis

• Oral thrush and other yeast diseases are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. Candida albicans is present in your mouth at all times and is totally harmless. If your immune system is working properly, the symbiotic bacteria in your body keep candida albicans under control. The fungus can spread out of control if your immune system is weakened or bacterial growth is hindered, leaving your tongue white or patchy.

LEUKOPLAKIA:

Leukoplakia is a condition that affects the mucosal tissues of the mouth, causing thick, white or greyish patches to form. A mild case of leukoplakia is not serious and resolves on its own, but advanced cases can be an indicator of oral cancer or serious infection.

ORAL LICHEN PLANUS:

Oral lichen planus is caused by an immune reaction that affects the mucosal membrane of the mouth. The illness is characterized by swollen tissues, white spots, and open sores.

RED TONGUE:

A Red tongue can indicate a nutrient deficiency or oral disorders such as Vitamin B-12 deficiency:

Folic acid or vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause the tongue to turn red. As a result, the individual must absolutely increase vitamin intake by following a nutritious diet.

BENIGN MIGRATORY GLOSSITIS:

It is a harmless and non contagious condition that causes map-like patterns on the tongue. This illness can be a significant indication of a number of allergies, malnutrition, diabetes or stress. 

SCARLET FEVER:

A bacterial infection that causes the tongue to appear red and lumpy. To emphasize, untreated scarlet fever can develop to more serious disorders involving the heart, kidneys and other organs.

KAWASAKI DISEASE:

A common ailment in infants and children causes the tongue to turn red, along with accompanying symptoms such as high temperature and inflammation of blood vessels.

BLACK TONGUE:

The papillae on the tongue muscle's epithelium are known to grow throughout one's life. However, an unusually long growth of such hairy projections can make the tongue more susceptible to germs, causing it to turn black. As a result, good and regular oral hygiene is advised to avoid such situations. Diabetics and cancer patients receiving chemotherapy may also have a black tongue.