In discussions about oral health, the teeth and gums are usually the primary focus. But your tongue is also an important part of how well your mouth functions and feels. What can it tell your dentist about your oral health? And how can you clean your tongue in a way that keeps it as fresh and healthy as possible? Read on below to learn the answers.
Conditions that Can Affect the Tongue
The texture and appearance of your tongue can say a lot about whether it is healthy. Here is an overview of some common indications that all is not well with this part of your smile:
- A white tongue. It is fairly common for people to find thick, white patches on their tongue. This might indicate oral thrush, an infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus.
- A red tongue. A red tongue may point to vitamin B deficiencies. It can also be indicative of Kawasaki disease, a serious condition that typically affects young children.
- Yellow tongue. A yellow tongue is usually the result of bacterial overgrowth. It is also common to see this in individuals who smoke.
- A black and hairy tongue. This is another possible result of bacterial overgrowth. It may result from poor oral hygiene.
In contrast to the above, a normal, healthy tongue should be pink in appearance. (The shade of pink can vary from person to person). It should also have tiny bumps known as papillae.
Cleaning Your Tongue
Regularly cleaning your tongue can do much to keep it healthy. One simple way to clean your tongue is with your toothbrush. After you finish brushing your teeth, spit out the extra toothpaste. Then, stick your tongue out and place your brush near its back. Brush forward and backward along your tongue. This should be done as often as you brush your teeth.
An even more effective way to clean your tongue is with a small instrument called a tongue scraper, which you can buy at most pharmacies, or right here at Brookside Dental Care, for a very reasonable price. Here is how to use one:
- Stick out your tongue as far as you can.
- Place the scraper at the back of your tongue, and then move it forward, applying gentle pressure as you go.
- Rinse the tongue scraper before running it over your tongue again, changing its position as necessary so you cover as much surface area as possible.
If you have questions about how to clean your tongue, ask your dental hygienist at your next preventive cleaning and checkup. They will be happy to provide personalized guidance!
A clean and healthy tongue is part of a happy, functional smile! Caring well for this little organ takes just a few minutes each day.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Bryan Griffith and Alex Hartgrove work together to provide a wide range of general dentistry services to the Prestonsburg community. If you have questions or concerns about the health of your tongue, they and our team would be pleased to assist you. Contact Brookside Dental Care at 606-874-9311.