You need to practice regular oral hygiene every single day, period. But did you know that pristine oral health goes beyond merely keeping your teeth brushed and flossed? Your tongue is also important; not only does it assist you with swallowing and digesting your food, but it can also sometimes help you determine if there’s something wrong inside your mouth. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about how to clean your tongue in Spring House along with what it says about your overall oral health.
What Should a Healthy Tongue Look Like?
Generally speaking, a healthy tongue should be pink, though it can vary from a lighter to a darker shade. It will also be covered on the top and bottom with small nodules called papillae. If your tongue begins experiencing changes in either color or texture, it might be a sign of a developing issue—especially if it’s accompanied by discomfort when chewing or swallowing. That said, here are a few tongue abnormalities to watch out for:
- White tongue – One of the most common issues that can affect an otherwise healthy tongue is the development of thick white patches or lines, which can be caused by oral thrush, which is a fungus. It is also sometimes caused by leukoplakia, which is a result of cell overgrowth.
- Red tongue – Red tongue can be the result of vitamin B deficiency, or it’s a symptom of scarlet fever or Kawasaki disease, both of which will require medical treatment. Sometimes it’s caused by a condition called geographic tongue, which is usually harmless.
- Yellow tongue – This is usually due to bacterial overgrowth, often caused by smoking or chewing tobacco. It can also be the result of certain vitamins, psoriasis, or even jaundice in rare cases.
- Black or hairy tongue –This is also caused by bacterial overgrowth and can develop from poor oral hygiene, diabetes, taking antibiotics, or chemotherapy in some cases.
- Bumpy and sore tongue – This can stem from many things including smoking, tongue trauma like accidental burns and bites, or mouth ulcers. It needs to be addressed promptly if you’re experiencing extreme discomfort.
How Can I Keep My Tongue Clean?
Tongue cleaning is an integral part of oral hygiene; while you can use your toothbrush to clean your tongue, you can also opt for using a device called a tongue scraper. These handy little tools are incredibly effective—they’re usually made of plastic or metal and shaped like a “C” or “V”, and they can easily remove unwanted mouth bacteria that causes bad breath, plaque buildup, or other oral health concerns. In addition to utilizing a tongue scraper and brushing regularly, also consider using an antibacterial mouth rinse and eating a nutritious diet.
Keeping your tongue clean will greatly contribute towards your overall oral health, and it’s a relatively easy task to carry out. With a clean tongue, you’re guaranteed fresh breath and a healthy smile that’ll make life much better.
About the Practice
NeoSmile Dental Care proudly serves patients and families in the Spring House area under the leadership of Dr. Krunal Patel and Dr. Poorvi Gandhi. Both doctors have several years of experience and their practice is pleased to offer many available services including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry options. To schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out online or by phone at: (215) 643-5220.
