Contrary to what many believe, good oral hygiene doesn’t end with brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing occasionally. Most people are unaware that tongue hygiene also plays a big role in oral health.
But what does a healthy tongue look like? And what can you do to keep your tongue healthy?
Here at The Chicago Dental Studio, we empower you to make the best dental decisions possible. Together with the help of our team, we’ve created an upscale dental studio where you can come to have all your dental needs met. Our studio’s focus is modern, upscale dental care, where you can feel pampered and relaxed knowing that you are receiving the most progressive care possible.
Continue reading to learn more about how a healthy tongue should look, or get in touch with The Chicago Dental Studio to schedule a consultation today.
What Does a Healthy Tongue Look Like?
A healthy tongue is typically pink in color and covered with papillae (tiny bumps) which contain your taste buds and assist with chewing food.
Indications of an unhealthy tongue include different coloration besides pink, spots or patches (such as white, brown, or black spots), open sores, etc. These symptoms can indicate diseases such as oral thrush, cancer, vitamin deficiency, scarlet fever, and more.
What Your Tongue Says About Overall Health
Your tongue says a lot about your overall dental health.
Peculiarities in tongue color, texture, etc. can let you know that you need to see a dentist or your general doctor. Not only is dental health affected by tongue health, but your overall health as well. Poor tongue health can be a sign of diseases such as cancer, Kawasaki disease, or scarlet fever, which all pose a serious risk to your entire health.
If you have noticed changes in the appearance of your tongue, seek out medical attention immediately or consult your Chicago Dentist.
What Does a Healthy Tongue Look Like Underneath?
The underside of the tongue also has papillae on it and is often pink in color (though usually slightly different from the shade of pink the surface of your tongue is). On top of this, you may also notice dark veins on the underside of your tongue. This is perfectly normal and isn’t cause for concern.
If you notice that the underside of your tongue has soreness or bumps that are not papillae, this could be a sign of canker sores or another issue and is best discussed with a dentist or doctor.
Healthy Tongue Practices
Here are five things that you should be doing regularly in order to maintain tongue health:
- Brush Your Tongue Regularly. You should brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth to maintain fresh breath and good oral hygiene.
- Use a Tongue Scraper to Eliminate Bacteria. Tongue scraping is an effective way to rid your mouth of nasty bacteria that can cause bad breath and damage your oral health.
- Prioritize Hydration. Drinking lots of water is important for your overall health as well as your tongue health, as it can help wash away food particles and bacteria. Most health professionals recommend drinking about 2.5 liters of water per day for adult women and 3.5 liters per day for men.
- Monitor your Tongue Color and Appearance. Monitoring the appearance of your tongue will ensure that you catch any changes and can seek out a dentist or doctor if needed.
- Visit your Dentist Regularly. Making regular dental trips ensures that your oral and tongue health is in good condition so that you don’t let any issues go untreated for long periods.
FAQs About Tongue Health
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding tongue health and appearance. If you still have concerns about the health of your tongue, speak with your dentist or general care practitioner immediately.
Can You Tell if Someone Is Healthy by Their Tongue?
While your tongue can tell doctors and dentists a lot about your overall health, the tongue alone cannot provide sufficient information for medical professionals to make a conclusive call about your complete health.
What Color Is a Normal Tongue?
Healthy tongues are usually varying shades of pink, with visible bumps called papillae dotting the surface. Tongues that are red, yellow, white, or dark all indicate an issue and require medical attention.
Contact The Chicago Dental Studio Today
Whether you are looking for cosmetic dentistry, dental cleaning, or another top-notch dental service, get in touch with The Chicago Dental Studio today.
Here at The Chicago Dental Studio, our dental professionals are eager to help you improve your oral and tongue health through our progressive dentistry services.
Contact our studio today to schedule a consultation with one of our upscale dentists.
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