Patches, bumps and spots on the tongue can appear because of stress, infectious disease, gastro-intestinal issue, endocrine system issues, aging, medication intake, etc.
Just looking at your tongue, the dentist can detect if the patient is smoker, tobacco chewer, autoimmune deficient or has a benign/malign condition.
Signs and characteristics of your tongue associates with health conditions:
Halitosis (bad breath)
Poor oral hygiene, food debris and dental bacterial plaque accumulate on the teeth and tongue, can cause caries and periodontal diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis that results in bad breath. Other dental related “conditions” are: orthodontic appliances, endodontic, surgical factors, removable dentures and fixed prosthetics.
Medical condition that is associated with halitosis are: diabetes, respiratory system diseases ,gastro intestinal issues , hepatic diseases, hematological diseases, Sjorgen’s Syndrome, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, medication intake such antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretic, and antihypertensive.
Change of color (bright pink , smooth) – Vitamin B12 deficiency
Loss of tongue papillae is associated with loss of taste. 50% of people suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency have smooth shiny tongue.
Change of color ( dark brown) – excessive coffee and tobacco usage, antacid that contains bismuth ( medication used for gastroesophageal acid reflux)
White Patches/Coating – yeast infection called also oral thrush. It is caused by Candida Albicans, a small amount of this bacteria live normally in our mouth, but as soon as it starts to grow uncontrollably it causes trouble. It appears often in infants, toddlers and adults with deficient immune systems. Characteristics for oral thrush are creamy white bumps of cheeks, tongue and tonsils; slight bleeding when the bumps are scraped, bad taste in the mouth, angular cheilitis.
Sore patches – cold/ fever, after accidentally biting your tongue
Severe dry mouth – diabetes, blood pressure medication, diuretics intake, allergy
Unusual growths – Human Papilloma Virus, oncological condition
Your Dubai Palm Dentist advises to check your tongue in the mirror from time to time, also regular dental checkups (every 6 months) with your dental hygienist can reveal or prevent any upcoming tongue findings.
If you would like to get a full dental analysis - Contact our expert team today.
Secondary source educational information gathered by the author.
About ConfiDent ® Palm Dental Clinic.
State-of-the-art restorative and cosmetic dental practice awarded Leading Implant Center in GCC and the Middle East.
Our premium class practice uses sophisticated and precision-engineered German-made technology that helps us to perform all treatments at the highest level.
ConfiDent® Dental Surgery Clinic is located right in the center of the Palm Jumeirah, inside the Golden Mile Galleria Mall, building 8 on the mezzanine floor.