Identify Common Tongue Problems

Identify Common Tongue ProblemsYou may have recently looked in the mirror and discovered your tongue is discolored. Your tongue, which allows you to taste food, swallow, and talk, should be pink, covered with small nodules called papillae.

White Tongue

A white tongue can be caused by a few things.

  • Leukoplakia is a condition that causes excess growth of cells, which leads to white patches forming inside your mouth. Leukoplakia can be a precursor to cancer, and can be found in people who use tobacco.
  • Candidiasis, or oral thrush, is a yeast infection of the mouth. The infection will cause white patches to develop on the tongue and surfaces of the mouth. It is frequent in denture wearers.
  • Oral Lichen Planus causes white lines on your tongue that are lace-like in appearance. This typically heals on its own. Practicing proper hygiene will help alleviate this.

Red Tongue

This may be more difficult to spot, but you may have noticed that your tongue has turned very red. This will also be evident by the fact that your taste buds are enlarged and red as well. This can be caused by the following:

  • Vitamin deficiencies, especially deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B-12.
  • Benign Migratory Glossitis, or geographic tongue, is when a map-like pattern of reddish spots develops on your tongue. They may be accompanied by a white border. They are typically harmless, but you should consult your dentist if they last longer than two weeks.
  • Scarlet fever is an infection that can lead to the development of strawberry tongue. If your red tongue is accompanied by a high fever, you should contact your dentist or doctor as soon as possible.

Black Tongue

A black, hairy tongue sounds more disgusting that it really is. A black tongue is typically nothing serious. The papillae on your tongue are constantly growing, but typically wear down through daily activities such as eating. However, in some people, the papillae grow excessively long, where they then harbor bacteria. The bacteria are typically black in appearance, giving way to a black tongue that appears to be hairy. It is recommended that those with a black tongue practice good hygiene to remove bacteria from their mouths.

Bumpy Tongue

The bumps on your tongue may also be sore. There are a few things that can lead to the developments of bumps.

  • Accidently biting your tongue
  • Burning your tongue
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth
  • Smoking excessively
  • Canker sores, or ulcers of the tongue.