The mouth and tongue are important parts of the body, and certain tongue issues can indicate underlying health problems. In this section, we have gathered some diseases that the tongue may reveal about the body's health.
Open your mouth and take a look at your tongue. It might seem strange, but your tongue can reveal a lot about your health. For example, a black and hairy tongue might indicate poor oral hygiene or diabetes.
So, after you shower, wipe the mirror, open your mouth, and examine your tongue. You might be surprised by what you find. Your tongue can be a reflection of several diseases, appearing in various forms, from white spots to red bumps.
Whitening of the Tongue (Presence of White Spots)
White, creamy spots on the tongue may indicate a fungal infection. These spots can also appear during recovery from some illnesses, after taking medications, or due to an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth. They could also be a sign of a condition called lichen planus, an autoimmune disease. The range of causes for these spots is wide, and they could even be symptoms of tongue cancer. It's best to consult with your doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms on your tongue.
Strawberry-Colored Tongue
A bright, red tongue could be a sign of a vitamin deficiency. Specifically, it might indicate a deficiency in iron or vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 and iron are essential for the proper development of the papillae or taste buds on the tongue (small bumps on the surface of the tongue). If you are deficient in these nutrients, you may lose your taste buds, causing the tongue to appear smooth and shiny. In severe cases, the loss of taste buds can cause pain when consuming hot liquids or spicy foods. Vegetarians are particularly sensitive to vitamin B12 deficiency, as this vitamin is mainly found in meats. If you notice your tongue turning strawberry red and you are a vegetarian, ask your doctor to prescribe a vitamin supplement.
Tongue with Brown or Black Papillae
This appearance of the tongue may indicate poor oral hygiene. A tongue covered with dark papillae might look unpleasant, but doctors say there's no need to worry excessively. The papillae on the tongue grow throughout life, and typically chewing and drinking prevent them from growing excessively. However, sometimes these papillae grow too much and serve as a breeding ground for bacteria or change color due to the effects of food. This can lead to bad breath or taste abnormalities. A coated tongue is commonly seen in individuals who smoke, drink coffee or black tea, or have poor oral hygiene. Addressing the underlying cause and brushing the tongue or using a tongue cleaner may be all that's needed.
Burning Sensation
A burning sensation may occur after menopause or due to the use of an unsuitable toothpaste. If you feel a burning sensation on your tongue, as if it’s blistered, but there are no visible signs on the tongue, hormonal changes may be the cause. Although the symptoms of burning tongue can occur in anyone (up to 15% of people experience it), women are seven times more likely than men to develop it. In some people, the cause of the burning sensation is unclear, and in some, it persists, while in others, it resolves on its own.
Irregularities on the Surface of the Tongue
These irregularities, commonly referred to as "geographic tongue," do not cause any problems. This harmless condition is seen in 1 to 14 percent of individuals. Although the exact cause of this condition is not known, it may be related to the taste buds. Taste buds may occasionally atrophy by chance. These taste buds may also regenerate. As a result, some areas of the tongue may appear recessed, while others become raised. Geographic tongue generally does not require treatment or further investigation, but if it becomes painful, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory corticosteroid ointments or antihistamine mouthwashes for treatment.
Painful Sores
Painful sores, often caused by stress, can occur on the tongue or inside the cheeks. These areas are raised and tender and typically hurt the most in the first 4-5 days and disappear within two weeks. The exact cause of mouth ulcers isn't clear, but viruses may play a role in their development. People experiencing stress or sadness are more likely to develop these sores. The good news is that they are not contagious to others. However, make sure you don't have a cold sore, which is caused by a very contagious virus and usually appears on the lips.
Completely Flat Tongue
Normally, small bumps (taste buds) cover the tongue’s surface, but due to the loss of these bumps from certain disorders, the tongue appears completely flat, red, and shiny. In some cases, only parts of the tongue are flat, and other areas appear raised, which is known as a geographic tongue. This condition can be caused by deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, folic acid, or vitamin B. Certain infections, celiac disease, or psoriasis can also cause this condition.
Cracked Surface of the Tongue
Another issue with the tongue is the presence of grooves on it. These grooves can be linked to conditions like Down syndrome, psoriasis, or Sjögren's syndrome. They may also appear due to aging. Traditional medicine suggests that these grooves result from excessive heat and improper liver function. It's important to note that these grooves can promote bacterial activity in the mouth, increasing the likelihood of oral infections. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene and brushing your tongue regularly is essential.
Cracked Tongue
Some types of disorders in the tongue can indicate mouth cancer. Sores that do not heal, lumps, pain in the tongue, and difficulty chewing or swallowing food are all symptoms that should be carefully examined to ensure that they do not indicate the presence of cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further progression.
Macroglossia
Macroglossia, or an enlarged tongue, occurs when the tongue is larger than the rest of the mouth. This condition can be congenital or may result from hypothyroidism, infection, or allergies.
Tongue Coated in White and Cheesy Appearance
This disorder may occur due to infection, especially a fungal infection like Candida. It can also be caused by certain types of viruses.
Red Tip of the Tongue
A red tip on the tongue may indicate heart problems. In this case, a red tip without any signs of disease could suggest emotional disturbance.
Tongue Diseases
Tongue diseases cause changes in the appearance of the tongue, which can be an indication of underlying health issues. Therefore, these changes can be considered as clues about your overall health. Infections, stress, side effects from medications, and even aging can manifest symptoms on your tongue. By recognizing the signs above, you can more easily identify the source of these changes.
