What your tongue says about you, according to science

It is the muscle we use every day to speak, swallow and taste.

But our tongue can also be an important indicator of our health and give indications about what is going on in our body, experts say.

Different colors, textures, coatings and shapes of the tongue can indicate different circumstances.

And keeping track of the muscular body can help us detect problems that we would otherwise not be aware of.

“A healthy tongue is pink in color with a slightly rough surface,” said Sarah Ramage, clinical director at Bupa.

“What it gives this texture are the little bumps on top, Papillae.”

Each shift from this can indicate a problem or a sign that you must work on your oral health.

So have you noticed one of these changes?

Red or white patches

Abnormal -looking stains, nodules or stains can be a sign of mouth cancer, Mrs. Ramage warned.

Red patches can be a condition of a condition called Erytroplakia and white or gray spots leukoplakia, which can lead to cancer if they are not treated.

Your dentist will look forward to this when you go a check, she said, and referral to a doctor or specialist if they are worried.

“The speed of mouth cancer has risen by almost 60 percent in the last decade, so it is important to be aware of any changes,” she added.

White spots (lesions)

Creamy white spots or lesions on the tongue can indicate a fungal infection, such as oral thrush.

Although it is usually harmless, it can spread to other parts of your mouth if it stays untreated, causing an unpleasant taste or pain or difficulty causing and drinking.

Creamy white spots or lesions on the tongue can indicate a fungal infection, such as oral thrush

Red, purple or pale

Dr. Leslie Anthony is a dentist who runs her own practice in Montana.

“A red tongue can indicate heat in the body as a fever or a hormonal imbalance,” she said. ‘A reddish purple tongue is a sign that there can be an inflammation or an infection in the body.

“In the meantime, a light pink tongue can be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system or a lack of energy.”

Coating

A thick coating reflects poor intestinal health or digestive problems, Dr. Anthony out.

A yellowish coating indicates that there can be an infection in the body, while a gray or blackish coating suggests a long -term digestive disorder or that ‘something can be very wrong with the health of your body’.

And a thick white coating means that there can be a bad blood circulation to the limbs or possibly a fungal infection.

A yellowish coating (left) can indicate an infection in the body. In the meantime, light pink tongue (right) can suggest a vitamin deficiency or a weak immune system

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“If the tongue is swollen with scalloped edges or input teeth, this may indicate malabsorption of nutrients,” she added.

In the meantime, a very thin tongue can be a sign of dehydration.

A flat ‘geographical’ tongue

A card-like pattern on the surface of the tongue with normal spots and smooth red spots occurs when the ‘old’ surface of the tongue replaces itself and the upper layer does not come out well.

It can leave a red, painful area like a scratch, but is normally harmless.

The experts said it is a good habit to look at the young tongue in the mirror and to notice the colors, textures, bumps and coating.

It is best to inspect your tongue before brushing your teeth, they added.

A card -like pattern on the surface of the tongue occurs when the ‘old’ surface of the tongue replaces itself and the top layer does not work out well

If the tongue is swollen with scalloped edges or input teeth markings, this may indicate malabsorption of nutrients, the experts warned

How to clean your tongue

Experts recommend brushing your tongue regularly to prevent bacteria structure.

Tongue brush is simple enough to do using the brush hairs of your toothbrush.

“The tongue houses bacteria and food waste caught under a thin layer of mucus,” Colgate’s Website reads.

‘Remove this odour-causing structure by using a little bit of toothpaste and brushing the top of the tongue carefully.

‘Start by reaching to the back of the tongue and then work ahead to the opening of the mouth. Brush the entire top surface of the tongue with soft pressure and then rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water. ‘

For those who want a more thorough cleaning, a tongue scraper gently peels the thin mucus -based debris of the tongue.