Post

When you stick out your tongue while you’re looking in the mirror, do you see a healthy, pink tongue covered with small nodules called papillae? If your tongue doesn’t look normal or you’re experiencing any pain, you may have to book an appointment with a trusted dentist in Pembroke Pines.   

Things Your Tongue Tells You About Your Health

White Spots on Your Tongue

If you have a white tongue with white spots that look like cottage cheese on it, you may be dealing with oral thrush. This condition refers to a yeast infection that occurs inside the mouth. Infants, the elderly, denture wearers, diabetics, immunocompromised individuals, or those who take inhaled steroids for lung disease or asthma can get oral thrush. 

White patches on the tongue can also indicate leukoplakia. This condition typically develops when the tongue is irritated. Although this condition isn’t dangerous by itself, it can be a precursor to oral cancer.  

Moreover, raised white lines on the tongue that look like lace signify oral lichen planus. While the cause of this condition remains unknown, it typically resolves on its own. 

Red Tongue

Deficiencies in folic acid and vitamin B-12 can cause your tongue to turn red. If a map-like pattern of red spots with white borders appears on the surface of your tongue, you may have a harmless condition called a geographic tongue.  

A red and bumpy tongue is also an indication of an infection called scarlet fever. Children under the age of five who have a high fever and a tongue with a strawberry-like appearance may be suffering from a condition called Kawasaki disease. 

Black and Hairy Tongue

When the papillae on your tongue grow excessively long, they can make your tongue appear black and hairy. Although this condition is rare, it usually doesn’t indicate a serious medical condition. This condition usually affects people who don’t practice good dental hygiene, take antibiotics, receive chemotherapy, or have diabetes. 

Do You Need to See a Dentist in Pembroke Pines?

At Village Square Dental, we want you to have the best possible experience when you visit the dentist. Contact us to schedule an appointment!