Do you remember the time when you were a child, may be just one of your kids, explored the world with their tongue?
Our tongue play a pivotal role in our ability to taste and swallow food. A tongue can also be a barometer about your oral health but also your overall health and a good indicator that follow up is needed. Your tongue can many times tell you when something in your body is off. Following are a few things –

A tongue with white coating

Ever seemed like your tongue was covered with white substance? This could be oral thrush, a yeast overgrowth that occurs inside the oral cavity. Of course it could just be whitish from not brushing your tongue every time you brush your teeth. If the white brushes away you are good to go.

A tongue with white patches

Lichen Planus is an inflammatory condition of mucous membranes. It forms lacy, white patches sometimes with painful sores. It usually goes away on its own. If symptoms are bothersome, topical creams and antihistamines may help.

Ever heard of leukoplakia?

It’s a precancerous condition in which white and gray patch shows up on your tongue, inside of your cheeks, on the floor of your mouth. It is a reaction to irritation of skin of the mouth. A common irritant ,such as smoking or tobacco use can lead to one or more white patches or spots.

A tongue too red

It is more commonly sign of vitamin deficiency such as B 12 or folic acid. It is easy to add vitamin supplements to your normal routine to make sure your body is receiving all the necessary nutrients.

Is your tongue sore or sensitive?

If your tongue is a bit sensitive in one spot or all over, this could mean you could be developing a canker sore or having a food allergy.

Hairy tongue

A temporary condition in which the tongue appears dark and furry. Black hairy tongue is harmless condition. It’s caused by a build up of dead skin cells on tiny projections that contain taste buds. Brushing properly and maintaining good oral hygiene will resolve the condition.