A healthy tongue can indicate that the condition of the body is also in good health. So, it is quite important for us to always pay attention to the condition of the tongue and also maintain its cleanliness and health.
The tongue is a sense of taste that functions to support various body activities, such as tasting, swallowing, and speaking. A healthy tongue is generally characterized by a pink surface and visible nodules or it is also known as papillae.
Changes in the Tongue and their Causes
One of the symptoms of an unhealthy tongue is a significant change in the color of the tongue from its normal color, which is pink. Other symptoms that may also occur are pain when eating, drinking, swallowing, and the presence of lumps or abnormal formations on the tongue.
1. White-spotted or completely white tongue
White patches on the tongue are one of the most common problems that can affect a healthy tongue. The following are some of the causes of white-spotted tongue:
- Oral yeast infection
Fungal infections of the mouth usually take the form of: candidiasis This condition appears as white patches that feel sore and is more easily experienced by people with weak immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, infants, and the elderly, especially those who wear dentures.
In addition, people who take antibiotics, diabetic patients, or patients with heart disease and asthma who use inhaled corticosteroids are also more susceptible to this fungal infection.
- Oral lichen planus
Oral lichen planus is a white line on the surface of the tongue that looks like lace. The cause is not always known with certainty, but usually this condition will go away on its own.
- Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a white patch that can be found on the tongue or the inside of the mouth due to the growth of excessive cells. Leukoplakia usually occurs because the tongue is often irritated or exposed to irritants, such as in smokers. This condition needs to be watched out for because it can be the beginning of tongue cancer.
2. Tongue is red
A healthy tongue is usually pink in color. However, a bright red or even purplish tongue can signal the presence of an illness. The following are some of the conditions that can cause the tongue to appear red or purplish-red:
- Geographic tongue
On geographic tongue, the surface of the tongue is covered with reddish blotches bordered by white edges, so that it looks like an island on a map. This condition is usually harmless and the position of the red patches may change over time.
- Vitamin B deficiency
Deficiency of B vitamins can cause the tongue to become red, especially in vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies. However, if the needs of B vitamins are met, the tongue will return to its normal color.
So, try to multiply the consumption of foods that contain vitamin B12 and folic acid. Vitamin B12 is found in many processed seafood, such as shellfish, crab, sardines, salmon, and tuna. In addition, also increase the consumption of plant food products, such as seaweed, mushrooms, and tempeh.
- Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever or scarlet fever is an infection and high fever with symptoms of a red tongue like a strawberry, as well as a rash on the body and sore throat. This condition is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is a dangerous disease in toddlers which is characterized by a high fever which is also accompanied by symptoms of a red tongue like a strawberry. This condition can also increase the risk of complications in the heart if not treated immediately.
3. The tongue is yellow
A yellow tongue is usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. However, there are also several other conditions that can cause the tongue to turn yellow, namely smoking, taking certain vitamins, psoriasis, or jaundice.
4. The tongue is black and hairy
Although it looks scary, this tongue condition is actually not something dangerous. In some people, the nodules of the tongue grow too long, making it easy for bacteria to grow and causing the tongue to darken and appear hairy. This condition can also occur in people who are undergoing chemotherapy, taking antibiotics, and in people who do not maintain good oral hygiene.
5. Tongue protrusion orpainful
Tongue protrusion or pain can be caused by several things, including:
- Smoking, because it can cause irritation and pain in the tongue.
- Thrush, which can get worse if stress levels increase or during menstruation.
- Injuries, such as from eating food that is too hot or when you accidentally bite your tongue.
- Certain chronic diseases, such as oral cancer, diabetes, and anemia.
How to keep your tongue healthy
Although it looks flat, actually the surface of the tongue has cracks and differences in height, so it can be a place for bacteria to hide and breed. Bacteria that accumulate on the tongue certainly have the potential to cause many diseases, especially if it is accompanied by an unhealthy lifestyle.
There are several ways that can be done so that tongue health can be maintained, including:
- Brush your teeth 2 times a day or after every meal every day.
- Brush the tongue from with the toothbrush from front to back, then left to right, but not too hard.
- Gargle with clean water after every time you brush your teeth and tongue.
- Gargle with antiseptic liquid when you can't brush your teeth after eating, for example after lunch.
- Avoid smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Limit consumption of foods that are too hot, sour, and spicy.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
A healthy tongue is one of the keys to a quality life, because with a healthy tongue you can move productively and confidently. So, don't forget to brush your teeth and clean your tongue regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition, check your dental and oral health to the dentist at least every 6 months.
If you experience discoloration, pain, swelling, or even a change in the shape of your tongue, especially those that last up to 2 weeks, visit your dentist immediately for proper examination. The sooner your complaint is checked, the sooner you can get the appropriate treatment.