If you’re like most people, you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your tongue. However, when you look at it, it’s probably one of the most important parts of your body. Without it, speaking would be almost impossible and all of those foods you love to eat would have no taste.
The tongue can also be a radar for health problems. Whether it’s a condition related to the tongue or something completely unrelated, here are a few things your tongue might be trying to tell you.
- Poor Oral Hygiene. Been skipping those regular appointments? Or maybe you just don’t brush and floss as you should. Either way, one look at your tongue can give your misdeeds away with issues such as discoloration, pain, white patches or even getting a black, hairy tongue.
- Diabetes. This disease can have a range of symptoms including red or white patches on your tongue due to your body’s inability to produce insulin that regulates blood sugars, pain in your mouth, and heightened tooth sensitivity.
- Vitamin deficiencies. The modern diet is not particularly good at giving us the vitamins and minerals that we need. One sign that your body is not getting the iron or B12 that it needs? A bright pink tongue.
As with anything relating to your health, it’s important to always seek out medical attention if you think something is wrong. When it comes to your tongue in particular, regular cleanings and examinations by your dentist at least twice a year are critical to good oral health.
Give us a call today at 573-243-5200 to set up your next appointment at Jackson Dental.