What your Tongue is Telling you about your Oral Health

Your mouth needs a regular shower just like your body does. Oral hygiene is a huge component to your overall health, but it’s one of those things that many people overlook. While showering regularly has become a ritual that you don’t even have to think about because you know you have to in order to maintain proper hygiene, it doesn’t take much to forget about daily brushing of your pearlie whites. But it’s just as important as anything else! So, open your mouth and say “ah”. Your tongue can say a lot about your oral health.

White Patches

If your tongue has white patches, it’s not necessarily an indicator of poor oral health. However, it can be linked to an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. So, start by using your Pearlie White toothpaste twice daily and brushing your tongue every day for a week or two. If the white patches are still there, this could be a result of poor oral hygiene, which has turned into an overgrowth of candida (yeast). The good news is that this can often be cured with twice-daily brushing and an anti-fungal mouth rinse.

Coated White Tongue

A coated white tongue can be similar to the prior in the sense that it could be nothing to worry about. Often times, your tongue may become coated in white as a result of dehydration. More importantly, it could be the result of poor oral hygiene and/or an overgrowth of candida. So use your Pearlie White toothpaste and mouthwash twice daily, and remember to brush your tongue!

Striped Tongue

If your tongue appears to have stripes on it, this could be a sign of oral lichen planus, which is a medical term used to describe your immune system fighting off the cells in your mouth. A striped tongue isn’t confirmation that this is the case, but it is a possibility, especially if you’re also experiencing dry mouth. It can be a very serious condition if ignored, and has been linked to gum disease, gum breakdown and other oral health concerns. If you’re experiencing pain, visit your dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, just enhance your oral hygiene with Pearlie White toothpaste, mouthwash and floss, and monitor your symptoms. If they continue or worsen, speak with your dentist.

Red and Swollen Tongue

A red tongue isn’t all that unheard of, especially if it's accompanied with a sore throat. However, these tongue symptoms can also be a sign of scarlet fever. If you have an intensely high fever, it’s time to take a trip to your family doctor. Otherwise, a red and swollen tongue could be the result of vitamin deficiency. So, start taking your vitamins and be consistent with regular brushing.

Ridges on the Tongue

Not all tongues look the same, and some of them may have ridges or indentations. This is often harmless and simply the result of how your teeth press against your tongue, typically while you sleep.

However, ridges on your tongue can be a symptom of fissured tongue, which is something you’re born with. Again, it’s normal and nothing to worry about. Just stick with your daily oral health routine and don’t forget to brush your tongue!

In Summary

Tongues can tell you a lot about your oral hygiene and overall health. So stick your tongue out and say “Ahh” and discover if you need to simply enhance your daily brushing, rinsing and flossing or if you need to take a trip to the doctor.

Your tongue knows best, and Pearlie White has all the oral care products you need to treat common tongue concerns. If you know someone concerned about their tongue’s appearance, share this article with them and help them stay on top of their oral hygiene.