If you are having any kind of strange problems with your tongue, you need to be sure that you understand the most common ailments of this muscle, and their symptoms. Though often hailed as "the strongest muscle in the body," the tongue is actually made up of a group of muscles that allow us to taste food, swallow, and talk.
A healthy tongue is pink and covered with small nodules called papillae. Because you use your tongue constantly, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable when you experience problems, including discoloration and soreness.
There are a variety of causes for a number of common symptoms. Fortunately, the majority of problems are not serious and most can be resolved quickly.
In some instances, however, a discolored or painful tongue can indicate more serious conditions, including vitamin deficiencies, AIDS, or oral cancer. For this reason, it is important to seek medical advice if you experience any ongoing problems.
There are a number of things that can cause a whitish coating or white spots to develop, including the following. Leukoplakia causes cells in the mouth to grow excessively.
That, in turn, leads to the formation of white patches inside the mouth. Although not dangerous on its own, leukoplakia can be a precursor to cancer.
Therefore, it is important for your dentist to determine the cause of the white patches. Leukoplakia can develop when your mouth has been irritated and is often found in people who use tobacco products.
Also known as candidiasis, oral thrush is a yeast infection that develops inside the mouth. The condition results in the formation of white patches that are often cottage cheese-like in consistency on the surfaces of the mouth and muscle.
Oral thrush is most commonly seen in infants and the elderly, especially denture wearers, or in people with compromised immune systems. People with diabetes and people taking inhaled steroids for asthma or lung disease also can get thrush.
Oral thrush is more likely to occur after the use of antibiotics, which may kill the "good" bacteria in the mouth. Eating plain yogurt with live and active cultures may help restore the proper fauna in your mouth.
Additionally, medications may be used to combat the infection. If you have a network of raised white lines orally that have a lace-like appearance, you may be suffering from oral lichen planus.
Doctors are often unable to determine the cause of this condition, which often resolves on its own. Practicing proper dental hygiene, avoiding tobacco, and limiting your consumption of foods that cause irritation to your mouth may helpful.
The next issue is "strawberry" or red tongue. There are multiple factors that can cause a normally pink muscle to turn red.
In some instances, it may even take on the appearance of a strawberry with enlarged, red taste buds dotting the surface. Possible causes include a vitamin deficiency.
Deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B-12 may cause it to take on a reddish appearance. Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, is named for the map-like pattern of reddish spots that develop on the surface.
At times, these patches have a white border around them, and their location may shift over time. Though usually harmless, you should check with your doctor to investigate red patches that last longer than two weeks.
Once your doctor has determined that the redness is a result, no further treatment is necessary. If the condition makes you sore or uncomfortable, you may be prescribed topical medications to alleviate discomfort.
People suffering from this streptococcal infection, or scarlet fever, may develop a strawberry disorder. Be sure to contact a doctor immediately if you have a high fever and reddish colored mouth.
Antibiotic treatment is necessary for scarlet fever. Next, though incredibly disconcerting in appearance, a black, hairy-feeling mouth is typically nothing serious.
The small bumps on the surface, called papillae, grow throughout your lifetime. In some people, the papillae become excessively long, rather than being worn down by daily activities.
That makes them more likely to harbor bacteria. When these bacteria grow, they may look dark or black and the overgrown papillae appear hair-like.
This condition is not particularly common and is most likely to occur in people who do not practice good dental hygiene. People who are on antibiotics or receiving chemotherapy and people with diabetes may be more likely to have this uncomfortable problem.
If you have any of these symptoms, be sure that you seek medical help right away. You need to make sure that these issues will not lead to something more serious.
Author Resource:-
Terry Daniels has worked in Dentistry for 10 years. He has many recommendations of where to look for a cosmetic dentist in Fort Lauderdale.
Contact Info:
Terry Daniels
TerryDaniels09@gmail.com
http://www.confidentsmiledesigns.com
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