Sensations or changes in the tongue's appearance or function can be nerve-wracking because they can affect eating, swallowing, and speech. While some tongue issues may not affect oral health, a few can. For this reason, it is good to consider professional oral care before the situation worsens. Here are 3 signs your tongue could be harming your oral health:
Hairy Tongue
The tongue consists of small bumps called papillae. These bumps wear down every day due to activities such as eating and drinking. However, some factors, such as dehydration, certain medications, poor oral hygiene, and smoking, can prevent this from happening. This makes the tongue appear hairy and can trap bacteria and sticky foods and beverages, leading to bad breath and infections. It can also affect the way food tastes.
Fortunately, you can treat a hairy tongue by improving your oral hygiene practices. This may involve using a tongue scraper or a toothbrush to clean your tongue. In severe cases, a dentist may recommend laser surgery as the last option.
Painful or Swollen Tongue
A painful tongue can make eating or speaking difficult. In most cases, a painful or swollen tongue may result from consuming too hot foods and drinks. Other conditions, such as cancer sores and mouth ulcers, can also cause tongue pain.
White Patches on the Tongue
A white tongue is not a major concern for some people. In most cases, it resolves on its own, but if it lasts long or causes talking and talking problems, you should consider professional oral care. White spots on the tongue can be a sign of oral thrush or cancer. If left untreated, these conditions can be life-threatening.
For instance, tongue cancer can lead to a persistent sore throat, mouth numbness, and tongue bleeding. Do you suspect any of these signs of tongue issues? Contact us, and our professional dentists will identify the cause of the problem and address it to prevent further complications.
Dentist Vancouver, WA • About Thurston Oaks Dental At Thurston Oaks Dental, we have all the amenities to make you feel at home in our office. We look forward to meeting you and serving your dental needs. Thurston Oaks Dental, 4305 NE Thurston Way, Suite A, Vancouver, WA 98662 / (360) 514-9212 / vancouverdds.com / 9/23/2023 / Page Terms:dental office, vancouver wa, dental office vancouver wa, vancouver dental office
Sensations or changes in the tongue's appearance or function can be nerve-wracking because they can affect eating, swallowing, and speech. While some tongue issues may not affect oral health, a few can. For this reason, it is good to consider professional oral care before the situation worsens. Here are 3 signs your tongue could be harming your oral health: