It's no surprise that so much of what you read about oral health is on teeth and gums. However, there is more to your mouth! The tongue is one of the most vital organs in the body, yet most of us have no idea how it functions or what it can do. This article will describe your mouth's most dexterous organ and its vital role in your dental health.
What Is My Tongue Size?
Unless you are Gene Simmons of KISS, your tongue is probably 3 inches long. The tongue is measured from the cartilage flap at the rear of the mouth to the tip. Men's tongues are, on average, 2/10ths of an inch longer than women. Adrianne Lewis possesses the world's longest tongue, measuring four inches.
What Are Taste Buds?
Taste buds are tiny sensory organs that allow us to detect food flavor. Not everyone has the same taste, and some can detect flavors; others cannot. On the other hand, some people can taste food but not the chemical that makes it bitter. Contrary to popular perception, the texture of your tongue does not contain taste buds.
Tastebuds Are not Just on Your Tongue.
When you think about taste, your tongue usually comes to mind. There are taste buds in your nose, sinuses, and even deep in your neck up to the esophagus. Our children have even more on their cheeks and lips. Food taste is determined by the combined impression of all of our taste buds.
Your Tongue Has No “Zones”
Contrary to popular perception, your tongue does not have distinct flavor zones. Your entire tongue is capable of experiencing all sorts of flavor, with the outside of your tongue being more sensitive to taste than the middle. This misconception is only held in the back of our throats, where our tongues are more sensitive to bitter flavors.
There you go! More on the tongue, your mouth's most vital organ. Brushing your tongue is crucial because bacteria that cause plaque and decay can live there. More importantly, brushing your tongue helps you fight halitosis. Need more info? Make an appointment today!
Thurston Oaks Dental, 4305 NE Thurston Way, Suite A, Vancouver, WA 98662 - (360) 514-9212 - vancouverdds.com - 10/4/2024 - Associated Words: dentist Vancouver WA -
It's no surprise that so much of what you read about oral health is on teeth and gums. However, there is more to your mouth! The tongue is one of the most vital organs in the body, yet most of us have no idea how it functions or what it can do. This article will describe your mouth's most dexterous organ and its vital role in your dental health.