What do doctors look for when they look at your tongue?

Whether you're suffering from digestive symptoms, stress or challenges with fertility, features on your tongue can offer clues to help identify the root cause of conditions throughout your body.

What can a doctor tell from looking at a tongue?

Open your mouth and look at your tongue. That may sound strange, but your tongue can tell a lot about your health. For example, a black and hairy looking tongue can signal poor oral hygiene, or diabetes. If your tongue is bright red like a strawberry, it could signal a deficiency in folic acid, vitamin B12, or iron.

What health issues can you tell by your tongue?

A pink tongue is healthy and normal. A red tongue may indicate heat in the body like a fever or a hormonal imbalance. A reddish purple tongue is a sign that there may be inflammation or an infection in the body. A pale pink tongue may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system or a lack of energy.

What does an abnormal tongue look like?

An unhealthy tongue. If your tongue is a different colour than pink, or has large patches of white, brown, black, or another colour, this might indicate a specific health issue. Similarly, if you have large bumps or no bumps at all, you may also want to speak to a doctor.

What does a cancerous tongue look like?

The symptoms of tongue cancer might include: a red or white patch on the tongue that won't go away. a sore throat that doesn't go away. a sore spot (ulcer) or lump on the tongue that doesn't go away.

Operation Ouch - Tongue | Science Lessons for Kids

Why do doctors look at your tongue?

Whether you're suffering from digestive symptoms, stress or challenges with fertility, features on your tongue can offer clues to help identify the root cause of conditions throughout your body.

What does an infection on the tongue look like?

If the tongue pales and develops white patches, this may result from a fungal infection, such as oral thrush. Oral thrush can be painful and cause thick, white or red patches to form on the tongue. A person may have trouble swallowing or eating.

What your tongue says about your liver?

Tongue thickness measured by ultrasonography, correlates significantly with the severity of liver disease, as assessed by CTP and MELD scores. The patients with a CTP score ≥ 10 have significantly reduced tongue thickness as compared to normal individuals and those with less severe liver disease and CTP scores of 5-9.

How serious is a tongue biopsy?

A tongue biopsy is a minor surgery that is done to remove a small piece of the tongue. The tissue is then examined under a microscope. Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils. A surgeon will remove a section of the unusual area of skin on the tongue to analyze.

How do you know if you have a bacterial infection on your tongue?

Signs of Extreme Tongue Bacteria

If your tongue develops white patches, it's usually a sign that something is wrong with your oral hygiene. White patches are a collection of bacteria and dead cells that get stuck on enlarged papillae.

What infection affects the tongue?

Common Bacterial and Viral Mouth Infections

White Tongue – A condition where the lingual papillae on the tongue swell up and trap bacteria and food debris. Oral Thrush – A fungal infection affecting the tongue and throat. Coxsackie Virus – Most common in children, this mouth virus can cause painful blisters.

What color is bacteria on tongue?

Most of the time, a yellow tongue indicates an overgrowth of bacteria. This is usually due to poor oral hygiene. You can also develop a yellow tongue color if you: Smoke.

What does a dehydrated tongue look like?

When someone is dehydrated, the tongue appears dry and typically has a white or white-to-yellowish coating. In some cases, the tongue can appear patchy or splotchy. If your tongue commonly sticks to the roof of your mouth, you are dehydrated!

Is a tongue infection serious?

Though most sore tongues aren't anything to worry about, you should consult a doctor if you have a lump or sore on your tongue that doesn't go away within a week or two. Many oral cancers don't hurt in the early stages, so don't assume a lack of pain means nothing is wrong.

What kills tongue bacteria?

Swish With A Peroxide Or Alcohol Containing Mouthwash

Peroxide can act to oxidize the oral environment which can lead to inactivating bacteria and viral particles, while alcohol can inactivate the proteins that some bacteria and viruses need to survive.

What is the tongue test?

In general, the examination of the tongue should occur in the following steps: Have the patient touch the tip of the tongue to the roof of their mouth and inspect the ventral surface. Have the patient protrude the tongue straight out and inspect for deviation, color, texture, and masses.

What your tongue says about your digestion?

No coating on your tongue might mean that your body is exhausted and is not producing enough fluids to promote healthy digestion. A light, white coated tongue reflects the state of your digestive function. A heavily coated tongue indicates poor digestion, which is caused by excessive pathogenic fluid.

When should I see a doctor about my tongue?

Make an appointment with your doctor or dentist if: You're concerned about changes in your tongue. Your tongue hurts. Your white tongue persists for longer than a few weeks.

What are the different tongue diseases?

Common tongue diseases and problems include canker sores, thrush, oral lichen planus, and tongue trauma. Other problems or conditions that can impact the tongue include tongue cancer, transient lingual papillitis, geographic tongue, vitamin B12 deficiency, Sjögren's syndrome, neuralgia, and allergic reactions.

What does a white tongue signify?

White tongue is the result of an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. The appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae.

What does leukoplakia look like on the tongue?

Hairy leukoplakia causes fuzzy, white patches that resemble folds or ridges, usually on the sides of your tongue. It's often mistaken for oral thrush, an infection marked by creamy white patches that can be wiped away, which is also common in people with a weakened immune system.

What autoimmune disease affects tongue?

Oral Lichen Planus: This oral autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks the mucous membranes inside your mouth, according to The Mayo Clinic. It will appear as lacy white patches, sometimes accompanied by painful sores on the lining of the cheeks, tongue, and gums.

What does tongue inflammation indicate?

Glossitis is a condition in which your tongue becomes inflamed and swollen. Causes include allergic reactions, infections and dry mouth. Glossitis treatment depends on the cause, but may include antibiotics, dietary changes and improved oral hygiene. Once treated, glossitis usually goes away.