Dr. Charlene Reid

YOUR DENTIST AND YOU

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 tongue problems, including discolouration and soreness.

There are a variety of causes for a number of common tongue symptoms. Fortunate-ly, the majority of tongue problems are not serious and most can be resolved quickly.

In some instances, however, a discoloured 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 with your tongue.

What causes

white tongue?

There are a number of things that can cause a whitish coating or white spots to develop on the tongue, including the following:

Leukoplakia. This condition causes cells in the mouth to grow excessively. That, in turn, leads to the formation of white patches inside the mouth, including on the tongue. Although not dangerous on its own, leukoplakia can be a precursor to cancer. So it is important for your dentist to determine the cause of the white patches on your tongue.

Leukoplakia can develop when your tongue has been irritated and is often found in people who use tobacco products.

Oral thrush. 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 tongue. 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.

Oral lichen planus. If you have a network of raised white lines on your tongue that has 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 be helpful.

What causes red tongue or strawberry tongue?

There are multiple factors that can cause a normally pink tongue to turn red. In some instances, the tongue may even take on the appearance of a strawberry with enlarged, red taste buds dotting the surface. Possible causes include:

Vitamin deficiencies. Deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B-12 may cause your tongue to take on a reddish appearance.

Geographic tongue. This condition, also known as benign migratory glossitis, is named for the map-like pattern of reddish spots that develop on the surface of the tongue. At times, these patches have a white border around them, and their location on the tongue 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 of geographic tongue, no further treatment is necessary. If the condition makes your tongue sore or uncomfortable, you may be prescribed topical medications to alleviate discomfort.

Dr. Charlene E. Reid is a graduate of the University of Havana's Dental Faulty. She currently works at the Grand Bahama Health Service Dental Department and in private practice at Easy Dental Care in the Pioneer's Professional Plaza. Should you have any questions about this or any previous articles please feel free to contact her at 352-7844 or at drcharlenereid@aol.com.