Many of us rarely look at our tongues, but dentists say it’s a “window” into the body’s health.
Problems ranging from vitamin deficiencies, allergies and a weak immune system may first manifest in the tongue, making the organ appear smooth or red, or develop a yeast infection.
Last week, DailyMail.com revealed the hidden health issues to watch out for in your fingernails. Now let’s look at the conditions that often show symptoms on people’s tongues.
Pictured above are five conditions that can be recognized on tongues, along with their causes. A strawberry red tongue (top right) can also be caused by an infection such as a sore throat or a vitamin deficiency. A yellow tongue can also be a sign of gastritis. It is caused by a build-up of dead skin cells on the tongue, which can be caused by a lack of saliva – such as in gastritis sufferers – or by not brushing your teeth regularly
White spots on the tongue can be a sign of a fungal infection or oral thrush
White spots are a sign of a fungal infection
Many of us get white spots on our tongues at some point in our lives. But did you know that it could be a yeast infection?
Small amounts of the fungus Candida (a type of yeast) live on the skin and in the body in the mouth, throat, intestines and – in women – the vagina.
It is harmless and usually goes unnoticed.
But it can suddenly grow out of control and form a white coating on the tongue.
This happens when antibiotics or medications kill beneficial bacteria that control the fungus, allowing it to grow rapidly.
It can also be caused by chronic stress, which weakens the immune system, which can leave the door open for the fungus to grow.
Dr. Uchenna Akosa, a dentist at Rutgers University in New Jersey, told Shape, “It’s a very white coating. [on the top and sides of the tongue]and below [the tongue] it can be red and raw.’
Other symptoms include loss of taste and smell, and pain when eating or swallowing.
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The infection is easily treated with an antifungal medication that can be given in tablet or liquid form.
It is not contagious and people can help prevent it on the tongue by brushing the organ twice a day.
Oral thrush is common in babies, with one in seven developing the infection, according to the NHS. Babies are more at risk as they do not have a fully developed immune system.
Older adults who wear dentures are also more at risk because they have weaker immune systems and the yeast can become trapped under the dentures, increasing the risk of developing the condition.
It was estimated in 2011 that up to half of elderly people in hospitals develop thrush because they have weaker immune systems.
smooth tongue? You are not getting enough vitamins
A slippery tongue can be a warning sign of a vitamin deficiency
The tongue can also warn of vitamin deficiencies, such as B. a lack of iron and vitamin B12 – both important for the formation of red blood cells in the body, which transport oxygen to various organs.
Normally, the tongue has hundreds of tiny bumps on its surface known as papillae, each containing multiple taste buds.
But when someone is vitamin deficient, these papillae begin to atrophy and fall off the tongue.
Dr. Mark Wolff, a dentist at Penn Medicine in Pennsylvania, told Shape, “All of a sudden the tongue becomes shiny and loses its texture.
“It’s really a defining moment. The tongue is a wonderful place in this regard where so many nutritional disorders jump right onto the tongue.’
A lack of vitamin B12 and iron leads to fewer red blood cells in the body.
This means less oxygen is transported to the organs, with the lack of oxygen in the tongue causing the papillae to begin to atrophy.
Other symptoms of a deficiency in these vitamins – which patients are more likely to recognize – include extreme fatigue, chest pain and pale skin.
The National Institutes of Health recommends that adult men consume about 8 milligrams (mg) of iron per day, while women should get 18 mg.
This can be achieved by eating about seven turkey breasts per day for men, or 14 per day for women.
People can prevent vitamin deficiencies by eating a healthy, balanced diet.
It is estimated that about 10 million people in the US are iron deficient, while six percent of people are vitamin B12 deficient.
Sores on the tongue, known as canker sores, can indicate injury or stress
These sores on your tongue can be an injury or stress
Canker sores are small, round, painful lesions that can form on the tongue, cheeks or gums.
Dentists say the main cause of these stains – medically called canker sores – are injuries in the mouth.
This can be caused by accidentally biting parts of the mouth or even by brushing too hard.
But frequent mouth sores can also be a sign of stress.
The state of mental stress can make people bite their cheeks and tongue more often when they clench their teeth, which means they have more of those sores.
Stress can also cause indentations on the side or top of the tongue when repeatedly pressed against clenched teeth.
Other causes are an allergy to food such as coffee, strawberries and cheese or hormonal changes during menopause.
These sores are harmless and usually heal on their own without complications.
But medical professionals say people with unusually large sores that keep coming back, won’t go away and make it difficult to eat or drink should see a doctor.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a small ulcer takes about one to two weeks to heal, and larger ones should take up to six weeks.
Strawberry tongue can be caused by a food allergy, infection, or vitamin deficiency
How a strawberry tongue could indicate a secret allergy
If you’ve ever had a red tongue after eating a certain food, it could be a sign of a hidden allergy.
Many people with mild food allergies will have their tongues turn bright red – also known as “thorny tongue.”
It can also be sore and swollen from an allergy, or the sides of the mouth can also swell.
Dentists say this could indicate a food allergy, especially to certain fruits and vegetables.
The immune system goes haywire and attacks substances it thought were foreign invaders, causing the tongue to become red and inflamed.
Other causes of “thorny tongue” are bacterial infections that develop when people have a sore throat.
In these cases, the bacteria release a toxin in the tongue that causes the red tongue – known as “scarlet fever”.
Again, patients are likely to notice other symptoms of this infection as well, including a sore throat, fever, and red rash.
Vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 deficiency, can also lead to a red tongue.
Your tongue may turn yellow as dead skin cells build up. It is “harmless” but is usually a sign of poor oral hygiene
Yellow spots mean you’re not brushing properly…or it could be a sign of gastritis
A yellow tongue is caused by a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface of the tongue, which are then broken down by bacteria, giving it the yellow tint.
Doctors say the buildup itself is usually “harmless” but can be a sign of an underlying condition.
This includes gastritis, in which the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed – often as a result of an infection.
When people have gastritis, they are likely to produce less saliva, which means that dead skin cells are less likely to be removed from the surface of the tongue.
When they build up, they can cause the appearance of “yellow tongue”.
However, patients are likely to notice other symptoms of gastritis, such as upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. It is estimated that gastritis accounts for approximately 2 million visits to the doctor each year.
Doctors say “yellow tongue” can also be a sign that someone isn’t brushing their tongue enough, which can cause dead cells to build up.
Everyone should brush their tongue twice a day right after brushing their teeth. This should be done with a toothbrush.
Other causes of a yellow tongue include smoking, eating yellow-tinged food, chewing tobacco, and even using mouthwash, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Other symptoms of a yellow tongue include bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, a sore throat and fever.
Gastritis eight out of 1,000 people.
Above is what a healthy tongue should look like
What should a healthy tongue look like?
So… what does a healthy tongue actually look like?
Doctors say it should be pink in color, ranging from a light shade to a dark shade.
The tongue should also have very small bumps on its surface – which contain taste buds.
Dr. Daniel Allen told the Cleveland Clinic, “A healthy tongue should be pink and covered with small bumps (papillae).
“Any deviation from the normal appearance of your tongue or pain can be cause for concern.
They add: “Everyone should check their tongue daily while brushing their teeth and brushing their tongue.
“Any discoloration, lumps, sores or pain should be checked and evaluated by a doctor if it doesn’t go away within two weeks.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
