4 Tongue Conditions & What They May Mean About Your Oral Health

Tongues are weird. Most people don’t think about them much. But as dentists in Blue Ash, we pay close attention to the tongues of our Cincinnati patients. That may sound strange, but your tongue can reveal a treasure trove of critical information about your oral and overall health. Here are some tongue conditions we keep in mind during a dental visit.

White Patches

If you have white, cheesy patches on your tongue, it can be a sign of candida — a yeast infection also known as thrush. You may notice red cracks or sores, have a “cottony” sensation in the mouth, or even have difficulty swallowing. The good news is, it’s very treatable with an antifungal rinse or medication. It typically occurs in toddlers and children, but may occur in the elderly, or people with autoimmune diseases or diabetes. Certain medications such as steroid inhalers, antibiotics or birth control pills can disrupt naturally occurring microorganisms and cause yeast overgrowths.

Strawberry Red

If you notice a bright, glossy red tongue, you probably need to see a doctor. Strawberry itself is not a condition, but a symptom of something else going on. The cause of strawberry tongue can be from toxic shock syndrome (TSS), Scarlet fever, medication allergies, or even Kawasaki disease (it’s rare but serious — it affects the arteries — and occurs in very young children). A strawberry red tongue could also be a sign of an iron or B12 vitamin deficiency. The bumpiness accompanied by the bright red color comes from swollen papillae — the natural bumps on the tongue that are normally unremarkable. When they become inflamed, eating hot liquids or spicy foods can be painful. Once the cause of strawberry tongue is determined, inflammation will inevitably subside, and a normal color can return.

Black or Brown Fuzz

If you’ve got black or brown fuzz on your tongue that resembles hair — it’s time to get down to business on your oral hygiene. This occurs from either a lack of brushing entirely, or the result of smoking or drinking black coffee without brushing afterwards. What you’re seeing are dead skin cells that accumulate on the papillae, or natural bumps, of the tongue. Bacteria accumulate and change the color to a dark brown or black. It looks nasty — and your breath probably smells terrible — but not a cause for serious concern. The good news is it’s very treatable with regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. You may also wish to use a tongue scraper regularly to help slough the hairy patch and prevent its return.

Persistent Red Lesions

While red lesions in the tongue could be from the herpes simplex virus or even an allergic reaction, you want to head to your doctor to have them looked at if they don’t go away. We don’t want you to panic — but if you have persistent red lesions, it could be a sign of tongue cancer. Don’t let it slide — get checked by a doctor immediately. Oral cancer can happen even if you’re young and often doesn’t hurt in the early stages. If you use tobacco products, drink heavily, are male, over 40, or have a history of HPV, you are especially at risk for tongue cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

Check it Out

Your tongue is an important part of your oral health! If you notice changes to your tongue, don’t wait to have it looked at. An oral exam is also part of a normal checkup, so scheduling regular cleanings at your Cincinnati dentist is a great way to help monitor your tongue and track anything noteworthy.