Thu Sep 19 05:30:42 UTC 2024: ## Your Tongue Is Talking: What It Reveals About Your Health

**Newcastle, Australia** – While your doctor might ask you to “say ‘aah’ ” to check your throat, they’re also looking at your tongue, a surprisingly revealing indicator of overall health. Professor Dileep Sharma, Head of Oral Health at the University of Newcastle, emphasizes the importance of regular tongue cleaning, not just for fresh breath, but for early detection of potential health issues.

“A healthy tongue is pink, although the shade can vary,” explains Professor Sharma. “It should have a small amount of white coating, but significant changes or discolouration could signal underlying issues.”

Professor Sharma, who receives research funding from various organizations including the Australian Dental Research Foundation and the NSW Dental Council, outlines common tongue changes and their possible meanings:

**White Coating:** This is often caused by poor hygiene and can be easily removed with gentle scrubbing or scraping. However, a persistent white coating could indicate oral thrush, a fungal infection common in the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

**Black Hairy Tongue:** This unusual appearance results from an overgrowth of bacteria, often linked to poor oral hygiene, smoking, or excessive consumption of strong-colored foods and drinks.

**Geographic Tongue:** This harmless condition results in pink patches surrounded by white borders, giving the tongue a “map-like” appearance.

**Red Sore Tongue:** Redness and soreness could indicate a range of issues including vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, dry mouth (xerostomia) caused by certain medications, or even more serious conditions like allergies or infections.

**White or Red Patches:** Persistent white or red patches on the tongue that cannot be scraped off, are long-standing, or growing in size, should be examined by a dental professional immediately. These patches could indicate a precancerous condition and require prompt attention.

Professor Sharma stresses the importance of regular tongue cleaning as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. “Cleaning your tongue only takes 10-15 seconds and can easily be incorporated into your tooth brushing routine,” he says. “It’s a simple yet powerful step towards maintaining good oral health and detecting potential health issues early on.”

He encourages everyone to be vigilant about changes in their tongue and consult their GP if any concerns arise. “Early detection is key in preventing serious illnesses,” he concludes.

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