Types of Tongue Irritation and Infections

YOUR TWIN CITIES DENTIST CAN HELP PROTECT YOUR TONGUE

The tongue is hailed as the strongest muscle in the body and can also be a map to your oral and overall health. A tongue that is swollen has discoloration or is sore can indicate viral infections, dietary imbalances, and more. But some issues can occur directly on the tongue that can affect the oral health that you may not even notice. It is important to visit your dentist regularly to make sure your entire mouth is healthy. Find out more about potential tongue issues below.

Your Twin Cities Dentist Examines the Entire Mouth

You should talk to your dentist if you detect any discoloration or soreness in the tongue. Many tongue problems are quickly resolved if caught early. Some infections and ailments can include:

Oral Thrush: This condition of the tongue also goes by the name candidiasis. It is a yeast infection inside the mouth and results in white patches on the surface of the mouth and tongue.

Leukoplakia: This is a condition bringing the cells in the mouth to grow excessively bringing white patches in the mouth and on the tongue. It is often found on those who are cigarette smokers and could sometimes be a very early sign of cancer.

Oral Lichen Planus: In this condition, the dentist will see a network of raised white lines in a lace-like appearance. The cause is unknown and it does go away on its own but to speed the process, avoid tobacco use, cut back on any foods that irritate the mouth, and practice good oral hygiene.

Canker Sores: A canker sore is a mouth ulcer. The cause is unknown but they do usually come when one is especially stressed.

Enlarged Papillae: While the name sounds terrible, this condition is a painful bump that appears on the tongue when taste buds become inflamed or irritated.

Please call our office at any time for an appointment to get your mouth examined and your teeth cleaned. And always brush and floss twice a day to make sure your teeth, gums, and tongue have a clean, healthy environment.