Observing your tongue can reveal a lot about your health

The condition of your tongue can tell a lot about your health.

Canadian doctor Siobhan Deshauer, very popular on YouTube, published a video in which the specialist in rheumatology presents several things to look out for the next time you open your mouth in front of a mirror.

Here are 7 secrets about your health that your tongue can reveal:

The color of your tongue

A healthy tongue is usually pink with small bumps called papillae.

If your tongue is red and smooth, it’s probably glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) and could be caused by a nutrient deficiency.

Vegans and vegetarians are particularly at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and may develop glossitis, observes D^D Deshauer, who recommends that they take vitamin B12 supplements to avoid this type of inflammation.

Too big a tongue

Can you touch your nose with your tongue? It’s a rare talent, says the expert. Only 10% of people manage to do this.

Although in many cases it is not a medical problem, such a feat may be due to macroglossia, that is to say an enlargement of the tongue.

The D^D Deshauer suggests you check to see if your tongue is too big for your mouth. If you have imprints of your teeth on your tongue, you may have macroglossia.

If your tongue suddenly gets bigger, it’s probably an allergic reaction or inflammation. If it continues to swell, you may have difficulty breathing and will need to go to the hospital.

If the tongue swells slowly, you may have a thyroid hormone deficiency called hypothyroidism.

It could also be acromegaly, a disease caused by too much growth hormone secretion, or even amyloidosis, the infiltration of a protein that deposits in your tongue.

White spots on your tongue

If you notice a white coating on your tongue, there is no reason to panic. A simple brushing should be enough to restore the pinkish tint to your tongue.

However, if the white layer remains, four scenarios are possible.

First, you could be suffering from oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis. It is an infection of the mouth and throat. If so, your tongue will be dotted with a white substance resembling cottage cheese.

If the white layer is rather flat and hard, it may be a case of leukoplakia. This is characterized by the formation of a plaque when your tongue is irritated. The consumption of tobacco or alcohol is often the cause.

Plaques can become cancerous material; it is therefore advisable to notify your dentist or doctor if you notice any on your tongue.

If the white matter on your tongue looks lacy and gives you a burning sensation in your mouth, it may be a case of lichen planus, an inflammatory disease with mysterious causes that is often treated with steroids.

Finally, if the white patches are mostly on the side of your tongue, it may be oral hairy leukoplakia. This is the rarest diagnosis, but may indicate that you are suffering from immunosuppression.

The amount of saliva under your tongue

Usually you should have a good amount of saliva in your mouth.

If not, you could have Sjögren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the whole body.

For many patients, this disease causes dental problems and sometimes the tongue becomes so dry that it is cracked and painful.

A hairy tongue

If hairs appear on your tongue, there is no need to panic. This is a more widespread situation than one might think, argues the D^D Siobhan Deshauer.

The accumulation of keratin protein on your tongue may explain the presence of hair.

It is possible to remove hair by brushing your tongue.

Ulcers on the tongue

Mouth ulcers, more commonly called ulcers, are very common. About one in five people have it, mentions the D^D Deshauer.

Although painful, they are not contagious and usually go away on their own after a week or two.

However, if the ulcers multiply and stay longer in your mouth, several diagnoses are possible, including lupus, Crohn’s disease, herpes, HIV or an allergic reaction.

The agility of your tongue

Not everyone has the same agility when it comes to performing tongue movements. However, the evolution of your lingual abilities can allow you to detect a neurological problem.

If you can no longer perform a movement that your tongue could do in the past, it is advisable to talk to a doctor to check if you do not suffer from a neurological disorder.

When you open your mouth and stick out your tongue, what can be seen in the back of your mouth can provide relevant information to doctors.

Healthcare professionals will calculate your Mallampati score, which will help predict if it would be difficult to intubate you. This classification can also determine your risk of developing sleep apnea.