While they’re mainly known for keeping teeth healthy & white, dentists play a crucial role in maintaining tongue health, often beyond what many people realize.
Oral Cancer Screening
One of the most critical services a dentist provides regarding tongue health is an oral cancer screening. During a routine check-up, your dentist examines the tongue to look for abnormalities such as:
- White or red patches
- Lumps or bumps
- Ulcers or sores that do not heal
- Changes in texture or color
Early detection of oral cancer is vital for successful treatment. Regular screenings by your dentist significantly increase the chances of finding any issues early, even if you haven’t noticed anything unusual yourself.
Coloration & Texture
A healthy tongue is usually pink with a slightly rough texture. Any significant change from this can indicate an underlying problem. Your dentist checks for changes in coloration, such as:
- A bright red tongue, which may suggest a vitamin deficiency or infection
- A white-coated tongue, which could be due to oral thrush or dehydration
- A black hairy tongue, often caused by bacteria or certain medications
Changes in texture, such as unusual smoothness or excessive bumps, are also noted & investigated.
Frenectomy & Tongue Tie
Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, restricting tongue movement. This can affect speech, eating & swallowing. Dentists can diagnose & address tongue tie through a procedure called a frenectomy
A frenectomy involves releasing the tight frenulum, allowing for greater tongue mobility. This simple procedure can significantly improve quality of life, especially for infants & children struggling with feeding or speech development. Adults can also benefit from a frenectomy if tongue tie impacts their daily functions.
Lesions & Infections
Dentists are trained to identify various lesions & infections that can affect the tongue. Some common issues include:
- Oral thrush (candidiasis): A fungal infection causing white patches on the tongue & mouth.
- Aphthous ulcers (canker sores): Small, painful ulcers that can appear on the tongue & inside the mouth.
- Geographic tongue: A benign condition causing smooth, red patches with white borders on the tongue’s surface.
By carefully examining your tongue, your dentist can diagnose these conditions & recommend appropriate treatment. Treatments may include medication, topical treatments or simple gargling with salt water.
Importance of Regular Visits
Regular visits to your dentist are crucial for maintaining the overall health of your tongue. Appointments provide an opportunity for your dentist to perform thorough examinations & detect issues early. By proactively addressing concerns, you can prevent more serious problems & ensure your tongue remains healthy & functional.
Your dentist plays a vital role in keeping your tongue healthy. From oral cancer screenings to addressing tongue tie & identifying lesions, they provide comprehensive care beyond just cleaning & fixing teeth. If you have any concerns about your tongue’s health, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11276146/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10230684/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482295/