How Your Tongue Can Reveal Your Health Status: Expert Opinion
Are you aware that your tongue can hint at your health status? According to Rheumatology specialist Dr. Siobhan Deshauer, your tongue can reveal something about your overall health. Dr. Siobhan Deshauer has nearly a million subscribers on YouTube, and she shares her insights on the size and color of a person’s tongue and how it affects one’s health.
A healthy tongue should be pink with little bumps. On the contrary, if it appears red and smooth, this could indicate a nutritional deficiency known as glossitis. A dark or smooth tongue may also signal a vitamin deficiency. A swollen tongue happens suddenly when there’s an allergic reaction or an infection, but when it’s continually increasing over time, it’s likely hypothyroidism, acromegaly, or amyloidosis.
A white coating on your tongue may indicate thrush, or oral candidiasis, resulting from taking antibiotics. Dr. Deshauer suggests that if the white coating doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth, there could be a problem.
A dry mouth may indicate Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune illness that causes a lack of saliva production. Dr. Deshauer explained that this illness causes dry eyes and dry mouth, leading to dental issues. Tongue ulcers can be caused by various diseases such as lupus, Crohn’s disease, Bechet’s disease, and many more.
Lastly, some people can make four different tongue movements, known as rolling, clover leaf, folding, and twisting. People who can perform these four movements may have neurological disorders or sleep apnea.
Knowing what your tongue says about your health can help detect health problems early. If you have any concerns, it’s essential to seek medical advice.
