{"id":116,"date":"2019-09-13T19:29:44","date_gmt":"2019-09-13T19:29:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springfielddentist.net\/blog\/?p=116"},"modified":"2019-11-13T19:32:43","modified_gmt":"2019-11-13T19:32:43","slug":"tongue-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springfielddentist.net\/blog\/tongue-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Have Good Oral Health? Check Your Tongue!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"CloseAre you wondering about your oral health? You can look at your teeth, gums, and other parts of your mouth, but you may get some real answers by examining your tongue. A healthy tongue is pink, covered with small papillae (little bumps you can see on the surface). You can tell a lot about the condition of your mouth just by sticking it out and looking in the mirror. Different symptoms signal different problems, which is why your dentist in Springfield, MO wants you to know about common warning signs that can show up on your tongue.<\/p>\n

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White Coating or White Spots<\/h2>\n

The most common cause of white spots on the tongue is oral thrush. This is a yeast infection that develops inside of the mouth. Mostly seen in infants and the elderly, these white patches are typically the consistency of cottage cheese. Oral thrush is also more likely to occur if you take antibiotics.<\/p>\n

Another condition that can cause white spots is leukoplakia, which causes cells in the mouth to grow excessively, developing white patches on the tongue. This problem can occur when the tongue is irritated, and it\u2019s common in those who use tobacco products. Leukoplakia can be a sign of cancer, but it\u2019s harmless on its own.<\/p>\n

What if Your Tongue is Red?<\/h2>\n

There are a few reasons why you may have a red tongue, including:<\/p>\n