All of us have tiny hair-like structures on our tongues. These are not the same as hairs on your head—even though they share similar properties. This article will explain why these hair-like structures grow on our tongues, what they do, and what can make them become more noticeable.
Hairy tongue is a harmless condition that causes the tongue's texture and appearance to change. It occurs because of a buildup of keratin cells, which are the proteins that also make up human hair. This buildup can give the tongue a rough, hairy texture.
This means the opposite of the previous expression. If you meet someone who doesn't have hair on their tongue it means they're honest, direct, and will tell you what they think without sugarcoating it.
On the surface of the tongue, there are not only tiny taste particles that help bacteria stay, but also food and dead cells that cause bad odors in the mouth, creating conditions for pathogenic microorganisms to grow. That's why oral health experts always advise us to shave our tongue and take care of our teeth.
The term hairy tongue is used to describe an abnormal coating on the top (dorsal) surface of the tongue. It is a relatively common, temporary, and harmless condition that occurs in as much as 13% of the population. Hairy tongue can occur at any age but is more frequent in older age.
Black hairy tongue is a temporary, harmless oral condition that gives the tongue a dark, furry appearance. The distinct look usually results from a buildup of dead skin cells on the many tiny projections (papillae) on the surface of the tongue that contain taste buds.
Keeping this in mind, brushing your tongue is critical in removing all of the bacteria and germs from your mouth. If you do not brush your tongue, you are skipping a large area where many bacteria gather in colonies, and eventually cause trouble in your mouth.
How can I reduce my risk for black hairy tongue? Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush or using a tongue scraper can remove the papillae and the food debris that might be caught in them. You should also brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and visit your dentist for routine exams and cleanings.
A healthy tongue should be pink in color with small nodules called papillae over the surface. Certain medical disorders may cause your tongue to change in appearance, and a color-changing tongue could be your first indication of a severe underlying issue.
Black tongue usually occurs due to a buildup of the protein keratin on the tongue's surface. However, an overgrowth of bacteria or fungi within the mouth can also cause the tongue to appear black. Black tongue is temporary and tends to clear up without treatment.
White tongue is the result of an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. The appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae.
Does mouthwash clean your tongue? Mouthwash can be helpful in maintaining oral health, but it isn't a substitute for brushing and flossing. Rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash kills bacteria in the mouth, but can't remove bacteria hiding in the crevices of the tongue.
You certainly do. Fluoride toothpaste can clean your tongue just as effectively as cleaning your teeth. There are, however, specialty tongue brushes that exist to allow you to brush your tongue more thoroughly and reach all the way in the back, to boot.
A healthy tongue should be pink in color, with little nodules called papillae scattered throughout the surface. Bright Red: Many factors can contribute to a bright red tongue, including inflammation, infection, a blood disorder, an underlying heart issue, or a vitamin B12 deficiency.
The Mayo Clinic explains that the small projections on your tongue, known as papillae, can become inflamed on the tongue's surface due to poor oral hygiene. Bacteria and dead cells get trapped in these inflamed projections and give the tongue a white coating appearance. This coating isn't just a cosmetic issue.
Yellow tongue usually occurs as a result of a harmless buildup of dead skin cells on the tiny projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. Most commonly this occurs when your papillae become enlarged and bacteria in your mouth produce colored pigments.
Coated/hairy tongue develops when the keratin accumulates more than normal, leading to a coating or thickening of the tongue dorsum. In many cases, the coating appears white, although this may become stained black or brown by tobacco and food.
Stick out your tongue as far as it will reach. Position your toothbrush at the back of the tongue. Brush lightly forward and backward along your tongue. Spit out saliva that appears during the brushing and rinse out the toothbrush with warm water.
To ensure that you keep bacteria and plaque away, it is best to clean your tongue twice a day. A good rule of thumb is to brush or scrape your tongue right after you brush your teeth. Doing it before bed will help reduce the amount of bacteria able to grow, which reduces the chance of morning breath in the morning.
Why is my tongue white? White tongue is usually caused when bacteria, debris (like food and sugar) and dead cells get trapped between the papillae on the surface of your tongue. These string-like papillae then grow large and swell up, sometimes becoming inflamed. This creates the white patch you see on your tongue.
While it won't cleanse your language, a regular tongue cleaning can help with your overall oral hygiene - just don't use soap! Most people think they only need to worry about brushing and flossing, but properly caring for your tongue plays a vital role in controlling the bacteria causing bad breath and tooth decay.
Try a Tongue Scraper Instead of a Toothbrush
If your toothbrush slides too far back, you'll gag before you can finish your cleaning session. For a more effective clean, invest in a tongue scraper. Tongue scrapers feature a curved edge that scrapes away germs and bacteria when you drag the device across your tongue.
Overall, tongue scrapers are definitely a worthwhile hygiene tool to use. They are effective at removing bacteria from the tongue surface, which can help to improve oral health. So, if you are looking for an easy way to keep your mouth healthy, tongue scrapers are a great option!