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What does your tongue say about your health?

White spots on your tongue:
White spots may indicate oral candidiasis, yeast overgrowth or thrush. Cleaning the tongue regularly for a week can help determine whether the problem is related to hygiene or not. If the spots persist, there is likely a Candida overgrowth, and antifungal medications may be used for treatment.

Black and hairy tongue:
Causes of black hairy tongue include yeast infections, diabetes, cancer treatments, and poor oral hygiene. Regular tongue cleaning, perhaps using tongue scrapers, is usually enough to treat this condition.

Red and white spots on your tongue:
No need to worry here; These spots simply indicate areas where the taste buds have been worn away. This is common and does not usually require any treatment.

Abnormal redness in your tongue:
A red tongue may indicate a deficiency in folic acid, vitamin B12, or iron, or it may indicate a fever or sore throat. Treating these underlying issues often involves nutritional supplements or medications.

A webbed or streaked look on your tongue:
This appearance may result from an immune system response and may indicate oral lichen planus. Although it is not contagious, it increases the risk of oral cancer. Proper dental hygiene, tobacco avoidance, and condition monitoring are essential.

Bumps on your tongue:
Burrs can occur when teeth press against the tongue, often during sleep. Fortunately, they usually do not require treatment and fade over time.

Bumps on your tongue:
Canker sores or cold sores are the likely cause of bumps on the tongue, caused by factors such as biting, smoking, or stress ulcers. Home remedies such as gargling with warm salt water and maintaining good oral care are often effective. If necessary, consult a health care professional.

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