Stick out your tongue…and we’ll tell you if you’re sick

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Explore the untold secrets of your tongue


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[Click on the image to Enlarge]

That tongue you’re sticking out is one of the body organs given the least amount of affection and attention. There’s more to it than just sticking it on to a frozen flagpole to see if it sticks. Did you know that it can multitask? Check out your tongue's functions.
front-view-of-a-woman-tongue
Yes you read the last one right. Your muscle bound organ is able to tell if you’re sick with certain health conditions. Let’s begin by dabbling a little in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the tongue is used for confirming your medical diagnosis. According to TCM, there are five zones on your tongue (tip, after the tip, centre, sides, and back) that are linked to your internal organs. What happens in these internal organs effects and shows up on your tongue. Your tongue contains electrolytes, water, mucus, enzymes, and other vital substances. It’s very sensitive and changes its physical appearance in response to changes in your body.

toungue-taste-sense A healthy and normal tongue appears pink and studded with minute nodules (papillae). The nodules contain your taste buds. To help you understand what to look out for, it’s best for us to list the most common abnormalities of your tongue and their possible health implications. Refer to the table below.

What your tongue looks like What it may possibly mean
Scalloped edges A tongue with scalloped edges may be secondary to your tongue rubbing against your teeth. It can also mean you’re tongue is inflamed or has swelled up (macroglossia). An enlarged tongue can be associated with hypothyroidism (poorly functioning thyroid), tuberculosis, syphilis, and allergic reactions. In TCM, scalloped tongue edges may indicate that you may be suffering from a liver problem as the sides of your tongue are connected to your liver.
Red surface or yellow coating in the centre of your tongue In TCM, the central zone of your tongue is in line with your digestive system and its glands. If something is wrong with your digestion, it may light up with a red surface or a yellow coating in the central area of your tongue. This is common among people with acid reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GERD)
Thick yellow coating at the back of your tongue. Watch out for a possible urinary tract infection because based on TCM this zone corresponds to your waterworks (aka urinary system). Kidney stones may also be lurking in the background. Drink plenty of fluids.
Red tip In TCM, the tip corresponds to your heart. A red tip may signify you’re under a lot of stress and might suggest you’re also suffering from heart problems.
Redness just behind the tip Close to your heart are your lungs and immune system for which the area behind the tip corresponds to according to TCM.
White patches on the surface of your tongue that may spread to the inner surfaces of your cheeks or other areas. These may represent adjacent communities of a fungus called Candida. The resulting medical condition is termed oral candidiasis. This condition suggests a weakened immune system that is being overpowered by opportunistic infections. Could also suggest an ongoing nasty habit: smoking cigarettes. Nasty we say.
Pale tongue Your tongue lacks the normal pink colour and vitality. You may have anaemia (not enough iron in your body) or low blood pressure.
Dark and purple tongue You may have had problems with your blood circulation in the past. This can be in the form of liver or heart problems. Also, you may not be getting enough oxygen into your system.
Smooth and glossy tongue You may have a nutritional deficiency of any or a combination of the following: iron, vitamin B2, B3, B12 and folic acid.
Hairy and dark tongue Hey, don’t laugh. Your tongue could get hairy (big papillae) if you continue to light up that cigarette, brush your teeth once a week, and take antibiotics as if they’re  vitamins. Message? Learn some basics of oral care.
Geographic tongue Your tongue appears like a map of the world with bare areas (no nodules). To date, no disease or deficiency has been strongly associated with this appearance of a tongue.
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Note: From a medical standpoint, we’re not talking about the tongue and the diseases that affect it. We are more interested in how systemic diseases affect your body and are reflected on your tongue.

So take good care of your tongue! Here are some tips…



  • Your oral cavity is like the neighbourhood you’re living in. You do cleaning in, out, and around your house right? Your neighbours do that too (we hope). This is the same as your tongue. You should not only clean the tongue itself but also clean the surrounding structures: teeth, gums, palate, etc. Load up on green tea. It’s a natural antibacterial cleanser which lowers the acidity of your mouth keeping bad bacteria away. Its active ingredient is called catechin.

    • woman-cleaning-tongue
  • Brush your tongue too. It’s not only your teeth and gums which deserve the attention of your not-so-old and needing-to-be-replaced toothbrush. Your tongue also receives the same unwanted guests (bacteria) that your teeth and gums do. You can use a specialised toothbrush for this with a built-in tongue cleaner. And don’t forget to floss!

  • Oil from the eucalyptus tree can be taken to eradicate bacteria in your oral cavity. It may help keep inflammation away from your tongue and gums.

    • oral-hygiene
  • Are you familiar with interdental brushes? You should be. These brushes were made to clean between your teeth and do a very thorough job of cleaning.



The Way of the Tongue



Among the Maori people found in New Zealand, sticking out your tongue symbolises an ancient war ritual and is set to intimidate the enemy. In modern times, sticking out your tongue in public is regarded as rude and unacceptable in several cultures. Though it’s not rude when you stick out your tongue in front of your bathroom mirror and examine it yourself. It’s a simple way of checking up on your health. unhealthy-furred-or-coated-tongue

Take good care of your tongue. It mirrors your overall health and well-being. Use the tips here as your guide. If you’re worried that something is up with your tongue or overall health, schedule an appointment with your healthcare practitioner.

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References

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