Your tongue's 10 unusual warning signs that you should never ignore
09.09.2023 - 07:07
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
It's a part of the body in almost constant use. And your tongue plays a vital role in several crucial bodily functions.
But despite that it's often overlooked when it comes to our overall health. And that's a shame because the tongue can provide a whole host of important information about our well-being.
Keeping an eye on its shape, texture and overall feel can help you be aware of certain things going on in your body that need looking after. If you have unknowingly contracted a particular disease or illness, the tongue can sometimes display early warning signs and symptoms, which should not be ignored.
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Some red flags can seem quite unusual so it's vital to know what to look for in case of something serious. Some of the most unusual signs to watch out for include white patches, bumps, soreness and the feeling of burning.
Below is a list of 10 warning signs to be aware of and what they mean, according to the NHS.
A white tongue can be a sign of a health condition, such as anaemia, scarlet fever, lichen planus, leukoplakia, geographic tongue, mouth ulcers or oral thrush. Creamy white patches could be a sign of the fungal infection thrush, often caused when the health of your mouth is thrown off balance by medication or illness.
Hard, white flat patches that can't be scraped away could, in serious cases, be a condition called leukoplakia, which may develop into mouth cancer over time.
Hairy tongue is a medical condition where the surface of the tongue takes on a discoloured and furry appearance. Usually white, black or brown in colour, it may seem unpleasant.
However, hairy tongue is a relatively harmless condition that can