Yes, it is a very common question “Why does my tongue look funny?” So this is part 2 of giving some feedback on some of the most common reasons for your tongue not looking right.

Fissured Tongue

 Fissured tongue is another tongue condition that may appear worrisome.  As the name implies, the tongue appears to have deep lines or fissures on the top surface and may look rough or “bumpy”.  This is a normal, thought to be hereditary, condition that is also not harmful. Although it looks really funky it is most often not a big deal.

Black, Hairy Tongue

Black, Hairy Tongue is a temporary, harmless condition that gives the tongue a dark furry appearance, resembling hair growing on the center and back portions of the tongue.  It is usually the result of an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. Again, the condition may look alarming, but it is not associated with serious infection or cancer.  It is however, associated with bacteria, so controlling oral bacteria is important.  The tongue often looks black, but can also appear to be deep yellow or brown and rough or furry. Some persons report that they have an altered taste or metallic taste in the mouth and sometimes, bad breath.  Black, Hairy Tongue is believed to be caused from the filiform papillae (the bumps that contain your taste buds) growing longer, making them collectors of bacteria. What causes the overgrowth in a particular person may not ever be determined, however it has been associated with changes in normal bacteria or yeast content of the mouth following a course of antibiotics, poor oral hygiene, medications containing bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol) and regular use of peroxide or menthol mouthwashes.  It is also related to heavy tobacco use.

Black Hairy Tongue usually doesn’t require medical treatment, but eliminating the possible sources of the condition may help, such as discontinuing the use of a bismuth medicine.  Also regular and complete home care is vital.  Brushing the teeth, brushing the top of the tongue with a toothbrush, using a tongue scraper to remove debris and bacteria, and flossing can take care of the condition.

So there you have it. The most common answers to the most common causes of a different looking tongue. Grove City Dental would love to answer any additional questions you may have so feel free to give us a call .  We are always happy to help! Call 614-808-1708

It seems that each day as a dentist in Grove City, Ohio and it does not matter the age or sex it seems that I often hear people asking me this question: “Why Does My Tongue Looks Funny?!

Ok, Here’s What You Need to Know.

Our tongues are an essential part of our oral apparatus.  The tongue enables us to enjoy our food, being the site of little bumps also known as papillae, which contain our taste buds.  In addition, the tongue is what enables us to speak and swallow, and helps with keeping the mouth lubricated. So obviously it is a vital part of the mouth.

I’m sure we’ve all seen movies or have been to the doctor and they tell you to sopen your mouth and stick out your tongue – Right?

That is because the tongue can also be an important indicator of a person’s general health and we pay close attention to it here at our office.  There are some conditions of the tongue that are harmful, however there are a few that can make it look “funny” and cause people to needlessly worry.  We see these conditions in our office from time to time and want you to know about them.

Geographic Tongue
Some people have patterns on their tongues.  They have smooth, shiny patches intermixed with bumpy red sections. Even more surprising, these patches can move!  Sometimes they are in one part of the tongue, other times in another part.  The technical name for this condition is Benign Migratory Glossitis. Try holding your tongue and saying that one 10 times! Lol!

The common term is Geographic Tongue. Geographic Tongue is a harmless (benign) condition that causes the atrophy or reduction in size of the filiform papillae, the little bumps on the tongue that contain the taste buds. It is not related to any type of infection or cancer.  The condition is usually painless, but sometimes can cause discomfort or increased sensitivity to certain substances or foods.  For example, some people report a soreness or burning sensation that can worsen with spicy or acidic foods. It is not known why the tongue loses papillae on some parts of the tongue, but the condition does tend to run in families, so heredity is likely involved.  Geographic tongue can occur in persons of all ages, and has been reported to only affect about 2% of the population. However, recent research supports a much larger, up to 25%, rate.

Women also appear to be affected more than men.  Usually geographic tongue goes through stages of appearance and then remission without any treatment. If a person is experiencing some pain, over-the-counter remedies such as ibuprophen, and perhaps a topical anesthetic mouthrinse can help. If you notice that your tongue is sore after eating certain foods, or using a certain toothpaste, simply avoid these.  The good news is Geographic Tongue may look funny, but it is not harmful.

So if you look at your tongue and see something looking funny back at you then it is not always cause for concern, but it is always better to be safe than sorry and have it checked out. There are some conditions that are evidenced by symptoms evidenced on your tongue and I will be covering some of those conditions when I do my next blog entry.

By the way, if you have not maximized your insurance benefits as well as your flex plan then now is probably the best time to call Grove City Dental because we are running a super savings discount program right now that only happens once every blue moon! So give us a call at 614-808-1708 and let’s get you the smile of your dreams and get top savings too!

By the way the savings are great even if your tongue does not look funny!

I am often asked the question: “What can I do to make my teeth whiter?” or “What can I do to reduce the cavities?” or “What can I do to (You fill in the blank  regarding dental care)?” and the answer 9 times out of 10 is really just paying attention to the basics.

Just like in life the basics is 90% of the success of the most complicated and the most simple things in life.

If most people would just consistently floss and brush using the techniques we teach here at Grove City Dental then the overwhelming majority of the issues we see here on a daily basis can be significantly reduces.

Please don’t get me wrong because I do realize that in a number of cases life circumstances has been the overriding factor in their dental health, but a good number of people that we see can dramatically improve their dental health by simply doing the the basics.

And there really is not a better time to start than right now.

On the verge of a new year and you can add the basics to dental health to your list of new year’s resolutions.

I’ve done some research and there are a number of great websites to provide you with very helpful information. The first site I will recommend for the best dentist in Grove City is obviously my own website right here at GroveCityDental.com. You will also find some great basic teeth cleaning information online simply by doing a search.

I realize that prevention is not popular in our society and too often it requires a disaster to make us take actions, but as a dentist in Grove City, Ohio I have a goal of helping all of my patients achieve a 100% healthy mouth and a great starting point for that goal is to get people to do the basic dental care items such as brushing properly and flossing properly.

Can You Really Afford Not To Know This?

“Breaking News: Medical Community Now Reveals
Connections To Chronic Conditions Such As Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke, And Even Pregnancy Complications,
That Can Be Exposed
By A Professionally Trained Dentist”

The professionals at Grove City Dental have known for a long time that the condition of a person’s mouth is directly related to their overall, general health and well-being. Thankfully, now it appears that the medical community at large is recognizing and even encouraging more research into this connection.

Dentists have been saying this for years and now it turns out that inflammation and bacterial infections in the mouth are linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even pregnancy issues! Yes, even pregnancy issues so when you or a loved one you knows innocently ‘puts off’ going to the dentist they could unknowingly be risking their overall health and if the person is pregnant then they are possibly endangering the life of their unborn child.

So the next visit to your dentist literally just may save your life? The answer is: “It just may” because taking care of your teeth and gums is not just about having an attractive smile, it can be essential in staying healthy.

Six Surprising Reasons
Why Your Next Dentist Visit Just May Be A Life Saver

This is what we do know. We know that bacterial infection and tissue inflammation are important factors in the development of gum and bone (periodontal) disease. We also know that inflammation is also a major factor in the development or worsening of many chronic illnesses.  Ironically, inflammation is the first response of a healthy immune system to injury, infection or irritation. It is only when the inflammation spreads or the source of the injury, infection or irritation is allowed to continue, that the entire body suffers.

Here’s why:
1.    Blood vessels dilate around the site of an infection which could include an infected tooth, often causing swelling, redness and heat. White (infection killing) cells rush to an affected area with the purpose of surrounding the bacteria and preventing their spread.
2.    If the infection and the source of the infection is eliminated by the white cells, the situation is resolved.  So if this happens then that is good, but if the cause of the inflammation does not go away or gets worse, the inflammatory process continues.
3.    If the inflammatory process is overwhelmed by infection, the white cells just keep trying. The body recognizes trouble in the system and continues to ignite defenses.  If nothing is done about the source of an infection, the swelling, heat, and attack of the white cells will affect more than just the bacteria.  Damage can occur to organs, blood vessels, joints and even nerves.
4.    An overstressed inflammatory system can actually break down and become less effective even to the point of not being able to do the job of killing bacteria. Left unchecked, the bacteria can spread and eventually travel throughout the body, doing even more damage.
5.    So, if bacteria in the mouth are not controlled, which is what can happen in chronic gum and bone (periodontal) disease, the body may never shut down the “full body” inflammatory process. Why? Because the cause of the inflammation, the bacteria in the mouth, continue to incite the process.  It can just go on and on unless it is discovered and corrected by a dentist like the dentist at Grove City Dental.
6.    The longer bacteria and the inflammation they cause are allowed to spread from the mouth, the higher the chance for damage to the body as a whole.

What can we do?
Here at Grove City Dental  we have many proven methods of helping people control bacteria in the mouth. We actively look for and treat periodontal disease so that our patients can maintain a healthy immune system. This may include more frequent professional cleanings, or more extensively; root planing and scaling of the teeth to remove diseased tissues and bacteria. In some cases certain medicines may be recommended, and we will provide you with detailed home care instructions and help with your daily mouth cleaning routines.  With the mouth germs brought under control, the body’s immune system can begin the healing process.

“Secret Now Revealed: You’re At Risk
Of Losing Out – If You Don’t Do This”

Even if no dentist has ever previously told you that you need gum and bone care, new conditions require new treatment and new medical discoveries (although not new to dentists) requires new procedures. When you consider the fact that It is not uncommon for even “regular” patients to develop mouth infections from time to time and need more than “just a cleaning” such as they have had in the past then that should let you know of the even greater exposure if you’re not a regular patient.  Just as a person may develop high blood pressure, having never had it in the past, so may a person develop gum and bone disease. Our bodies change and face challenges all the time.

Grove City Dental is here to help you maintain the health of your mouth, which in turn helps make you a healthier person.

Call us at (614) 801-1000 if you have questions and we will be glad to answer your questions.  We are always happy to help!