Dentistry For All Ages Jo Bruce Burkey, D.D.S. Cosmetic and Family Dentistry 301-739-7003 Dentistry For All Ages ENTRANCE
51 7 B- B
A Healthy Tongue for a Healthy You
AURIC Oral CDx 凉
PRIMA
Our tongues do more than just help us taste and talk; they can also be significant indicators of our overall health. Understanding the signals your tongue may send about your health and maintaining a healthy tongue can help you care better for your body overall. Let’s explore key signs to watch for and tips to keep your tongue in top shape. Understand the Health Signs of Your Tongue The tongue’s appearance can change based on different health conditions, ranging from dehydration to more severe systemic issues. Here are three signs to watch for: White Coating or White Spots: A thin white layer occasionally appearing on the tongue is usually harmless and can be due to mild dehydration or leftover food particles. However, a thick white coating could signify oral thrush, a fungal infection. Persistent white spots or patches might indicate leukoplakia, which can precede cancer. Red Tongue: A red, inflamed tongue, sometimes known as “strawberry tongue,” can indicate vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12 and folic acid. It might also indicate scarlet fever or glossitis. Yellow Tongue: A thick layer of yellow on the tongue could indicate an overgrowth of bacteria resulting from poor oral health. Smoking can also cause a bright yellow tongue. Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Tongue If dehydration is the cause of your discolored tongue, you must drink plenty of water — that will also help keep your mouth clean and wash away food particles and bacteria. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can also ensure you get the necessary vitamins and minerals to support oral health and overall well-being. We highly recommend brushing your teeth twice daily and cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper or toothbrush to remove any residue that can lead to bad breath and other oral issues. Of course, constant scraping won’t solve the root cause of something more serious! Your tongue is a valuable tool for gauging your health. If you notice persistent changes in its appearance or feeling, consult your dentist or health care provider to ensure you address these symptoms appropriately.
... CONTINUED FROM COVER My only regret as a dentist is that we spend only a limited amount of time with our patients. But as you may realize, at Hagerstown Smiles Dental Care, we focus on viewing our patients as family and treating them as we feel they would want to be treated. You’ve never been just a potential set of teeth to us. Our stated purpose is to “help people achieve the highest level of well-being appropriate for them and, in so doing, to enhance the quality of their lives.” I hope I’ve done that consistently over the past 40 years. It is also my hope that I’ll run into many of you around the town. I hope to be seen chasing after grandkids or trying to keep up with my wife, Connie. If you see us, please come over and say, “Hi.” With that, I’d like to leave you with one of my favorite blessings, which is particularly appropriate for our current times: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11. I have been incredibly blessed to know and serve all of you.
ARRIORS
68
–Bruce Burley
2 • www.hagerstownsmiles.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator