SAY ‘AH!’ Your tongue plays a vital role in your oral health and overall well-being! However, your tongue is more than just a muscle — it’s a great indicator of your oral health. WHAT DOES THE COLOR TELL YOU? Your tongue’s color will vary depending on your diet, lifestyle, and health. However, these are some colors that can hint at underlying health conditions.
Can Your Tongue Indicate Oral Health Issues?
Red/Purple: While this shade can indicate a bacterial or viral infection, it can also be because of inflammation, trauma to the tongue, or a vitamin deficiency. Blue: Although this can be a sign of medication use, it could also be a sign of poor circulation or a health condition like cyanosis. Black: Usually caused by bacteria and dead cells on your tongue’s surface. This can also occur due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, or radiation therapy. Pink: If your tongue is pink, this is healthy and normal!
Gray/Black coating: This could signify a fungal infection or oral cancer.
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WHAT DOES THE SHAPE AND TEXTURE TELL YOU? • Bumps/Ulcers: This could be a sign of a viral or bacterial infection, allergic reaction, or vitamin deficiency.
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Scalloped edges: A sign of teeth grinding, misaligned bite, or sleep apnea. Thin tongue: Tell-tale indication of a thyroid disorder or malnutrition. White/Red bumps: These bumps can be caused by oral cancer, an allergic reaction, or bacterial infection.
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White: This could signify a fungal infection due to a poor immune system, antibiotic use, or diabetes. Yellow: Indicates dehydration or a medical condition such as liver disease, psoriasis, or jaundice. Orange: Typically, this is a sign of a dry mouth, antibiotic use, or eating foods with high beta-carotene content.
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WHAT DOES THE COATING TELL YOU? • Thick/White coating: Indication of poor oral hygiene. • Yellow coating: A sign of infection or inflammation.
HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR TONGUE’S HEALTH?
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You want to ensure you’re brushing twice a day — and don’t forget about your tongue! Place
‘TURKEY TEETH’ HIGHLIGHT THE RISKS OF DENTAL TOURISM
have received crowns instead of the veneers they requested. Why? Numerous dentists don’t have training in cosmetic dentistry techniques and, instead, use what they know. You might ask what the difference it makes — after all, you won’t see your original teeth under the crown caps. But dentists must remove 60%–70% of the original tooth to place a crown. That’s why they’re perfect for damaged teeth, not healthy ones. By receiving a full mouth of crowns or “360-veneers,” people are destroying their underlying smiles forever and risking nerve damage. This scam has primarily impacted British tourists who travel to Turkey, and many have documented their ill-fated journeys on TikTok under the hashtag #TurkeyTeeth. UK dentists report treating patients suffering from pain, infection, and improperly placed tooth caps. A crown only lasts 10–15 years. Since most victims of this scam are young, they will likely need their entire mouths redone multiple times throughout the rest of their lives.
How much is a perfect smile worth? While it’s a subjective question,
the cost should never be your oral health. But many unsuspecting patients have paid that price when engaging in dental tourism. Countless people who traveled for inexpensive veneers have instead walked away with crowns that destroyed their original teeth. Veneers are a cosmetic intervention to improve the shape, color, and alignment of teeth. Dentists create them uniquely for each patient, and they sit over the front of the person’s original teeth. They’re an excellent option for a non-invasive cosmetic improvement to a structurally sound but aesthetically imperfect smile. By contrast, crowns wrap around each tooth individually. Dentists primarily use them to restore significantly damaged or decayed teeth. Many tourists receiving international treatment
Although this scam is particularly rampant in Turkey, patients have also found American dentists who perform the same unscrupulous procedure. While most U.S. dental professionals are reputable, knowledge is your friend. Remember that crowns are only necessary for damaged teeth; ask plenty of questions and read online reviews before undergoing a procedure. Trust your instincts and get a second opinion if something seems wrong!
2 • www.dentalimplantsnorthdakota.com
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