Pro-Craft Dental Laboratory - August 2024

A Healthy Tongue for a Healthy You

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

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.

these symptoms appropriately.

Lime Chicken With Corn and Poblano Salad

Take a Break

There’s still time to enjoy sweet summer corn with this lime chicken dish.

INGREDIENTS Chicken • 3 tbsp olive oil •

Corn and poblano salad • 2 tbsp olive oil •

1 cup all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 poblano peppers, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced

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1 14-oz can of corn 4 scallions, minced

1 1/2 tsp salt

3/4 tsp black pepper

Juice of 2 limes

Zest of 1 lime 8 chicken thighs

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

3. In a bowl, whisk flour, spices, and lime zest. Dredge chicken in the mix to coat. 4. Add chicken, skin-side down, to skillet, then place skillet in the oven for 30–35 minutes. 5. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil and add poblanos. Sauté 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. 6. In a bowl, add poblano mix, corn, scallions, lime juice, and cilantro, toss and serve with the chicken.

Inspired by Purewow.com

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