Like all dentists, we diagnose and treat conditions of the teeth and gums at Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati. These conditions can affect the tongue. Let’s review the tongue.
Have you ever considered all the vital things your tongue can do? It helps us talk, perceive the texture and flavor of food, chew, and swallow.
This strong and nimble gymnast is in near-constant motion during our waking hours. It is a wonder that we don’t accidentally bite it more often as we smile, chew, drink, breathe, swallow, cough, and laugh.
Your tongue can also reveal physical ailments. This may include digestive problems, infections, and diseases of the blood.
When we perform oral exams, the tongue is always looked at for signs of oral cancer and other serious diseases.
Here are some tongue abnormalities and possible causes:
- Swollen tongue: reaction to food/drink/medication, strep infection, leukemia, hypothyroidism
- White tongue: dehydration, yeast infection, irritation to tobacco, enteritis, gastritis, colitis, anemia, or other nutritional deficiency
- Canker sores: may be linked to stress or reaction to food, toothpaste, or mouthwash.
If you have persistent canker sores, you may want to try avoiding products that contain sodium lauryl (or laurel) sulfate (SLS). SLS is a cheap foaming agent that is found in many personal care products. It can be difficult to find SLS-free dental products. The following brands have previously offered SLS-free versions but labels carefully every time you buy a new tube. We have noticed that SLS has re-appeared in some brands. (Endres Gateway Dentistry has no affiliation with any of these companies.)
- Biotene
- Sensodyne Pronamel
- Tom’s of Maine
- Rembrandt Low Abrasion
At Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati, we offer family and restorative dentistry, and many other services. Call us to schedule your next checkup today!
Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:
513-791-8880
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242
