9 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About the Tongue | Rowlett TX Dentist

Dentist in Rowlett And Mesquite,TX

rowlett dentist, Dentist in Rowlett TX

We use our tongues every day to talk, taste, and swallow, yet we rarely take time to think about this flexible organ. Here are 9 things you may not know about the tongue: 

  1. The longest recorded tongue was more than 3.8 inches from back to tip; the widest measured over 3” across. 
  1. The human tongue contains 8 separate muscles intertwined. 
  1. A blue whale tongue weighs about 5,400 pounds and is roughly the size of an adult elephant! 
  1. Tongues come in many shapes and have varying numbers of taste buds. This makes a human tongue imprint as unique as a fingerprint. 
  1. The average person has about 10,000 taste buds in their mouth. 
  1. A single taste bud contains between 50 and 100 taste cells, which may have sensors for multiple tastes. 
  1. No individual taste cell can identify both bitter and sweet flavors. 
  1. 1 milliliter of saliva contains about 1,000,000 bacteria. 
  1. Using a tongue scraper to clean your tongue is proven to help prevent osteoporosis, pneumonia, heart attacks, premature births, diabetes, and male infertility. 

Health issues involving the tongue are most commonly caused by bacteria or tobacco use. Proper cleaning of the tongue can help prevent these conditions from developing. However, if you notice sores, discoloration, or other symptoms, contact our office. 

Some tongue-affecting illnesses include: 

  • Leukoplakia – excessive cell growth characterized by white patches in the mouth and on the tongue. It is not dangerous, but can be a precursor to oral cancer. 
  • Oral thrush – an oral yeast infection common after antibiotic use, often characterized by cottage-cheese like white patches on the surface of the tongue and mouth. 
  • Red tongue – may be caused by a deficiency of folic acid and/or vitamin B-12. 
  • Hairy tongue – black and/or hairy-feeling tongue can be caused by build-up of bacteria. 
  • Canker sores – small ulcerous sores on the tongue, often associated with stress. These sores are not the same as cold sores and are not contagious. 
  • Oral cancer – most sore tongue issues are not serious. However, if you have a sore or lump on your tongue that does not heal within a week or two, schedule a screening with our dentist in Rowlett. 

For more information about the tongue or to schedule a screening with our dentist in Rowlett, contact our Rowlett TX dentist. 

Bayside Dental of Rowlett
Phone: 972-846-0639
4624 Lakeview Pkwy
Rowlett, TX 75088

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Rowlett, TX Dentist

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Rowlett, TX Dentist

Your dental care experience is fully personalized at Bayside Dental. Our friendly, knowledgeable team will address every question and concern. Your oral health needs, goals, and priorities are the focus of your customized treatment plan. We want to work with you to create the beautiful, healthy smile of your dreams.

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Rowlett, TX Dentist

Rowlett, TX Dentist

4624 Lakeview Pkwy, Rowlett, TX 75088
(972) 846-0639

Monday
8AM - 4PM
Tuesday
8AM - 4PM
Wednesday
8AM - 4PM
Thursday
8AM - 4PM
Friday
8AM - 2PM
Saturday
8AM - 12PM

Mesquite, TX Dentist

2758 N Galloway Ave # 200, Mesquite, TX 75150
(972) 270-5113

Monday
8AM - 4PM
Tuesday
8AM - 4PM
Wednesday
8AM - 4PM
Thursday
8AM - 4PM

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Dentist in Rowlett,TX