EN 
ES Dr. Arabella Michelén
The tongue is part of the oral cavity, it is a mobile muscle, on its surface there are a large number of taste buds, it intervenes in the process of forming the food bolus, in phonation and plays a very important role in the oral health of the patient, since a large amount of bacterial plaque usually adheres to its surface if it is not eliminated every day. It is commonly considered very restless, this is how any poorly adapted prosthesis, sharp dental surface, inadequate restoration... it detects it and becomes its favorite toy, sometimes causing lacerations and injuries that if not corrected in time can compromise general health.
Under normal conditions, the tongue is pink in color; it fits inside the oral cavity when closed; it has a rough surface, due to the presence of taste buds; it reacts to changes in temperature; it is mobile and highly vascularized,
In the presence of certain habits, syndromes and special conditions, the size and texture of the tongue can be altered; this can interfere with the position of the teeth, predispose to caries and periodontal disease, making speech and phonation difficult. In addition, it affects oral health, well-being and general health.
The injuries and diseases that can affect this organ range from simple inflammation, known as glossitis, to malignant lesions. Among the most common are:
1- Candidiasis, are lesions caused by fungi, Candida albicans, they are closely associated with putting an object in the mouth without proper care and poor hygiene; generally a whitish/yellowish layer forms on the surface of the tongue, the sense of taste is altered and the patient feels burning and general discomfort.
2- Glossitis, inflammation of the tongue, can be caused by viral, bacterial, allergic, vitamin deficiency, trauma from irregular edges on dental surfaces or poorly adapted prostheses. The color of the tongue generally changes from pink to reddish and the patient feels a burning sensation.
3- Geographic tongue, is a benign inflammation, smooth and wrinkled areas interspersed, the location varies from one patient to another.
4- Papillitis, inflammation of the taste buds, very acidic, very hot foods are the most common causes, along with unsatisfactory hygiene.
5- Leukoplakia, whitish spots that cannot be removed by oral brushing, are closely related to tobacco and other tobacco substitutes. As soon as you notice them, go to your dentist, these lesions must be treated in time.
6- Canker sores are small, very painful sores on the surfaces of the tongue, associated with viral processes, trauma and malnutrition.
7.- Cancer, many of the cancerous lesions in the mouth are located on the tongue.
Many patients are unaware that the tongue must be taken into account in every oral hygiene routine. Most bacterial plaque adheres to the lingual surface, affecting not only the tongue, but also the entire oral cavity and therefore the body. There are a series of tongue habits, easily recognized by parents, that alter the position of the teeth and therefore the bite.
Highly seasoned foods are not the best allies for the health of the tongue; on the contrary, they alter the taste buds and affect the sense of taste, in addition to causing glossitis.
When you visit the dentist, he or she will also check that everything is correct in relation to your tongue and its health. Remember that it is more important to prevent than to regret.
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