9 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About the Tongue | 68771 Dentist

best dentist near me

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.
  2. The human tongue contains 8 separate muscles intertwined.
  3. A blue whale tongue weighs about 5,400 pounds and is roughly the size of an adult elephant!
  4. Tongues come in many shapes and have varying numbers of taste buds. This makes a human tongue imprint as unique as a fingerprint.
  5. The average person has about 10,000 taste buds in their mouth.
  6. A single taste bud contains between 50 and 100 taste cells, which may have sensors for multiple tastes.
  7. No individual taste cell can identify both bitter and sweet flavors.
  8. 1 milliliter of saliva contains about 1,000,000 bacteria.
  9. 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.

For more information about the tongue or to schedule a screening with our doctor, contact our office in Randolph, NE.

Family 1st Dental of Randolph
Phone: (402) 337-0089
105 West Broadway Street
Randolph, NE 68771

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our Randolph Dental Office

Dentist Randolph

Randolph Location

105 Broadway,
Randolph, NE 68771

(402) 337-0089

Bernecker

Our Dental News

Dentist Randolph

The Optimal Oral Health Routine | Family 1st Dental of Randolph

If it has been more than six months since your last dental visit, it may be time to reevaluate your oral health routine with the help of a dentist in Randolph. While maintaining a good at-home oral care routine is […]

Learn More

What is a Cosmetic Dentist? | Randolph NE Dentist

At Family 1st Dental – Randolph, we understand that a beautiful smile can boost your confidence and overall appearance. While many people think of cosmetic dentistry as a specialty, it’s actually an art that can be mastered by a skilled […]

Learn More

The Connection Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease: What You Need to Know | Dentist in Randolph

At Family 1st Dental – Randolph, we care about more than just your smile, we’re committed to your overall health. One connection that is often overlooked is the link between gum disease and heart disease. Research shows that the bacteria […]

Learn More