6 Cool Facts About the Human Tongue by a Dentist in Far North Dallas

The tongue is an interesting aspect of the human body. Everything we consume passes by it, and yet, it never really gets the attention it deserves. But did you know that your tongue holds quite a bit of importance? Although small, it helps you eat, speak, and even digest your food. To learn more about this unique piece of anatomy, a dentist in far North Dallas shares 6 cool facts about the human tongue.

2,000-4,000 Taste Buds

Each bud contains sensory cells that renew every week. These cells help us to perceive different tastes, but before your tongue can decipher each individual taste type, the food must be moistened by enough saliva. Savory, sweet, bitter, salty, sour – they’re all flavors that our taste buds can differentiate. This is why we can be thankful that ice cream doesn’t taste like Brussel sprouts!

8 Muscles

Yes, that’s right! Your tongue has 8 muscles, four of which are used to change its shape. The other four muscles enable you to move the position of your tongue. The change in shape and position help you to speak clearly.

Unique Tongue Print

Just like you have a different fingerprint from your next-door neighbor, you also have a unique tongue print. There are no two tongues alike! In fact, researchers are currently working on a way to make it possible for the tongue to be used as a way to identify an individual.

Bad Breath Culprit

Oftentimes, if you have bad breath, it’s because you are not taking proper care of your tongue. Just like your teeth and gums, bacteria can build up on your tongue, leading to that stinky aroma coming from your mouth. If you suffer from bad breath, talk to your dentist about ways to clean your tongue. Simply brushing it can help eliminate bacteria and give you a clean and healthy mouth.

It Can Get Fat

Just like the rest of our bodies, your tongue can get fat, too. Since it is made up of a high percentage of fat, if you are obese, your tongue can become heavier, which often results in problems with sleep apnea.

Health Indicator

The color or texture of your tongue can indicate if you may be experiencing a health-related issue. If your tongue is pink, you’re in luck. Pink equals a healthy tongue. However, if you see the following, talk to your doctor:

• White patches could indicate a fungal infection
• A smoother than normal tongue may mean you’re not taking in enough nutrients.
• A darker, “hairy” tongue may mean it’s stained (food, tobacco, or bacteria).
• Red and blistered means it’s too dry and you’re not producing enough saliva.

Now that you know more about your tongue, you should begin to take care of it if you aren’t already. Don’t forget about it when engaging in your morning and nighttime oral hygiene routines.

About the Practice
At Bear Creek Family Dentistry North Dallas office, we offer the highest-quality dental care. With general dentists and specialists like pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and prosthodontists, we will come up with long-term treatment plans to assure you and your family leave with a beautiful smile. To find out more about our services, contact us via our website or by calling (972) 490-1600.