Do you have a healthy tongue? Let's open those mouths and find out.

It's funny, but when you are thinking about oral health we almost always only think about or teeth and gums. However, another huge component of oral health is the tongue. This large muscle is responsible for some of our most essential functions for staying alive - swallowing, tasting and talking.

As it is a muscle, it can be beneficial to eat a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals that help to fortify muscles, as well as foods that help fight bacteria. Muscles thrive on iron rich foods, such as Spinach and leafy greens, red meat, poultry and seafood. There are several foods that have notable anti-microbial properties when consumed, foods including chopped onions, shitake mushrooms, garlic, coconuts and ginger.

But what does our tongue appearance tell us?

Red Tongue
A healthy tongue should be pinkish in colour and covered in small nodules. So if you have a bright strawberry-red tongue that can indicate inflammation. It is possible it is a lack of vitamin B12 or iron, among other deficiencies. The advise is to get it checked by your GP.

White Spot Patches
This is possible an indication of oral thrush, and is commonly found in both infants and the elderly. It is also found in those with weakened immune systems, or those on antibiotics. It is very easily treated, and the best place to go is your local pharmacy for assistance.

Coated tongue
All healthy tongues have a natural coating due to sloughing of the surface layer (removing dead skin). However, if this does not shed, a furry coating can form, giving a discoloured appearance. The colour and thickness may vary from white to orange or brown, depending on factors like how much tea or coffee you drink, and if you smoke.  The best thing is to try and stay hydrated as a dry mouth can make you more prone, apparently.

Geographic tongue
This is a common condition (although I have to admit this is the first time I have ever heard of it) in which the top and sides of the tongue develop irregular, smooth red patches, usually edged with wavy white lines. It is meant to be harmless, although a small percentage of people say they experience a burning discomfort.   If the tongue is sore, try and avoid acidic and spicy foods.

Tongue ulcers
These come about normally as a result of some kind of trauma. This can include burning your mouth on hot foods or liquids, or even biting your tongue. However, they are also a sign of stress, fatigue, or viruses such as herpes. They normally heal in a week - and you can get over the counter medication at your local pharmacy, but if they persist do speak to a GP.

Mixture of red and white patches or lumps
Now, do not be alarmed, but a patch, spot or lump that seems to persist and not go away could possibly be an indicator of oral cancer. The main risks are smoking, drinking alcohol, and infection with the HPV virus. They commonly will appear at the back or sides, and feel hard or look like ulcers. Do check with your GP. Your dentist automatically looks out for this at every check up, by the way.

HMHB says:
Like always, if you have concerns over any health issue always try and get advice, from a GP or pharmacist. It is part of their job after all. However, you can always help yourself by ensuring a clean mouth, clean teeth, healthy gums, and by obtaining a tongue scraper too.