9 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About the Tongue | Family Dentist Near Me

dentist in Osmond NE

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 Osmond, NE.

Family 1st Dental of Osmond
Phone: (402) 748-3713
408 North State Street
Osmond, NE 68765

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our Osmond Dental Office

Dentist Osmond

Osmond Location

408 N State Street,
Osmond, NE 68765

(402) 748-3713

Whx9PMnw

Our Dental News

Dentist Osmond

i1R2UCCNI6hglBPloeRe9K6vRAZVjRTjTDaCrYaQ

Understanding the Connection Between Stress and Oral Health

Maintaining oral health involves more than just regular brushing and flossing; it also includes understanding external factors that can adversely affect dental well-being. One such factor is stress, which can manifest in various ways and result in dental issues that […]

Learn More
i1R2UCCNI6hglBPloeRe9K6vRAZVjRTjTDaCrYaQ

The Impact of Missing Teeth and Reliable Solutions at Family 1st Dental of Osmond

When considering oral health, one critical aspect often overlooked is the presence of missing teeth. This issue can significantly affect overall well-being, leading to challenges that extend beyond aesthetics. Emphasizing the importance of addressing tooth loss is vital, as it […]

Learn More
i1R2UCCNI6hglBPloeRe9K6vRAZVjRTjTDaCrYaQ

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth and Why Family 1st Dental of Osmond is the Best Choice

Missing teeth can have profound consequences on both oral health and overall well-being. When a tooth is lost, it can lead to various complications affecting not only the mouth but also the surrounding structures, including the jawbone and gums. For […]

Learn More