When people hear the phrase “oral health” many think of their teeth, maybe even their gums, but rarely their tongue. But your tongue is an incredible muscle, helping us to eat, breathe, talk, taste, produce saliva and many other essential bodily functions. Though our tongue is not the strongest muscle in our body (yes, that’s a myth) it does have the most stamina and if you want to continue enjoying those functions previously mentioned then you should take good care of it. Schedule a checkup with your dentist in Chicago Illinois to make sure you’re taking care of your oral health.

Get To Know Your Tongue

Your tongue is made up of eight different muscles that join together to create a flexible matrix, which allows for a huge range of motion. The tongue also has about 2,000 to 10,000 taste buds, which die off and are replaced every 10-14 days and are invisible to the naked eye. You have four different categories of taste: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami, which is found in MSG, and despite a common myth you can taste each one relatively equally across the tongue. Your tongue is such an important muscle in your body, make sure it is well taken care of with a dentist in Chicago Illinois!

A Healthy Tongue

A healthy tongue is typically a pink shade and covered in papillae, which are projections that taste buds sit atop. If your tongue is severely discolored, has white patches, is blistered, or has a hair-like appearance then this may mean you have poor oral health or other medical concerns and should consult a doctor. A fat tongue could also be a warning sign of sleep apnea and should be brought to the attention of a dentist in Chicago Illinois such as those at Chicago Smile Design. To keep your tongue healthy try using a tongue scraper, which gets rid of bacteria and buildup. Maintaining a diet rich in minerals and nutrients will also contribute to your tongue health. In general, maintaining oral health by brushing your teeth and flossing regularly will also benefit your tongue. We at Chicago Smile Design are committed to helping our patients maintain a comprehensive and effective oral care routine. Your tongues health, along with the health of your teeth and gums is crucial to maintain your mouths functions. Scheduling regular dental check-ups will help you maintain your oral health. Let us be your dentist in Chicago Illinois and book your next appointment today! Visit /contact or call us at (312) 664-2100! Courtesy of Live Science: http://www.livescience.com/52362-tongue.html  

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