Foul mouth: what yucky signs say about your health
Dr. Levine is an associate professor at New York University School of Dentistry and the author of "Smile! The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Smile Beauty."
Coated white tongue
Does your tongue have a whitish "coat?" That could be caused by something as simple as poor oral hygiene, mouth breathing, dehydration, or fever. But patches of white can indicate a weakened immune system or other serious conditions.White patches known as oral leukoplakia are often precancerous. Other possibilities include an overgrowth of yeast called "thrush," an autoimmune disorder called lichen planus, or even syphilis.
Black tongue
A black, "hairy" tongue is usually the result of an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. In some cases, the condition is linked to smoking or chewing tobacco, poor oral hygiene, or the use of antibiotics that affect the balance of bacteria in the mouth. In other cases, a poor diet - not enough fiber, fruits, or vegetables - is to blame.Inflamed gums
Inflammation in the mouth can signal inflammation elsewhere in the body - including in the cardiovascular system. So if your gums are red and puffy and bleed easily when you brush, you may be at risk for a range of chronic inflammatory diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.Geographic tongue
Here's a condition that looks scary but is usually harmless.A geographic tongue is marked by discolorations or by fissures that give it a map-like appearance. Apparent causes include hormonal changes (women are twice as likely as men to have geographic tongue), diabetes, allergies, skin disorders - or even psychological stress.