scarlet fever

Photography by Dr. Padval

Oral Exams: Checking out the Tongue
Oral Exams: Checking out the Tongue

Preventative Dentistry

Oral Exams: Checking out the Tongue

Have you ever wondered why doctors and dentists ask you to open wide and say, "Ahhhh?" It's true that dentists are looking for cavities and tooth-related problems, but the tongue and other soft tissues can also be an important indicator of a patient's overall health. Diseases such as diabetes, AIDS, scarlet fever, and different vitamin deficiencies can all manifest symptoms via the tongue. Patients can also do their part by performing self-examinations at home. Whenever you find yourself brushing your teeth (usually in front [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|2019-12-03T08:00:03-08:00December 3, 2019|Preventative Dentistry|

Tongue Tales
Tongue Tales

Preventative Dentistry

Tongue Tales

Traditionally, doctors and dentists have depended on the tongue to help them diagnose various diseases. And tongues do have a lot to say. For example, scarlet fever is accompanied by a spotted "strawberry" tongue. Burning tongue, a very painful condition, affects primarily post-menopausal women and can reflect systemic problems. Hairy leukoplakia is a common AIDS-related oral lesion. And candidiasis, a fungus infection which coats the tongue white, also says something is wrong. Now you know why, when you're asked to stick out your tongue [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|2016-10-25T00:00:36-07:00October 25, 2016|Preventative Dentistry|