Bumps, patches, and spots in your mouth may be innocuous. However, they can sometimes provide insight into what is going on with your general health. Infections, stress, drug interactions, and even age can leave a trace on your tongue. Learn what your tongue is trying to tell you and why you should be concerned.

White Patches

Thrush, a fungal illness, could cause creamy white spots. It usually happens when an illness or medication throws your mouth's bacterial balance awry. Lichen planus is a white area that looks lacy and indicates that your immune system is attacking the tissues in your mouth. It could be leukoplakia, which is connected to cancer if you find hard, flat, white spots that cannot be scraped away. Any white areas you notice should report it to your dentist

Hairy Tongue

A hairy tongue is defined by a coating on the tongue that resembles black, brown, or white fur. Those "hairs" are proteins that transform microscopic bumps into larger strands that trap food and germs. When you brush or scrape your tongue, it should go away. Oral hairy leukoplakia is characterized by hairy, white areas that are difficult to remove. It can happen to persons who are afflicted with the Epstein-Barr virus or HIV.

Black Tongue

The tongue of a hairy person might be black in hue. However, if you take an antacid that contains bismuth, your tongue may get dark. When it comes into contact with saliva, it causes some people's tongues to turn black. It is completely harmless and will go away once you have stopped taking the medication.

Bright Red Tongue

A strawberry-red tongue could be an early indicator of Kawasaki disease, a rare but deadly condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, most commonly in youngsters. It is also a scarlet fever symptom. If your red tongue is smooth and you feel mouth pain, it could indicate that your body is deficient in vitamin B3.

You might feel it burning 

You may have burning mouth syndrome if your tongue feels scalded by hot coffee and tastes metallic or unpleasant. It could indicate a problem with your tongue's nerves. It can also be caused by health issues such as dry mouth, infections, acid reflux, and diabetes. Some people's mouths burn from acidic meals like pineapple and toothpaste, mouthwash, candy, or gum.

Smooth Tongue

A tongue with no little bumps on top may seem glossy red. If you do not receive enough iron, folic acid, or B vitamins, you may acquire it. It can also be caused by infections, celiac disease, or certain drugs. It could be a geographic tongue if you have smooth parts next to rough ones. The spots might appear and disappear, and they can also hurt or burn. It is completely harmless; however, it has been connected to psoriasis and lichen planus.

Bumps

Canker sores are tiny, painful, reddish lumps that appear and disappear on their own behind the tongue. A single, painful lump at the tip of your tongue could be temporary lingual papillitis, often known as "lie bumps," which can appear when your tongue is irritated. A virus can also create several little lumps on the tip and sides of the tongue. Tell your doctor or dentist if you have a lump on or under your tongue that hurts and will not go away. They will want to make sure you do not have oral cancer.

Soreness

Because your tongue has so many nerve endings, biting or injuring it can be painful. Pain can be caused by canker sores, lichen planus, thrush, and geographic tongue. Some drugs and infections can also cause soreness in the tongue. Pain in the tongue can often indicate cancer, especially if you also have a tumour or red or white areas on your tongue. Bring those issues up with your doctor.

Macroglossia

It occurs when your tongue is excessively large in size compared to the rest of your mouth. It can take up so much space that impressions of your teeth may be discovered on its sides by your doctor. Your doctor will try to determine and treat the underlying cause, including hypothyroidism, infection, or allergies, among other things.

Tongue Fissures

As you become older, deep grooves can grow on your tongue. Down syndrome, psoriasis, and Sjögren's syndrome are also associated with it. They are safe, but you should brush your tongue carefully to remove food and bacteria. If your doctor treats the underlying condition causing the grooves, they may improve.

There might be symptoms of mouth cancer

The majority of the dots, lumps, and hues on your tongue are harmless. However, it is essential to be aware of the warning symptoms of cancer, which include sores that do not heal, tumours, tongue soreness, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. Consult your doctor or dentist if these symptoms persist for longer than two weeks.