Seeking Advice on Tongue Issues
Greetings. I'm reaching out as I'm experiencing an issue that concerns me regarding my tongue. I am a 27-year-old male residing in the United Kingdom and identify as White British. I've noticed that my tongue tends to rest unusually high, leading to discomfort in my daily life. Additionally, I have another concern: it appears to sit lower than it should, and I can actually feel my epiglottis making contact with it. I wanted to get insights or advice from doctors or anyone knowledgeable about this matter.
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 11:00:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing discomfort related to the position of your tongue and its interaction with your epiglottis. This is understandably concerning, and I'd like to provide some clarity and actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Discomfort related to tongue position can arise from various factors.
- Solutions often involve lifestyle changes, oral exercises, and monitoring symptoms.
Explanation: Your tongue's resting position can be influenced by habits such as tongue posture (where it naturally rests in the mouth), tension in the jaw, or even stress. An unusually high or low position causing discomfort might lead to issues like pain or changes in how you swallow. Feeling your epiglottis touching your tongue could indicate that your tongue may be resting lower than normal, which sometimes can happen if there are anatomical variations or increased tension in the muscles that control tongue movement.
Next Steps:
-
Practice Tongue Posture: Aim to rest your tongue lightly against the roof of your mouth when your mouth is closed. This can relieve tension and promote comfort.
-
Jaw and Tongue Relaxation Exercises: Yawn widely or gently open your mouth to help relax the muscles around your jaw and tongue. Consider tongue exercises, such as moving it side to side and in and out, to enhance mobility.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a note of when your discomfort increases. This could include activities like eating, speaking, or being in certain positions. If you notice patterns, it may indicate what to adjust.
-
Hydration and Oral Care: Stay well-hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene. This can help reduce any irritation you may feel in your mouth.
-
Seek Professional Support if Needed: If the discomfort continues or worsens, or if you notice other symptoms (such as changes in taste or swallowing), it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in oral health or a dentist.
These steps should help alleviate discomfort and improve your overall oral well-being. Remember to be gentle with yourself during this process and give your body time to adjust. If you have any further questions or developments, I’m here to help!
Related Questions
Understanding Patent Ductus Arteriosus
I recently learned that my 7-year-old daughter has a minor patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). She underwent an echocardiogram due to our family's background of bicuspid heart valves, which I, along with my father and brother, also have. While her heart valves appear healthy, the echocardiogram did reveal this small PDA, as indicated in the report I received. Although I anticipate hearing from the doctor by Monday, that means I have two days to ponder this situation and feel anxious about it. I’m curious—do all PDAs require surgical intervention? Considering her age, it’s unlikely that it will close spontaneously. If anyone has any experiences or knowledge regarding this condition, I would greatly appreciate your input! Thank you!
Should You Discuss Your Own Research on Test Results with Your Doctor?
I recently underwent an echocardiogram, and while awaiting my cardiologist's call, I took it upon myself to look up what constitutes normal values and compare them with my own results. When she eventually reached out, she highlighted two abnormalities in my readings; however, one noticeable irregularity was not mentioned in our conversation. This has left me pondering whether I should address this overlooked abnormal result at our upcoming meeting, or if it might be best to refrain from mentioning it, considering her expertise in this area. I have complete confidence in her assessments, yet I find myself feeling a bit anxious about this situation.
Mild Symptoms After a Head Injury: Should I Consult My Doctor?
Greetings and thanks for taking the time to read my post. * I am a 37-year-old woman. * My weight is approximately 165 pounds, and I stand 5 feet 9 inches tall. * Current medications include daily Symbicort for asthma and melatonin on rare occasions (about once a month) to assist with sleep. * I also smoke marijuana a few times each week, but have refrained from using it since my injury to avoid hindering my recovery. **Background:** * One week ago, on January 31, I had an accident where I tripped and struck my head against a doorframe late at night. Following this incident, I exhibited signs of confusion and slurred speech, prompting my partner to take me to the emergency room. There, a head CT scan was done, which the physician reported as normal with no significant issues. A nurse also checked for signs of a stroke, which were negative. * I received advice to limit my activities and to reduce exertion if any symptoms arose. I adhered to these recommendations, spending the past week primarily resting, eating, and sleeping. * I suspect I sustained a concussion, although I do not recall any doctor directly informing me of that diagnosis. * Curiously, I do not remember the moment I hit my head; I thought I recalled tripping, but I believed I caught myself before the fall, even though I developed a large bump on my head shortly afterward, leading to two black eyes a day or so later. At the hospital, I didn’t have any alarming symptoms upon my discharge—the initial confusion and slurred speech had resolved within hours. During this week, I have been cautious and have largely avoided any strenuous activity. Notably, I have experienced absolutely no headaches or confusion, which would raise concerns about a concussion. On Thursday, five days after my injury, I felt sufficiently well to meet a friend for lunch, but I noticed some dizziness at the café and struggled slightly to engage in conversation. The following day, which marked six days post-injury, I attended a work conference featuring speakers and presentations. However, while navigating a crowd, I felt quite dizzy and experienced mild nausea, leading me to leave early and head home. I do have a slight pain in my neck—it’s mild, around 1 out of 10 in intensity. My range of motion is unaffected, though it feels a bit tender. This discomfort did not exist during my hospital visit but started a few days later, possibly due to an awkward sleeping position rather than being related to my head injury. **My inquiry is this:** Are milder symptoms one week after a head trauma common, or should I consider making an appointment with my primary care doctor regarding my condition? If a slower recovery is typical and I simply need to allow more time for healing, I would prefer not to occupy a scheduling slot at the clinic. Conversely, I want to avoid potential complications—or post-concussion syndrome—and seek help if necessary. I genuinely appreciate any insights you can provide.
What Could These White Fibrous Strands in My Wound Be?
Age: 30, Weight: 140 lbs, Height: 5'6, Racial Background: White. About seven days ago, I accidentally cut myself while shaving. I've visited a medical professional and am currently taking antibiotics. However, I'm curious about these strange white, fiber-like materials appearing in my wound. The nurse indicated that the pus I have might be green, but I don’t see it; I thought it was merely a scab. How serious does my infection seem? It’s tender and has moments where it throb, causing me to limp occasionally.
Will This Last or Can It Change?
I’m a 27-year-old male, standing at 170 cm and weighing 53 kg; nothing out of the ordinary there. About three weeks ago, after extended use of my headphones, I experienced a sudden loud ringing in my left ear. I quickly took off my headphones, and this intense ringing lasted only a few moments, but it was followed by a persistent lower ringing sound. Here are my symptoms: - I can't hear the ringing in louder environments such as at school or with windows open; it’s only noticeable in quiet settings. - The ringing tends to subside when I open my jaw, and I noticed it changes as I move my mouth, like when making a duck face. - Sleeping isn’t an issue for me. - The frequency of the ringing seems influenced by my stress levels. - Occasionally, I hear a hissing noise in my head when I turn it. - The sound diminishes when I focus my attention elsewhere. - I feel like my hearing has become more acute since this started. Though it’s manageable at the moment, the uncertainty surrounding my condition is really stressful. Previously, I used to sleep with headphones positioned awkwardly, so I suspect this may be linked to muscle tension or issues with my jaw. How can I determine whether this condition is permanent? What steps can I take to protect my hearing?