OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

What’s This Spot on My Tongue? 26M

7/12/2025, 11:50:24 AMMale25-34

After my recent dental visit where I underwent a routine examination and cleaning, including three X-rays, I noticed an unusual sensation on my tongue later that same day. It wasn’t painful, but it felt peculiar enough for me to investigate further. I initially thought it might be a stray hair or some leftover tartar, so I tried to scrape it away with my teeth. When I checked it out in the mirror, I discovered a soft, dark spot that had a distinct conical shape. I considered that perhaps my tongue sustained some minor injury during the dental work, as I had been subconsciously trying to keep up with all the tools they were using. However, I didn’t recall feeling any cuts or scratches at the time.

Family MedicineInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/12/2025, 11:50:38 AM

OpenHealth AI

You're understandably concerned about the unusual spot on your tongue, especially after your recent dental visit. It's good that you're paying attention to changes in your body.

The soft, dark, conical-shaped spot on your tongue could be due to a few different reasons, such as:

  1. Minor Trauma: You might have accidentally injured your tongue during the dental procedure, which can sometimes lead to spots or changes in texture.
  2. Fungal Infection: Conditions like oral thrush can cause spots on the tongue, though they usually come with other symptoms.
  3. Geographic Tongue: A condition that causes red, smooth patches with a darker border, but it typically resolves on its own.
  4. Benign Growths: Sometimes, soft tissue growths can appear without pain, and these are often harmless.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor the Spot: Over the next week, observe the spot for any changes in size, shape, color, or sensation. Note if it starts to hurt or if you develop other symptoms.

  2. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing your teeth and tongue gently twice a day and using an alcohol-free mouthwash to keep the area clean.

  3. Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid spicy, acidic, or hot foods that may irritate the area.

  4. Document Your Findings: Consider taking a photo of the spot today and in a week to see if there are any changes over time.

  5. Consult a Healthcare Professional If Necessary: If the spot does not improve in a week, grows larger, or you experience new symptoms like pain, swelling, or difficulty eating, it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Remember, while many oral changes can be harmless, it’s always best to keep an eye on them and take action if needed. Let me know if you have additional questions or need further guidance.

Related Questions

Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6

Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?

Family MedicineInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
18 minutes ago

Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice

I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.

WellnessFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Intense Pain in Left Thumb

Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.

AgingLifestyle ChangesPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup

While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Excessive Electrical Shocks Encountered

Hello everyone! This is my inaugural post here since I don't frequently use Reddit. I'm a 15-year-old male, and I've recently been experiencing an unusual frequency of electrical shocks. Whenever I come into contact with anything that is either highly charged or conductive, I receive a sharp, irritating jolt. This situation has become increasingly bothersome. For instance, I can only grasp my Mac charger by the cord and not the plug itself. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this is happening. Please let me know; I hope it's nothing serious! 💕

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
3 hours ago