What’s This Spot on My Tongue? 26M
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.
Answers (1)
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:
- Minor Trauma: You might have accidentally injured your tongue during the dental procedure, which can sometimes lead to spots or changes in texture.
- Fungal Infection: Conditions like oral thrush can cause spots on the tongue, though they usually come with other symptoms.
- Geographic Tongue: A condition that causes red, smooth patches with a darker border, but it typically resolves on its own.
- Benign Growths: Sometimes, soft tissue growths can appear without pain, and these are often harmless.
Next Steps:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid spicy, acidic, or hot foods that may irritate the area.
-
Document Your Findings: Consider taking a photo of the spot today and in a week to see if there are any changes over time.
-
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
Concerns About My Eye Condition
I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5'5". Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling changes in my eyes. There are prominent, red veins extending from the inner corners of my eyes into the irises. Additionally, there are bright red streaks and pools forming at the lower part of both eyes beneath the eyelids, bordered by a yellowish hue. When I consulted two different doctors, they were unable to pinpoint the issue and simply recommended lubricating eye drops. Unfortunately, the condition seems to be deteriorating, with the redness spreading further. While there is no significant pain, keeping my eyes open feels like a struggle, and my vision has become increasingly blurry, leading to some headaches. I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m uncertain if this has any relevance to my eye problems. Any advice or insights would be immensely helpful.
Experiencing Numbness in the Right Arm or Leg?
Hello! I’m a 17-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing approximately 110 pounds and standing around 5 feet 2-3 inches tall. At the moment, I’m not taking any medications and I don’t smoke. Recently, I’ve been facing a peculiar issue where my right leg or arm occasionally becomes numb. This sensation only impacts my right side and never the left. It can occur at any time, both during day and night. Typically, the numbness in my leg arises when I’m lying in bed, although I also experience it randomly throughout the day. I’m curious if anyone has any insights or thoughts about whether this could be something more serious than just a problem with my posture, haha!
Concerns About Telemedicine during a Drive
Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman with a background of thyroid cancer, necessitating routine check-ups every six months. Recently, a question came to my mind regarding the professional conduct of my primary care physician. I was taken aback to learn that she participated in my telemedicine appointment while driving. I've noticed her appearing somewhat distracted during our in-person visits and at times, she forgets the medications we discuss during our reviews, but this situation felt even more inappropriate. It’s challenging for me to comprehend why I’m spending $450 post-insurance for what feels like a casual video call when it’s clear she is multitasking. Although I've been under her care for about two years, I'm eager to find a practitioner who will genuinely take the time to understand my health history and build a long-term relationship. I appreciate any insights you can offer!
Concerns About a Recent Lump on My Shaft: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 20-year-old male with allergies primarily to wood, pollen, and grass, which used to cause me hives, but that issue has resolved. Now, to address the main concern. I found a lump on my shaft while showering yesterday morning, and it caught me off guard. Up until now, I haven’t experienced any discomfort, and I still feel largely fine. The size of the lump is similar to that of a pimple or possibly a cyst, but I'm unsure. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to consult a doctor about this issue, as I want to be informed on how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Should We Handle This Ear Issue at Home or Seek Medical Attention?
I’m sharing this on behalf of my husband, a 33-year-old male who is not currently taking any medications and has no known chronic conditions. The only relevant detail is that he has a significant issue with earwax accumulation. At times, this leads to noticeable deposits on his pillow when he sleeps on his side, affecting his hearing. For the past few days, his ear has exhibited symptoms similar to what is often seen in various ear conditions. He reports feeling a sense of discomfort, although there is no pain or itchiness involved. Touching or tugging on the tragus and surrounding areas does not elicit any pain. He’s uncertain why there are scabs around this area. He mentioned experiencing a sensation of fluid inside the ear yesterday, prompting him to use some over-the-counter peroxide drops to help clear it out. He described the output as a thick, opaque discharge resembling earwax, but darker and more liquid in texture. Today, while the fullness sensation seems to have diminished, the discomfort remains. His other ear appears normal, perhaps just slightly dry, but nothing more than what is typical for ears. Given this information, I'd like to know whether this is a situation he can manage at home or one that warrants a visit to urgent care. Additionally, what might be the underlying issue?