Is There a Concern Regarding This Tongue?
Greetings, medical community of Reddit! I'm looking for some insight regarding my husband's tongue, as shown in the attached image. Is there an issue present? I find it looks quite unusual—I never really paid attention to it until he made a quirky expression recently. He visited the dentist last year, and they didn't mention anything about it, but I'm starting to wonder if he should see a specialist. For a bit of background, he is a 39-year-old Brazilian man, standing at 1.70 meters tall and weighing around 100 kilograms. Overall, he maintains good health, though he does take medication for high blood pressure. In his late twenties, he dealt with kidney stones, but he's currently not on any related medication. He abstains from alcohol and has never smoked, though he carries a few extra pounds. Thanks for your help!
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 7:20:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s great that you’re being attentive to your husband's health. Changes in the appearance of the tongue can indicate various conditions, but not all are serious.
Summary of Main Points:
- Uneven or unusual appearances in the tongue can relate to many factors, ranging from normal anatomical variations to potential health concerns.
- Given your husband's good health and recent dental check-up, the appearance of his tongue may not be alarming, but closer observation is warranted.
Explanation:
The tongue's appearance can change due to several reasons, including dehydration, dietary factors, or even health conditions like fungal infections or geographic tongue, which is generally harmless. The fact that your husband has not had any issues noted by his dentist is encouraging, but it’s understandable to want reassurance regarding any changes.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Changes: Observe if there are any additional changes in color, texture, or size over the next few weeks. Note if there are any associated symptoms like pain, swelling, or difficulty in eating.
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Hydration & Diet: Ensure he stays well-hydrated and maintains a balanced diet rich in vitamins, which is beneficial for oral health. This includes fruits, vegetables, and adequate water intake.
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Oral Hygiene: Encourage good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing of the tongue and teeth, using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Seek Professional Evaluation: If the appearance of the tongue does not improve or worsens, or if any concerning symptoms develop, consider scheduling an appointment with a healthcare professional, such as an ENT specialist or a dentist for a closer look.
Taking these steps should help in assessing the situation further without unnecessary alarm. Feel free to check in if you have more questions or need additional information!
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