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Proper Tongue Posture Resting Position – Placement in Mouth, When Sleeping, Mewing
Key Facts Proper tongue posture refers to the optimal positioning of the tongue against the palate It promotes good oral and respiratory health, can influence facial growth, and can even help prevent some orthodontic issues Incorrect tongue positioning can lead to breathing difficulties, speech issues, and dental problems What is Proper Tongue Posture? Proper tongue posture, sometimes referred to in online communities as mewing (named after Dr. John Mew), is a term that denotes the optimal resting position of the tongue in the mouth. When practicing proper tongue posture: The Tip of the Tongue: It should rest against the upper front teeth or just behind them, without exerting pressure on…
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Cloverleaf Tongue and Tongue Twisting
Tongue twisting, including the cloverleaf tongue, is a fascinating and curious phenomenon. Some people can perform elaborate shapes and rolls with their tongues, while others can’t. This guide covers different types of tongue-twisting, the genetics behind tongue rolling, and focuses on the cloverleaf tongue. Types of Tongue-Twisting Tongue Folding: Tongue folding involves folding the tongue vertically. The person can simply fold their tongue backwards or forwards without any rolls or complex shapes. Tongue Rolling: This is one of the most common types of tongue-twisting. In tongue rolling, the edges of the tongue are rolled up to form a tube shape. Some individuals can do this effortlessly, while others struggle or…
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Waking Up with a Black Tongue – What Causes It?
This article is a part of our Q&A series in which we give detailed answers to our readers' questions. Have a question? Don't hesitate and send it to us to get a detailed answer! Waking up with a black tongue can be alarming. Understanding what causes this phenomenon and how to address it is crucial. In this guide, we will explore the possible causes of waking up with a black tongue, preventative measures, and treatment options. The Black Tongue Phenomenon Having a black tongue, medically known as black hairy tongue or lingua villosa, refers to a condition where the tongue appears black and sometimes hairy. It is usually harmless but…
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Can You Feel Craze Lines With Your Tongue?
This article is a part of our Q&A series in which we give detailed answers to our readers' questions. Have a question? Don't hesitate and send it to us to get a detailed answer! Craze lines – a term often heard in dental clinics, but what exactly are they? Can they be felt with the tongue? Are they harmful? This article provides an extensive analysis of craze lines, and whether or not they can be detected by the tongue. Introduction to Craze Lines Craze lines are minuscule cracks in the enamel of the teeth. The enamel is the tooth’s outer protective layer, and it is the hardest substance in the…
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Can Tongue Grow Back?
This article is a part of our Q&A series in which we give detailed answers to our readers' questions. Have a question? Don't hesitate and send it to us to get a detailed answer! The human tongue is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in various functions such as speech, taste, and swallowing. However, the tongue can sometimes get injured or damaged due to various reasons such as accidents, bites, or medical conditions. In the face of such injuries, a question that often arises is: do tongues grow back? In this article, we explore the regenerative capabilities of the human tongue, the healing process, and what to do…
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Glossitis – Tongue, Treatment, Definition, Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, Types
Key Facts Glossitis refers to inflammation of the tongue, which can cause changes in the texture and color of the tongue’s surface It may occur due to various factors, including infections, allergic reactions, nutritional deficiencies, or systemic diseases The condition may be acute or chronic Treatment depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause Maintaining oral hygiene and adopting a healthy lifestyle are crucial in preventing glossitis What is Glossitis? Glossitis is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the tongue. This inflammation can make the tongue appear smooth, as the tiny bumps on the tongue, called papillae, may become less prominent. The…
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Macroglossia – Causes, Meaning, in Newborn Baby, Hypothyroidism, Surgery, Down Syndrome
Key Facts Macroglossia refers to the condition where an individual has an abnormally large tongue The enlargement can be uniform or may involve just a portion of the tongue Macroglossia can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life The condition can cause difficulties in speaking, eating, and breathing Macroglossia can sometimes be an indication of an underlying medical condition The management and treatment of macroglossia depend on the severity and underlying cause What is Macroglossia? Macroglossia is a medical term used to describe a condition where the tongue is larger than normal. This enlargement of the tongue can cause it to protrude from the mouth. Macroglossia can…
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Tongue Problems – Medicine, Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, in Adults, During Pregnancy
Key Facts The tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth that plays a crucial role in speaking, tasting, chewing, and swallowing There are various tongue problems that can range from benign conditions such as geographic tongue to more serious issues like oral cancer The appearance of the tongue can sometimes provide insights into an individual’s overall health What are Tongue Problems? Tongue problems encompass a range of issues that can affect the appearance, sensation, mobility, and function of the tongue. Some common tongue problems include: Geographic Tongue: Characterized by patches on the surface of the tongue that have a map-like appearance. Glossitis: Inflammation of the tongue, causing it to…
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Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) – Symptoms, Surgery Procedure, in Adults vs Baby
Key Facts Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion It is caused by an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethering the bottom of the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth It can affect the way a child eats, speaks and swallows Frenectomy is the common surgical procedure to correct tongue tie Estimates suggest that tongue tie affects 4-11% of newborns What is Tongue-Tie? Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a congenital condition where the lingual frenulum, the band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is…
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Black Hairy Tongue – Treatment, Images, Antibiotics, Specialists
Key Facts Black hairy tongue is a benign condition characterized by a dark, furry appearance of the tongue. It is caused by the overgrowth and elongation of the filiform papillae on the tongue. Factors contributing to this condition include poor oral hygiene, smoking, excessive consumption of coffee or tea, and certain medications. The condition is reversible and usually resolves with improved oral hygiene practices, it does not cause any permanent damage to the tongue. Poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, excessive consumption of dark-colored beverages, and certain medications are common contributing factors. It is generally harmless but can cause bad breath and altered taste. What is Black Hairy Tongue? Black Hairy…
