The therapist talked about the causes of different plaque on the tongue.

The complete absence of plaque on the tongue and the appearance of a red smooth tongue can signal a serious deficiency of vitamin B12, said Svetlana Nemova, a therapist at the Sberbank Health medical company, on April 16. She told Izvestia what other problems in the body can indicate a change in the color of plaque.

"Plaque on the tongue is a natural accumulation of bacteria, food debris, shed epithelial cells, and mucus. It performs several functions. Firstly, a thin layer of plaque prevents the tongue from drying out and reduces the risk of damage to the mucous membrane. Secondly, it retains food particles, facilitating their further cleavage by saliva enzymes and the formation of a food lump," she noted.

According to the expert, changes in the color, thickness or structure of plaque may indicate certain health conditions, but the assessment should be carried out by a doctor in combination with other symptoms and examinations.

Normally, plaque on the tongue should be thin, translucent, white or slightly yellowish in color. It has a soft consistency and is easily removed during hygiene procedures. Plaque evenly covers the surface of the tongue, without hiding its natural pink color. Such characteristics are considered physiological.

Insufficient oral hygiene contributes to the accumulation of plaque and its thickening. It can also change after sleep due to decreased salivation or when consuming coloring products such as coffee or black tea. It is also not uncommon for smokers to notice that their tongue becomes covered with a brownish coating — this is the body's natural reaction to tar and nicotine during prolonged smoking on a regular basis.

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"The complete absence of plaque and the appearance of a red smooth tongue may signal a serious vitamin B12 deficiency, which requires immediate correction. A thick white or yellowish coating of a cheesy consistency, in turn, often indicates candidiasis of the oral cavity. This fungal disease can occur with improper use of inhaled glucocorticosteroids in bronchial asthma or be a "signal" of other more serious diseases," the therapist added.

If the plaque acquires an intense yellow or greenish color, then this may indicate problems with the liver or gall bladder. Especially alarming is the appearance simultaneously with this symptom of a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, heaviness in the right hypochondrium.

"Plaque with an unpleasant odor is a common cause of dental pathology, insufficient oral hygiene, especially in the presence of implants, crowns, braces. Less often, it is a consequence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract," the specialist noted.

The most frightening thing for many is the appearance of a black plaque. Contrary to popular fears, most often this is only a temporary phenomenon after taking activated charcoal or iron preparations. However, there is also a specific condition in which the papillae of the tongue grow and darken due to a violation of the microflora, which may indicate severe gastrointestinal diseases or immunodeficiency conditions, Nemova explained.

In her opinion, if you notice unusual language changes, you should not panic, but you should not ignore them either. In most cases, it is enough to improve oral hygiene, adjust nutrition and give up bad habits. However, if the plaque does not disappear within two weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms, this is a good reason to consult a doctor.

"Using a scraper helps to remove bacteria, food debris, and shed cells that accumulate on the surface of the tongue. This helps to keep your breath fresh for a longer period of time. At the same time, it is important to understand that cleaning plaque with a scraper is not a prevention of carious processes. In addition, the scraper is not recommended for permanent use due to the risk of injury to the papillae of the tongue, in which the taste buds are located. Instead, the tongue can be delicately cleaned regularly with a toothbrush," concluded the therapist.

Earlier, on March 28, Victoria Radko, an orthodontist and head of the orthodontic department at the EUROKAPPA clinic Scientific and Clinical Center, told Izvestia that iron and vitamin B12 are important for the health of the oral mucosa, as they help prevent inflammation and ulcers. These trace elements are found in large quantities in meat.