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The tongue is not only an important organ for taste in the human body but also a “barometer” of health reflecting the body’s health status to some extent. Many people know that a thick and greasy tongue coating is not good. But is a cleaner tongue always better? Not necessarily! If the tongue has no coating, it may also indicate “illness!” How can we discern health through tongue coating? Let me take you to understand!
Why might the tongue have no coating?
The tongue surface is not smooth; it has papillae protruding. Therefore, under normal circumstances, there will be a thin layer of white coating on the tongue, which consists of filiform papillae and fungiform papillae, with larger papillae at the root of the tongue, known as circumvallate papillae.
Filiform papillae are naturally white and velvety. Chronic inflammation due to disease can lead to atrophy of the papillae, resulting in a smooth tongue surface without coating, known as a “glossy tongue.” A glossy tongue appears smooth and red, also referred to as papillary inflammation or atrophic glossitis.
What diseases can cause a tongue to have no coating?
Many diseases can lead to a glossy tongue, such as vitamin B deficiency, anemia, candidiasis, Sjögren’s syndrome, atrophic gastritis, etc. These diseases can easily cause atrophy of the papillae, and in severe cases, the tongue surface may appear smooth and red without coating, even accompanied by a burning sensation, pain, or dry mouth, and the tongue may be sensitive to external stimuli, easily leading to small ulcers or sores.Experts recommend: If you notice a glossy tongue, you should seek a comprehensive examination at a hospital and receive targeted treatment. Patients with no coating should maintain a light diet, avoiding overeating and the consumption of raw, cold, hot, and hard-to-digest foods. It is advisable to eat more vegetables and fruits that benefit the spleen and stomach, such as yam, taro, and meat floss. Regular exercise is also important to enhance the body’s immune function.
Changes in tongue coating may indicate hidden diseases
Normal tongue coating is light red, moist, of moderate size, soft and flexible, with even, thin, and moist white coating.1. Yellow Tongue CoatingCharacteristics: Commonly seen in heat-related diseases, indicating damp-heat, primarily affecting the liver and spleen. Symptoms include thirst, indicating excessive liver fire, and irritability. Liver issues can affect spleen and stomach function and bile secretion, leading to bad breath due to spleen-stomach disharmony and excessive stomach fire causing indigestion; bitter taste in the mouth is due to bile secretion disorder.Experts recommend: Choose foods that clear heat and eliminate dampness, such as white radish, loofah, lotus root powder, mung beans, and coix seeds; fruits like hawthorn and pears are also recommended.2. Excessively White Tongue CoatingCharacteristics: White coating can appear in obese patients or those with water retention or phlegm-dampness, commonly seen in patients with pleural effusion, ascites, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and asthma, indicating a cold pattern.Experts recommend: Choose foods with a warming nature, such as red date glutinous rice porridge, and prefer soft or soup-like foods. For side dishes, opt for light and warm beef or lamb soup, seasoned with vinegar and ginger. Fruits like apples and tangerines are suitable. Avoid cool foods like salads, cucumbers, winter melons, mung bean sprouts, crabs, and duck eggs, and refrain from consuming cold drinks.3. Black Tongue CoatingCharacteristics: In TCM, black coating is caused by extreme heat transforming into fire, excluding dyed coatings. Individuals with gastrointestinal issues are prone to cold-dampness, leading to thick and greasy tongue coating, which may start as white and gradually turn yellow or black. Clinically, some chronic diseases like uremia and malignant tumors may present with black coating during exacerbation, indicating a critical condition that requires immediate medical attention. Additionally, high stress, frequent late nights, and excessive smoking can also lead to black coating.Experts recommend: Many diseases can cause black coating, so it is essential to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.
Should you brush your tongue coating regularly?
Brushing your tongue can help maintain overall oral health and freshen breath when done correctly in the morning and evening, along with proper tooth brushing and flossing. When brushing your tongue, do not apply too much pressure. If it is not clean, you can gently brush a few more times. The color and condition of the tongue coating can reflect the body’s status. Therefore, it is best not to deliberately brush or scrape the tongue coating before seeing a TCM practitioner.
Note
Although observing the tongue coating can provide a simple self-assessment of health, relying solely on the tongue’s symptoms cannot determine the overall health status. If any abnormalities or discomfort occur, it is advisable to seek timely medical attention and consult a professional doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis to avoid delaying treatment.
DisclaimerThis article is sourced from CCTV Life Circle. The above images and text are for sharing purposes only, and copyright belongs to the original author and source. The content reflects the author’s views and does not represent the position of this public account. If there are any copyright issues, please contact us promptly.
Article edited by: Xiao Jiling
Editor: He Lei, Lin Meini
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