When you think about maintaining good oral hygiene, first you consider brushing your teeth. However, another part of your mouth that needs more care and attention is your tongue. It is the most important part of an individual mouth used for various purposes. Your tongue allows you to talk, eat, swallow, and taste. Here are some facts on the human tongue you must know.
Fascinating Facts about the Tongue
The tongue is one of the sensitive muscles in our body. Let’s look at the unique aspects of the tongue here.
Children’s Tongue Experience Flavors More Intensely than Adults
Which is the sensitive muscle in our body?
- A. Tongue
- B. Leg
- C. Neck
- D. Fingers
Have you ever thought of the first time you ate ice cream? Well, it was creamy and sweet, and would never get that taste again. It’s because your taste buds change and develop when you grow up. A child’s tongue is smaller and has a denser taste receptor cells. That’s why, they are picky eaters and tend to avoid bitter foods?
Tongue Made up of Eight Muscles
The tongue is one of the most flexible muscles in our body. It is composed of eight muscles that are combined known as muscular hydrostat. The tongue is an organ composed of a group of muscles. Elephant trunks, octopus tentacles, and reptile tongues are other examples of muscular hydrostat.
Don’t you think that is interesting? We know you do! Are you in for more such surprising facts? Don’t miss out on reading our post on the wackiest facts about the human body.
Your Tongue Can Showcase Health Issues
Doctors can determine medical information just by examining your tongue. If you go for any checkup, the primary thing the doctor does is check your tongue. A few things medical professionals look at are listed below.
- A black tongue indicates bacterial growth and is associated with diabetic patients
- Bright red tongues signify nutritional deficiencies such as folic acid, Vitamin D, and B12 deficiency
- Large or painful bumps on the tongue can be an early sign of oral cancer
- White spots on the tongue can be signs of oral yeast infection and leukoplakia
There are Taste Buds All Over the Tongue
Taste buds are another unique aspect of the tongue. A person’s tongue is capable of tasting different things. Where are our taste buds located? You can find out in the raised protrusions of the tongue which are known as papillae. Sour, Savory, Sweet, Bitter, and Salty are the taste buds in the human tongue. Every part of your tongue can detect different tastes. An average adult has 2000 to 10000 taste buds. The size and number may vary based on each person.
Everyone Has a Unique Tongue Print
Another fact about the tongue is that no two tongues are alike. The tongue prints are unique like fingerprints and snowflakes. Everyone has unique alignment, shape, size, taste buds, and flexibility.
Now, you have an idea of curious facts about the tongue. It is necessary to take good care of your tongue at all times. Failing to do so can affect your taste, and ability to speak and lead to bad breath.