Tongue Condition May Offer Clues To Other Health Issues.

Reader’s Digest (3/20, Kloss) reports on nine health issues an inspection of the tongue can reveal, including a vitamin deficiency, a yeast infection, normal aging, irritation, stress, and other issues. A tongue that has “brown or black fuzz” on it may be a sign of “black and hairy tongue,” which is “not cause of major concern.” Reader’s Digest reports ADA consumer advisor spokesperson and New York City dentist Ada Cooper, DDS said, “We have papilla, small bumps on the surface of our tongue, which grow throughout our lifetime,” and that they are typically worn down through normal chewing and drinking, but may become overgrown and more likely to harbor bacteria or discolored from food. Quitting smoking, and using a tongue scrapper “may be all you need,” said physician Jack Der-Sarkissian