Dentist Andrei Gok points out that sores and spots that do not heal on the tongue may be an indication of cancer.
According to him, most patients believe that a dentist simply assesses their teeth during a visit. However, in reality, an experienced dentist begins by examining the tongue first and foremost. They will warn of sores that do not heal for a long time, cracks, thickening, or discoloration of the oral mucosa.
He says: "If any changes in the oral mucosa persist for more than two weeks, a doctor should be consulted."
According to him, oral cancer initially appears on the tongue and mucous membranes. In its early stages, oral cancer may appear as a small ulcer, a thickened area, or a white or red patch. The patient does not experience pain.
Dr. Jok emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, because if the disease is detected in its early stages, modern treatment methods can achieve excellent results.
Another important indicator is the appearance of a coating on the tongue. According to evidence-based medicine, tongue color alone is not sufficient to diagnose any disease, but a thick, raised coating may indicate an imbalance in gut bacteria, poor oral hygiene, or chronic inflammation. Additionally, teeth marks on the sides of the tongue suggest increased tension in the chewing muscles, malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth), or a teeth-clenching habit.
He says: "These patients often complain of headaches, facial muscle tension, neck pain, and clicking in the temporomandibular joint."
According to him, special attention should be paid to dry tongue, as saliva is one of the body's most important defense systems. When it is insufficient, the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and fungal infections increases significantly.
He says: "An incorrect tongue position may contribute to malocclusion, affect jaw growth, and even affect appearance."
He emphasizes that the tongue plays a vital role in speech, chewing, swallowing, breathing, and communication. Its condition directly affects a person's ability to communicate effectively, eat, and feel comfortable.
He concludes by saying: "The goal of regular check-ups is not just to get a beautiful smile, but they sometimes help to detect diseases at very early stages, even before a person realizes they exist."
