{"id":243,"date":"2019-03-06T14:55:58","date_gmt":"2019-03-06T14:55:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bearcreekfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=243"},"modified":"2019-03-28T14:59:12","modified_gmt":"2019-03-28T14:59:12","slug":"dentist-in-far-north-dallas-human-tongue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bearcreekfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2019\/03\/06\/dentist-in-far-north-dallas-human-tongue\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Cool Facts About the Human Tongue by a Dentist in Far North Dallas"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"aThe tongue is an interesting aspect of the human body. Everything we consume passes by it, and yet, it never really gets the attention it deserves. But did you know that your tongue holds quite a bit of importance? Although small, it helps you eat, speak, and even digest your food. To learn more about this unique piece of anatomy, a dentist in far North Dallas<\/a> shares 6 cool facts about the human tongue.<\/p>\n

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2,000-4,000 Taste Buds<\/h2>\n

Each bud contains sensory cells that renew every week. These cells help us to perceive different tastes, but before your tongue can decipher each individual taste type, the food must be moistened by enough saliva. Savory, sweet, bitter, salty, sour \u2013 they\u2019re all flavors that our taste buds can differentiate. This is why we can be thankful that ice cream doesn\u2019t taste like Brussel sprouts!<\/p>\n

8 Muscles<\/h2>\n

Yes, that\u2019s right! Your tongue has 8 muscles, four of which are used to change its shape. The other four muscles enable you to move the position of your tongue. The change in shape and position help you to speak clearly.<\/p>\n

Unique Tongue Print<\/h2>\n

Just like you have a different fingerprint from your next-door neighbor, you also have a unique tongue print. There are no two tongues alike! In fact, researchers are currently working on a way to make it possible for the tongue to be used as a way to identify an individual.<\/p>\n

Bad Breath Culprit<\/h2>\n

Oftentimes, if you have bad breath, it\u2019s because you are not taking proper care of your tongue. Just like your teeth and gums, bacteria can build up on your tongue, leading to that stinky aroma coming from your mouth. If you suffer from bad breath, talk to your dentist about ways to clean your tongue. Simply brushing it can help eliminate bacteria and give you a clean and healthy mouth.<\/p>\n

It Can Get Fat<\/h2>\n

Just like the rest of our bodies, your tongue can get fat, too. Since it is made up of a high percentage of fat, if you are obese, your tongue can become heavier, which often results in problems with sleep apnea.<\/p>\n

Health Indicator<\/h2>\n

The color or texture of your tongue can indicate if you may be experiencing a health-related issue. If your tongue is pink, you\u2019re in luck. Pink equals a healthy tongue. However, if you see the following, talk to your doctor:<\/p>\n