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Your Tongue Is a Window Into Your Overall Health
Doctors say the tongue is a great place to look for signs of trouble — even before other symptoms occur
While it’s not true that your tongue is the strongest muscle in your body (scientists argue it’s either the main jaw muscle or the gluteus maximus, the butt muscle), it’s definitely one of the most unique: The tongue can be a harbinger for the health of your entire body.
According to Dr. Matt Messina, assistant professor of dentistry at The Ohio State University, tongue and mouth tissues are more transparent than skin — so medical providers can more easily see signs of a medical condition beneath the surface.
“The tongue and mouth are a great place to look for signs of disease before a patient develops symptoms,” says Messina. “It may point us in a direction, suggesting we ask more questions.”
People tend to pick up on issues with their own tongues too. Dr. Edward Damrose, professor of otolaryngology at Stanford, says the tongue is loaded with sensory nerves, making it more sensitive than other parts of the body. The tongue is also used for everyday functions like speech, eating, and drinking. “If there’s something wrong, people will generally notice it pretty early,” he says.
