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February 10, 2012

Tongue Problems Center - Charlotte, NC

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Charlotte, North Carolina

Nicknamed the Queen City, Charlotte and the county containing it are named in honor of the German Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg, who had become queen consort of British King George III the year before the city's founding. A second nickname derives from later in the 18th century. During the American Revolutionary War, British commander General Cornwallis occupied the city but was driven out afterwards by hostile residents, prompting him to write that Charlotte was "a hornet's nest of rebellion," leading to another city nickname: The Hornet's Nest.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte)

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2012-08-04
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Tongue Problems

What causes white tongue?

There are a number of things that can cause a whitish coating or white spots to develop on the tongue, including the following:

  • Leukoplakia. This condition causes cells in the mouth to grow excessively. That, in turn, leads to the formation of white patches inside the mouth, including on the tongue. Although not dangerous on its own, leukoplakia can be a precursor to cancer. So it is important for your dentist to determine the cause of the white patches on your tongue. Leukoplakia can develop when your tongue has been irritated and is often found in people who use tobacco products.
  • Oral thrush. Also known as candidiasis, oral thrush is a yeast infection that develops inside the mouth. The condition results in the formation of white patches that are often cottage cheese-like in consistency on the surfaces of the mouth and tongue. Oral thrush is most commonly seen in infants and the elderly, especially denture wearers, or in people with compromised immune systems. People with diabetes and people taking inhaled steroids for asthma or lung disease also can get thrush. Oral thrush is more likely to occur after the use of antibiotics, which may kill the "good" bacteria in the mouth. Eating plain yogurt with live and active cultures may help restore the proper fauna in your mouth. Additionally, medications may be used to combat the infection.
  • Oral lichen planus. If you have a network of raised white lines on your tongue that has a lace-like appearance, you may be suffering from oral lichen planus. Doctors are often unable to determine the cause of this condition, which often resolves on its own. Practicing proper dental hygiene, avoiding tobacco, and limiting your consumption of foods that cause irritation to your mouth may helpful.

What causes red tongue or strawberry tongue?

...

Recommended Reading Related to Tongue Problems

Leukoplakia »

Introduction

Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek. It is the mouth's reaction to chronic irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. Leukoplakia patches can also develop on the female genital area; however, the cause of this is unknown.

The growth can occur at any time in your life, but it is most common in the elderly.

"Hairy" leukoplakia of the mouth is an unusual form of leukoplakia that is seen only in people who are infected with HIV, have AIDS, or AIDS-related complex. It consists of fuzzy, hence the name "hairy," white patches on the tongue and less frequently elsewhere in the mouth. It may resemble thrush, an infection caused by the fungus Candida which, in adults, usually occurs if your immune system is not working properly, and may be one of the first signs of infection with the HIV virus.

What Causes Leukoplakia?

Emergency Contact for Charlotte

  • In case of Emergency, call 911
  • Police non-emergency 817-335-4222
  • Fire Deptartment 817-392-6850

Nearby Charlotte Hospitals *

Presbyterian Hospital
200 Hawthorne Ln
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704)384-4000

Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital
1901 Randolph Rd
Charlotte, NC 28207
(704)316-2000

Carolinas Medical Center
1000 Blythe Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704)355-2000

Carolinas Medical Center Mercy
2001 Vail Ave
Charlotte, NC 28207
(704)304-5000

Carolinas Rehabilitation
1100 Blythe Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704)355-4300

Behavioral Health Center CMC Randolph
501 Billingsley Rd
Charlotte, NC 28211
(704)358-2700

Carolinas Medical Center University
8800 N Tryon St
Charlotte, NC 28262
(704)548-6000

Carolinas Medical Center Pineville
10628 Park Rd
Charlotte, NC 28210
(704)667-1000

Presbyterian Hospital Matthews
1500 Matthews Township Pkwy
Matthews, NC 28105
(704)384-6500

Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville
10030 Gilead Rd
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704)316-4000

Gaston Memorial Hospital
2525 Court Dr
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704)834-2000

NorthEast Medical Center
920 Church St N
Concord, NC 28025
(704)783-3000

HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital of Rock Hill
1795 Dr Frank Gaston Blvd
Rock Hill, SC 29732
(803)326-3500

Piedmont Healthcare System
222 S Herlong Ave
Rock Hill, SC 29732
(803)329-1234

Lake Norman Regional Medical Center
171 Fairview Rd
Mooresville, NC 28117
(704)660-4000

Carolinas Medical Center Union
600 Hospital Dr
Monroe, NC 28112
(704)283-3100

Carolinas Medical Center Lincoln
200 Gamble Dr
Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704)735-3071

Kings Mountain Hospital
706 W Kings St
Kings Mountain, NC 28086
(704)739-3601

Springs Memorial Hospital
800 W Meeting St
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803)286-1214

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MedicineNet Doctors

Suggested Reading on Tongue Problems by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Anemia
      • Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased.
    • Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
      • Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
    • Thrush
      • Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus. Symptoms of Thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat, and fever.
    • Fever
      • Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degrees F. (37 degrees C.), in practice a person is usually not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C.). Fever is part of the body's own disease-fighting arsenal: rising body temperatures apparently are capable of killing off many disease- producing organisms.
    • Oral Cancer
      • The term oral cancer includes cancer of the mouth (oral cavity) and the back of the mouth (oropharynx). Red and white patches inside the mouth, bleeding, loose teeth, pain upon swallowing, a lump in the neck, earache, and a sore on your lip or in your mouth that won't heal are all symptoms of oral cancer. Treatment for oral cancer depends upon the staging of the disease and usually involves surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
    • Canker Sores
      • Canker sore is a small ulcer crater in the lining of the mouth. Canker sores are one of the most common problems that occur in the mouth. Canker sores typically last for 10-14 days and they heal without leaving a scar.
    • Lichen Planus
      • Lichen planus is a common skin disease that features small, itchy pink or purple spots on the arms or legs. the abnormal areas on the skin in lichen planus are typically flat-topped (hence the term planus), itchy, and frequently have a polygonal or angular shape.
    • Smoking (How to Quit Smoking)
      • Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
    • Vitamins and Calcium Supplements
      • Vitamins are organic substances that are essential for the proper growth and functioning of the body. Calcium is a mineral essential for healthy bones and is also important for muscle contraction, heart action, and normal blood clotting.
    • Kawasaki Disease
      • Kawasaki disease is a rare children's disease characterized by a fever that lasts more than five days and at least four of the following five symptoms are present: rash, swollen neck lymph gland, red tongue, swelling or redness of the hands or feet, and conjunctivitis. High doses of aspirin are used to treat Kawasaki disease. Cortisone and antiinflammatory drugs may also be used during treatment.
    • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
      • Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Bruxism may be caused by stress or anxiety and often happens during sleep. Symptoms and signs include jaw pain, headache, and abnormalities in your teeth. Treatment may involve practicing stress-management techniques, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, avoiding gum chewing, training oneself not to grind the teeth, and wearing a mouth guard.
    • Streptococcal Infections
      • Group A streptococcal infections are caused by group A streptococcus, a bacteria that causes a variety of health problems, including strep throat, impetigo, cellulitis, erysipelas, and scarlet fever. There are more than 10 million group A strep infections each year.
    • Leukoplakia
      • Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch that develops on the tongue or inside the cheek. Causes of Leukoplakia may include irritation from rough teeth fillings or crowns, chronic smoking, sun exposure to the lips, or HIV or AIDS.
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Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain



Tongue Problems

What problems are caused by smoking?

By smoking, you can cause health problems not only for yourself but also for those around you.

Hurting Yourself

Smoking is an addiction. Tobacco contains nicotine, a drug that is addictive. The nicotine, therefore, makes it very difficult (although not impossible) to quit. In fact, since the U.S. Surgeon General's 1964 report on the dangers of smoking, millions of Americans have quit. Still, approximately 440,000 deaths occur in the U.S. each year from smoking-related illnesses; this represents almost 1 out of every 5 deaths. The reason for these deaths is that smoking greatly increases the risk of getting lung cancer, heart attack, chronic lung disease, stroke, and many other cancers. Moreover, smoking is perhaps the most preventable cause of breathing (respiratory) diseases within the USA.

Hurting Others

Smoking harms not just the smoker, but also family mem...

Read the Smoking (How to Quit Smoking) article »







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