There are different parts of the body which show symptoms of different health issues. Like, the symptoms of diabetes can often be seen on your hands and feet and symptoms of liver issues can be seen on your skin. Similarly, your tongue can have signs and symptoms of several health conditions. Your tongue is unique and hence, any abnormality should be taken into consideration.

Dr Vikas Prinja who is also known as ‘thelondondentist’ on TikTok shared that the tongue can share a lot about your health. He said that certain signs can point to problems like vitamin deficiencies, infections or even cancers. Understanding what is ‘normal’ for you can help you spot the subtle signs of certain health diseases.

Here, take a look at some of the warning signs on your tongue you should keep a check on.

If you notice creamy white patches in your mouth, you should consider visiting a dentist or your doctor. Lacy white patches can be a sign of lichen planus which is a condition where the immune system attacks the tissue in the mouth. This can also be a sign of leukoplakia which over time can develop into mouth cancer.

Dr Prinja says that a ‘strawberry’ tongue which happens due to redness and seed-like bumps can be a sign of Kawasaki disease which is a serious, rare disease that usually happens to children and causes inflation of blood vessels. It can also be a symptom of scarlet fever. However, if you find your tongue is smooth and red, alongside pain in your mouth, it could be a sign of a vitamin B3 deficiency, according to a report in Mirro.co.uk.

Having a black fur-like substance on top of your tongue can be due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, alcohol, stains from food and drink and using chlorhexidine mouthwash.

If it looks like your mouth has a glossy texture, it can be a sign of a lack of nutrients. Lack of iron, folic acid and B vitamins can all be the cause of a smooth tongue, as can infections, coeliac disease and some medications.

This is a rare condition which usually affects more children than adults. It is when the tongue is too big for the mouth. It can be identified by tooth imprints on the sides of the tongue. Causes of this can be infection, allergies or hypothyroidism.

Canker sores may happen on the underside of the front of your tongue. These are small, red and often painful and they tend to go away on their own. If you have a single bump it could be something called a ‘lie bump’, which can be a sign of irritation.

One might develop deep groves when they age, however, it can also be a sign of Sjögren's syndrome or psoriasis. They are completely harmless, however, if you have the condition make sure you gently brush the grooves to keep them clean.