#1 The tongue’s appearance indicates a person’s health
Every time we see a doctor, they instruct us to stick out our tongue for some examination. A nice, pink-colored tongue usually indicates good general health. On the other hand, a yellow one is a sign of fever or stomach problems. And a white one (oral thrush) indicates fungal infections, sometimes in the form of yeast overgrowth known as candida.
#2 It’s the body’s strongest and most flexible muscle
This organ can function without skeleton support. The tongue can easily manipulate food in the mouth because of its flexibility. It also serves as an effective cleanser after we consume our food. As a result, it aids in the removal of food particles and the prevention of oral disorders.
#3 Piercings are harmful to your mouth
Tongue piercings are risky because a variety of bacteria linger in the mouth. Furthermore, metal piercings have the potential to harm the teeth by cracking or deteriorating the enamel. This can also impair a person’s sense of taste, cause gum damage, and cause excessive salivation.
#4 In Tibet, sticking one’s tongue out is a polite gesture.
Many countries regard this gesture as strange, childish, or even rude. In Tibet, however, sticking it out of one’s mouth is not insulting.
#5 Not brushing your tongue worsen bad breath (halitosis)
The tongue has very tiny bumps known as papillae. These bumps can trap bacteria and cause halitosis. Over 50% of bacteria found in the mouth linger on the tongue. Hence, cleaning it is as essential as brushing the teeth twice daily, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.
#6 Tongues are unique, like a fingerprint
Aside from the various shapes, they also have a variety of taste buds. As a result, every tongue imprint is unique.
#7 The drier it is, the harder it is to taste
Our taste buds react to chemicals that can dissolve in water. Therefore, the ease with which we can taste salty meals while our mouths are moist is understandable. After all, salts quickly dissolve in water and, thus, in our saliva.
#8 Women’s tongues are shorter than men’s
To prove this fact, compare tongue sizes with the opposite sex. You may find the results surprising. Either way, size does not matter, but it is an interesting fact.
#9 It is a body part that is constantly active and working
Although we need sleep, this body part continues to function when we are asleep and pushes saliva into the throat.
#10 The phrase “cat got your tongue” is true
This maxim has its roots in age-old Assyria and is over 2500 years old. Then, criminals and defeated soldiers had their tongues cut off as punishment and fed to the King’s cats.
#11 It has eight inseparable, striated muscles
This helps our tongue with its incredible flexibility and strength.
#12 The different flavors we taste come from four components of the tongue
According to popular belief, the tongue is most sensitive to flavor.
#13 When breastfeeding, this organ serves a vital function for infants
Tongue functions as a piston. When the tongue maneuvers backward in the mouth, this generates low pressure that helps suck in a fluid when drinking.
#14 Tongue receptors are nerve endings that have a chemical reaction with the food and beverages we taste
These receptors send information to our brain and assist our taste buds in finding flavors.
#15 Each taste bud contains 50 to 150 taste receptor cells
These assist us in tasting a wide range of flavors.