Tongue Problem Basics

Though often hailed as "the strongest muscle in the body," the tongue is actually made up of a group of muscles that allow us to taste food, swallow, and talk. A healthy tongue is pink and covered with small nodules called papillae.''

Because you use your tongue constantly, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable when you experience tongue problems, including discoloration and soreness. There are a variety of causes for a number of common tongue symptoms. Fortunately, the majority of tongue problems are not serious and most can be resolved quickly.''

In some instances, however, a discolored or painful tongue can indicate more serious conditions, including vitamin deficiencies, AIDS, or oral cancer. For this reason, it is important to seek medical advice if you experience any ongoing problems with your tongue.''

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Tonsil Cancer (MD Anderson)

MD Anderson

"At first I felt, I had a lump up here on my neck and continued to get larger.

I was recommended to get a needle biopsy and the test result came that I had Tonsil Cancer. That was 14 months ago. I was referred to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where they wanted to do and I was schedule for a radical neck surgery, where they were going to open my up from ear to ear, and take out ALL the lymph nods, and salivary glands, and necrotic glands. Take out every thing off my neck. I was not  very exited about THAT TYPE OF DISFIGURING\, surgical solutions. That was the only option at the University of Kansas Medical Center.''

I decided to get a second opinion at MD Anderson Cancer Institute; in Houston, Texas. The second opinion was that surgery was not the appropriate option, They said they don't treat this type of tumors with surgery; they treat it with what they call induction chemotherapy for a couple of weeks, and then they use high dose radiation, about 30 rounds of high dose radiation.''

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What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition in which the gums, deeper supporting tissue, and potentially the bone surrounding teeth become infected and inflamed. Gum disease starts with plaque on the teeth, a sticky white substance that coats teeth. It's formed when bacteria in the mouth mixes with saliva and residues from starchy foods and sugar in your diet. If plaque isn't properly removed from teeth by brushing and flossing, it accumulates and hardens underneath the gumline into tartar. Once tartar builds up, it's much more difficult to remove than plaque and usually requires a cleaning at the dentist. Over time, it can lead to inflamed gums, or gingivitis. This is a mild form of gum disease. One of the most common symptoms is darker red gums that bleed with brushing or flossing. Professional cleaning can reverse gingivitis.

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Gum Disease

Gum disease is very common. In the UK, it is estimated that half the adult population has some degree of gum disease and most people experience it at least once. It is much less common in children. If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and you may have bad breath. In severe cases, a condition called periodontitis can develop. It affects the tissues that support teeth and hold them in place. Each year in the UK there are about six cases of severe periodontitis for every 100,000 people.''

If periodontitis is not treated, the bone in your jaw can decay and small spaces can open up between the gum and teeth. Your teeth can become loose and may eventually fall out. about the symptoms of gum disease. What causes gum disease? Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria. Some bacteria in plaque is harmless, but some is very harmful for the health of your gums. If you do not remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them, it will build up and irritate your gums, leading to inflammation and soreness. About the causes of gum disease. ''

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