Brits warned to never ignore 7 signs on tongue – from white patches to bumps

Your tongue can be forgotten about easily.

But the truth is, it's very important to keep an eye on things because some signs could signify a major health concern.

Unusual conditions on your tongue can be a warning sign of another health problem going on in your body.

According to WebMD, everyone should be wary of certain signs on their tongues – from white patches to hair on them.

Here are 7 signs to look out for and one of these could signify coronavirus symptoms.

If you're ever in doubt, always contact a professional or your local GP for advice on anything unusual.

Creamy white patches could mean you've got a fungal infection thrust.

Hard, white flat patches that can't be scraped away could be linked to a condition called leukoplakia.

The NHS says: "Leukoplakia is a white patch in the mouth.

"If you have a white patch in the mouth that does not go away, get it checked by a dentist or GP."

This often happens if you've taken an antacid which can stain the tongue when mixed with saliva.

It is often harmless and it should go away once you've stopped taking medication.

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This can be a sign of Kawasaki disease which is a serious and rare disease often found in children.

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.

Often a tongue can have a fur-like substance sitting on top of it.

This is usually white, black or brown in colour and it can be an alarming discovery.

It is caused by proteins turning natural lumps and bumps into longer strands which can get food and bacteria caught in them.

Luckily it can be solved by scraping them off, although if there are hairy white patches you can't get rid of, it could be leukoplakia.

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If it feels like you've burnt your tongue on a hot drink or you have a recurring metallic taste, it could be a sign of nerve issues.

The condition is known as burning mouth syndrome, but other health problems could be linked with acid reflux and diabetes.

This could be a sign of canker sores which are often painful but usually go on their own.

If you have a single bump it could be something called a "lie bump", which can be a sign of irritation.

The most common symptom of Covid-19 with oral health is a dry mouth, which is often accompanied by a loss of taste.

You can also have changes in tongue sensation and muscle pain when you chew, as well as swelling and ulcers on the tongue.

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