How often do you think about your tongue? Does it ever cross your mind? Have you ever really thought about exactly what your tongue does? Or what it even is? Have you ever asked your dentist about your tongue? Unless you're eating or chewing, you probably don't even think about it. Well, here are some facts about your tongue that you may not know! 



How Long is Your Tongue? 


The tongue is actually measured from the back of your throat at the epiglottis to the tip. The average tongue is only 3.2 inches long but the longest tongue on record (the Guinness Book of World Records) is 3.97 inches long. 



What are Taste Buds and How Many Do I Have?


Taste buds are the nerve endings that discern taste. They actually act as a survival tool. The cells determine how we interpret tastes and continually renew themselves. Most of your taste buds are on your tongue but there are also cells that exist on the epiglottis as well as in your nose and sinuses. 



Most adults have anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 taste buds at any given time. About one quarter of the population are known as 'supertasters' while another quarter of the population is known as 'non-tasters'. Supertasters have an extremely heightened sense of taste while non-tasters can discern taste but with much less clarity. Saliva helps to amplify the tastes as well. 



What is the Tongue Made of?


Most people think that the tongue itself is a muscle. However, it's actually made of eight different kinds of muscle all meshed together. Each of the muscles serves a purpose in the function of the tongue. This matrix of muscles is the only muscles in the human body that are able to function completely independent of the skeleton. 



Does the Tongue Get Fat?


Believe it or not, your tongue can actually get fat. The more volume of fat that exists on you, the more on your tongue. This explains why many people who are overweight suffer from sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where people stop and start breathing during their sleep. The condition of the tongue can actually reveal much about your health! 



So next time you are trying to say a 'tongue twister', or brushing your teeth or tasting something sour, remember that your tongue is a uniquely special part of your body!

Your tongue is an important part of your overall oral health. To have a better understanding of your oral health, come visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre located in South Ottawa. Contact us today to book an appointment!