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What is the Tongue and Its Uses?

The tongue is one of the most important organs in the human body. It is made of strong muscles and covered with tiny taste buds. Apart from helping us taste food, the tongue plays a major role in speaking, swallowing, and digestion. Without the tongue, our daily life would be completely different.

Main functions of the tongue:

• Tasting food: Helps identify sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami flavors.
• Speech: Essential for pronouncing words and sounds clearly.
• Swallowing: Pushes food to the throat for digestion.
• Cleaning mouth: Helps in clearing food particles stuck in teeth.
• Oral health: Keeps saliva moving, which protects teeth and gums.

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What Happens If the Tongue Is Damaged or Removed Completely?

In rare cases due to accidents, cancer, or medical surgery, the tongue may be severely damaged or removed (glossectomy). Losing the tongue can change life completely.

Effects of tongue removal or damage:

• Loss of speech clarity – It becomes very hard to talk properly.
• Difficulty in swallowing – Food intake becomes painful or impossible.
• Loss of taste – Eating food will feel tasteless.
• Nutritional issues – Since eating is difficult, malnutrition may occur.
• Emotional impact – Communication problems may lead to stress or depression.

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What Happens If the Tongue Loses Its Sense?

Sometimes the tongue may not be removed but it can lose its sense of taste due to medical reasons like infections, nerve damage, vitamin deficiency, smoking, or old age.

Effects of loss of tongue sense:

• Inability to taste flavors properly.
• Loss of appetite because food feels bland.
• Risk of overeating salt or sugar unknowingly (can harm health).
• Reduced enjoyment of eating.

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How to Protect and Maintain Tongue Health?

A healthy tongue is a sign of good overall health. Simple habits can keep it safe.

Tips to protect your tongue:

• Brush your tongue gently while brushing teeth.
• Stay hydrated – saliva protects the tongue.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Eat vitamin-rich foods (B12, zinc).
• Regular dental check-ups to detect early problems.

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