The tongue is perhaps one of the most unappreciated organs, especially when most people think of dentistry. As an integral part of everyday functions like eating and speaking, the tongue is as important as any other part of your body, and more so than some. Not only is it important in helping you digest your food, but your tongue also plays a significant role in your dental health and hygiene, and has been the center of many amazing feats throughout the world!

All About the Tongue

• Tongues come in different shapes and sizes, and have differing numbers of taste buds. In fact, a tongue print is as unique as a fingerprint.
• According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the longest tongue on record measures 3.86 inches from the tip to the back.
• The record for the strongest tongue belongs to Thomas Blackstone, who lifted a 24 lb, 3 oz weight that was hooked through his tongue.
• The average person has 10,000 taste buds, and 2,000 of them are under the tongue, on the cheeks, on the roof of the mouth, and on the lips.
• Contrary to popular belief, there are actually five known tastes detected by your taste buds. Aside from sour, bitter, sweet, and salty, there is also umami, which a Japanese researcher identified in 1908. Monosodium glutamate is the chemical responsible for the umami taste.
• It takes 25,000 more molecules to detect the taste of something than it does to smell it.
• The Guinness World Record for the hardest tongue twister in the English language goes to this sentence: “The sixth sick sheikh’s sixth sheep’s sick.”
• Tests on identical twins have proven it: the ability to roll your tongue into a tube shape is not a genetic trait.

ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE DENTISTS:

As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.