TONGUE, VEINS ON
Description and Possible Medical Problems
As we age, we become more aware of the minute changes in our bodies, from that slight ache in the knee that now comes after a brisk walk, to the gray hairs that seem to multiply with great regularity.
You’ll probably notice veins on the surface of your tongue that weren’t there before. And, if you look closely, you may also see that the veins in the floor of your mouth and underneath your tongue seem more pronounced.
The good news is that this increased varicosity is a part of normal aging and not a sign of illness. It means you’re healthy, so there’s nothing to treat or worry about. If, however, the veins begin to bleed, you should see your doctor to rule out an underlying cause such as a tooth trauma or a blood-clotting disorder, especially if you are taking an anticoagulant medication such as Coumadin.
Another sign of aging that shows up on the tongue is a greater tendency toward injury from trauma; for instance, if you bite your tongue, it may take longer to heal. In addition, the surface of your tongue may become thinner and smoother. All of these conditions will go away by themselves and are nothing to worry about.
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