Miley Cyrus, America’s favorite child-actor-turned-twerking-demon has been extremely productive lately: swinging naked from a wrecking ball in her new music video, wearing a bodysuit made out of a teddy bear, and reminding the world, “why yes, I was absolutely born with a tongue.” The pop star has been photographed numerous times with her trademark wide-eyed, tongue-cocked pose and people are talking. “She’s out of control! Where are her parents! Where can I get that teddy bear unitard?”
But while strong opinions about Miley’s style and audacity abound, there’s one issue that hasn’t been addressed fully: what’s the deal with that white film on Miley’s tongue?
Take a look at your tongue. It’s probably a healthy pinkish-color. Miley’s tongue, on the other hand is coated in a thick, white film. While not fatal, whitening of the tongue can occur when there is a buildup of bacteria and debris on the surface due to mild dehydration or because of environmental irritants like cigarettes. Whiteness on the top layer of the tongue can also be a result of an infection or chronic inflammation. Certain oral infection, such as Candida or oral thrush can cause a pasty tongue.
Eastern medicine offers a rather interesting interpretation on tongue film. According to “Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine,” by Giovanna Maciocia, “A pale, wet tongue accompanied by a sticky coating all over may indicate obstruction of the spirit by phlegm, which may manifest in severe anxiety or mild manic behavior.”
You might not be a Miley groupie, but that doesn’t mean that this post can’t provide good fodder for you and your younger patients.
