Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: What Kills Women During Childbirth?

Childbirth is usually considered a moment of happiness and beginnings, but for numerous women worldwide, it could become a life-or-death situation. Though excessive bleeding, infection, and hypertensive complications are well-known reasons for <span>maternal mortality</span>, an underemphasized yet life-threatening condition—peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)—is slowly emerging as a silent killer. This unusual but dangerous manifestation of heart failure occurs in women late in <span>pregnancy</span> or shortly after delivery, frequently with symptoms that are indistinguishable from usual pregnancy discomforts.

According to the most recent UN global estimates, 303,000 women annually lose their lives as a result of complications in pregnancy or childbirth—an average of 830 women per day, or approximately one every two minutes. Most of these deaths could be averted with proper and timely medical attention. But extremes of inequality exist: two-thirds of maternal deaths happen in sub-Saharan Africa, with India and Nigeria alone contributing one-third of the world total.

Although the number of deaths worldwide has decreased by 44% since 1990, from 532,000 to 303,000, the achievement has not been commensurate with the size of global commitments over decades to cut down these figures. Most of the deaths remain underreported, especially in areas with weak healthcare systems and inadequate data collection mechanisms.

<h2>What Is <span rel="noindex">Peripartum Cardiomyopathy</span>?</h2>

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of heart failure that occurs in the final month of pregnancy or within five months after delivery. It compromises the function of the heart muscle, making it less efficient at circulating blood throughout the body. Clinically, it appears as heart failure with low ejection fraction (EF &lt; 45%) without any other established cause. Although the specific etiology of PPCM is not known, risk factors are advanced maternal age, Afro-American heritage, pre-eclampsia, chronic hypertension, and multiparity.

Although PPCM is uncommon—affecting between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 4,000 pregnancies in the United States—it's a significant health risk when it does occur. It has been found to be more common in the southern parts of the U.S., but worldwide estimates are uncertain due to under-reporting and under-diagnosis.

One of the most perilous features of PPCM is how readily it can be confused with normal pregnancy symptoms. Fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles, and mild chest pain are all normal pregnancy occurrences. But for women with PPCM, these symptoms can indicate a heart in distress. Severer forms cause difficulty in lying down due to breathing (orthopnea), night-time breathing distress (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea), palpitations of the heart, and even decreased blood pressure or cardiogenic shock.

"The PPCM clinical syndrome is easily likely to be mistaken for late-gestational complains," states Consultant – Gynecology Dr. Madhu Bindhu. "It usually brings delays in diagnosis, which, being critical at times, causes anxiety. Earlier recognition, notably via echocardiographic screening, is responsible for better outcome improvement."

<h2>How Is PPCM Diagnosed and Treated?</h2>

Diagnosis often starts with a 12-lead ECG and a chest X-ray, but the definitive test is a 2D echocardiogram, which can verify left ventricular dysfunction. In complicated cases, a cardiac MRI may be performed to exclude other structural or inflammatory causes of heart failure.

Treatment is with a typical heart failure regimen, adjusted for pregnancy or postpartum status. This can be diuretics to decrease fluid accumulation, beta-blockers to manage heart rate, and ACE inhibitors, utilized postpartum. Anticoagulants can be given to avoid blood clots, a frequent complication in PPCM.

A treatment that is under investigation and shows promise is Bromocriptine, a prolactin inhibitor with disease-modifying effects. In severely ill patients, more advanced treatments like ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), intra-aortic balloon pumps, or LVADs (left ventricular assist devices) are options.

<h2>Pregnancy, Delivery, and the Cardiomyopathy Equation</h2>

For pregnant women diagnosed with PPCM, delivery plans need to be tailored. Vaginal delivery is favored for hemodynamically stable patients, states Dr. Bindhu. But those with critical cardiac decompensation are advised to have cesarean sections at any gestational age.

Significantly, a multidisciplinary approach by cardiologists, obstetricians, and intensive care specialists is vital. Pregnancy heart teams dedicated to caring for complex PPCM cases can make a life-changing difference and lower mortality risks.

Outcome in PPCM is variable. Many women recover if treated appropriately, but some might have chronic heart failure or potentially life-threatening complications. Poor prognostic indicators are an ejection fraction less than 30%, dilatation of the left ventricle, biventricular dysfunction, prolongation of the QT interval, and non-Caucasian ethnicity.

Public education, early diagnosis, and enhanced access to prenatal care are the pillars of preventing maternal mortality due to PPCM. In resource-poor countries, enhancing diagnostic capacity and educating clinicians to diagnose PPCM is crucial.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is still one of the least talked-about but most perilous maternal medical conditions in the world. As we continue to aim to decrease <span>maternal death rates</span>, particularly in low-resource environments, it is important that PPCM be part of the discussion. Every pregnant woman should have the means and attention that can identify and treat the condition in time—so motherhood can start in hope, not heartbreak.

<em>Dr Madhu Bindhu is a Consultant – Gynecology at Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada in India</em>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

pregnancy

maternal mortality

childbirth complications

pregnancy deaths

peripartum cardiomyopathy

global maternal health

maternal death rates

women's health crisis

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Childbirth is usually considered a moment of happiness and beginnings, but for numerous women worldwide, it could become a life-or-death situation. Though excessive bleeding, infection, and hypertensive complications are well-known reasons for maternal mortality, an underemphasized yet life-threatening condition—peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)—is slowly emerging as a silent killer. This unusual but dangerous manifestation of heart failure occurs in women late in pregnancy or shortly after delivery, frequently with symptoms that are indistinguishable from usual pregnancy discomforts.According to the most recent UN global estimates, 303,000 women annually lose their lives as a result of complications in pregnancy or childbirth—an average of 830 women per day, or approximately one every two minutes. Most of these deaths could be averted with proper and timely medical attention. But extremes of inequality exist: two-thirds of maternal deaths happen in sub-Saharan Africa, with India and Nigeria alone contributing one-third of the world total.Although the number of deaths worldwide has decreased by 44% since 1990, from 532,000 to 303,000, the achievement has not been commensurate with the size of global commitments over decades to cut down these figures. Most of the deaths remain underreported, especially in areas with weak healthcare systems and inadequate data collection mechanisms.What Is Peripartum Cardiomyopathy?Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of heart failure that occurs in the final month of pregnancy or within five months after delivery. It compromises the function of the heart muscle, making it less efficient at circulating blood throughout the body. Clinically, it appears as heart failure with low ejection fraction (EF Although PPCM is uncommon—affecting between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 4,000 pregnancies in the United States—it's a significant health risk when it does occur. It has been found to be more common in the southern parts of the U.S., but worldwide estimates are uncertain due to under-reporting and under-diagnosis.One of the most perilous features of PPCM is how readily it can be confused with normal pregnancy symptoms. Fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles, and mild chest pain are all normal pregnancy occurrences. But for women with PPCM, these symptoms can indicate a heart in distress. Severer forms cause difficulty in lying down due to breathing (orthopnea), night-time breathing distress (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea), palpitations of the heart, and even decreased blood pressure or cardiogenic shock."The PPCM clinical syndrome is easily likely to be mistaken for late-gestational complains," states Consultant – Gynecology Dr. Madhu Bindhu. "It usually brings delays in diagnosis, which, being critical at times, causes anxiety. Earlier recognition, notably via echocardiographic screening, is responsible for better outcome improvement."How Is PPCM Diagnosed and Treated?Diagnosis often starts with a 12-lead ECG and a chest X-ray, but the definitive test is a 2D echocardiogram, which can verify left ventricular dysfunction. In complicated cases, a cardiac MRI may be performed to exclude other structural or inflammatory causes of heart failure.Treatment is with a typical heart failure regimen, adjusted for pregnancy or postpartum status. This can be diuretics to decrease fluid accumulation, beta-blockers to manage heart rate, and ACE inhibitors, utilized postpartum. Anticoagulants can be given to avoid blood clots, a frequent complication in PPCM.A treatment that is under investigation and shows promise is Bromocriptine, a prolactin inhibitor with disease-modifying effects. In severely ill patients, more advanced treatments like ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), intra-aortic balloon pumps, or LVADs (left ventricular assist devices) are options.Pregnancy, Delivery, and the Cardiomyopathy EquationFor pregnant women diagnosed with PPCM, delivery plans need to be tailored. Vaginal delivery is favored for hemodynamically stable patients, states Dr. Bindhu. But those with critical cardiac decompensation are advised to have cesarean sections at any gestational age.Significantly, a multidisciplinary approach by cardiologists, obstetricians, and intensive care specialists is vital. Pregnancy heart teams dedicated to caring for complex PPCM cases can make a life-changing difference and lower mortality risks.Outcome in PPCM is variable. Many women recover if treated appropriately, but some might have chronic heart failure or potentially life-threatening complications. Poor prognostic indicators are an ejection fraction less than 30%, dilatation of the left ventricle, biventricular dysfunction, prolongation of the QT interval, and non-Caucasian ethnicity.Public education, early diagnosis, and enhanced access to prenatal care are the pillars of preventing maternal mortality due to PPCM. In resource-poor countries, enhancing diagnostic capacity and educating clinicians to diagnose PPCM is crucial.Peripartum cardiomyopathy is still one of the least talked-about but most perilous maternal medical conditions in the world. As we continue to aim to decrease maternal death rates, particularly in low-resource environments, it is important that PPCM be part of the discussion. Every pregnant woman should have the means and attention that can identify and treat the condition in time—so motherhood can start in hope, not heartbreak.Dr Madhu Bindhu is a Consultant – Gynecology at Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada in India

peripartum cardiomyopathy: what kills women during childbirth?

Men's Mental Health Week 2025: This Is What Happens When You Teach Boys To Feel, Not Just Fight

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<span>Men's Mental Health Week</span> is a movement that highlights the unique <span>mental health</span> challenges men face. It encourages open communication, emotional connection, and breaking the stigma over vulnerability. Through early intervention, emotional literacy, and support structures, the week seeks to empower men towards prioritizing mental health without shame.

We make men out of boys to be tough, bold, and brave, but at what expense? Studies reveal that stifling emotions early in life can have long-term effects. Anxiety, depression, addiction, and anger disorders tend to stem from childhood environments where emotions were discouraged. Yet, the world still encourages boys to be emotionally stoic, confusing silence with strength and holding things in as bravery.

Men's Mental Health Week highlights these problems, providing an international forum to break down the cultural, psychological, and emotional barriers that isolate men from themselves and from others. This year, the theme is concise but powerful: emotional fluency is strength. With mental health specialists, educators, and parents uniting, a message emerges clearly—change begins early. And it starts not only by instructing boys what not to feel, but by demonstrating them how to feel, express, and process what's inside.

<h2>When Boys Are Taught to Suppress, Men Struggle to Cope</h2>

A lot of adults nowadays are products of a childhood in which emotional expression was discouraged—particularly among boys. The "man up" culture instructed them to swallow their tears, muzzle their fears, and cover up their insecurities. But emotions don't go away just because they're suppressed. Unaddressed emotions seep through later in life as anxiety, irritability, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, or aberrant relationships. Men who weren't instructed in emotional skills become men who chase emotional anesthetization because they never learned to feel safely to begin with.

One of the most prevalent emotional coping strategies for men is blame—an outward deflection of internal conflict. When painful emotions such as fear, sadness, or shame are not worked through internally, they start to spill over. Rather than labeling or working with such feelings, men tend to resort to blaming others: their girlfriends, their coworkers, or even themselves.

Blame is an easy release valve—a means of pushing off discomfort instead of dealing with it. It tastes invigorating for a moment but has permanent harm. In one anecdotal example, a man describes how his unaddressed anger ultimately poisoned the people he loved the most. It wasn't until he noticed this pattern and the hurt behind it that healing and authentic connection started for him.

<h2>Why Emotional Awareness Isn't Soft</h2>

Educating boys about emotional awareness isn't about making them "soft." Instead, it makes them better decision-makers, more accomplished relationship-builders, and more resilient grown men. When men know what they feel, they gain the power to decide how to react, rather than blindly reacting.

This emotional intelligence does not only assist men in dealing with conflict—it assists them in flourishing. Whether selecting a profession that would value their principles, establishing supportive partnerships, or being emotionally available dads, emotional fluency opens doors, instead of closing them.

<h2>Teaching Boys the Language of Emotions</h2>

So, how do we start? Body awareness is the foundation. Emotions appear initially in the form of bodily sensations—tightness in the chest, lump in the throat, flutter in the belly. It is important to teach boys to identify these warnings and link them with emotional events.

Then parents and teachers can help enable safe emotional expression. When a boy tells you how he's feeling, don't correct him or tell him to "toughen up." Instead, respond with curiosity and compassion. Ask questions such as, "What do you think made you feel that way?" or "What do you need in this moment?" This both affirms his experience and builds his emotional vocabulary.

Along the way, this establishes trust—with oneself and others. Someday, when these boys become men and find themselves with other men—maybe in locker rooms, workplaces, or group texts—they won't tumble into emotionally dysfunctional patterns such as teasing, denial, or aggression. Instead, they'll have the skills to respond in ways that demonstrate emotional maturity.

Restoring masculinity doesn't involve abandoning it—it involves redefining it. The most powerful men aren't the ones who never weep or get wounded. They're the ones who notice when they have, own up to it, and learn from it.

True masculinity, in the best possible way, is based on empathy, responsibility, and self-mastery. When boys are instructed that emotions aren't vulnerabilities but indicators—like hunger or tiredness—they no longer fear exposure and begin to cherish authenticity.

Parents play a critical role here. Modeling emotional openness, apologizing when you’ve overreacted, or simply sharing your own feelings openly can set a powerful example for your sons. Remember- when boys feel safe being emotionally honest at home, they carry that strength into every part of their lives.

mental health

men's mental health week

boys emotional intelligence

parenting boys mental health

raising emotionally strong boys

masculinity and emotions

mental health in men

teaching boys to feel

Men's Mental Health Week is a movement that highlights the unique mental health challenges men face. It encourages open communication, emotional connection, and breaking the stigma over vulnerability. Through early intervention, emotional literacy, and support structures, the week seeks to empower men towards prioritizing mental health without shame.We make men out of boys to be tough, bold, and brave, but at what expense? Studies reveal that stifling emotions early in life can have long-term effects. Anxiety, depression, addiction, and anger disorders tend to stem from childhood environments where emotions were discouraged. Yet, the world still encourages boys to be emotionally stoic, confusing silence with strength and holding things in as bravery.Men's Mental Health Week highlights these problems, providing an international forum to break down the cultural, psychological, and emotional barriers that isolate men from themselves and from others. This year, the theme is concise but powerful: emotional fluency is strength. With mental health specialists, educators, and parents uniting, a message emerges clearly—change begins early. And it starts not only by instructing boys what not to feel, but by demonstrating them how to feel, express, and process what's inside.When Boys Are Taught to Suppress, Men Struggle to CopeA lot of adults nowadays are products of a childhood in which emotional expression was discouraged—particularly among boys. The "man up" culture instructed them to swallow their tears, muzzle their fears, and cover up their insecurities. But emotions don't go away just because they're suppressed. Unaddressed emotions seep through later in life as anxiety, irritability, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, or aberrant relationships. Men who weren't instructed in emotional skills become men who chase emotional anesthetization because they never learned to feel safely to begin with.One of the most prevalent emotional coping strategies for men is blame—an outward deflection of internal conflict. When painful emotions such as fear, sadness, or shame are not worked through internally, they start to spill over. Rather than labeling or working with such feelings, men tend to resort to blaming others: their girlfriends, their coworkers, or even themselves.Blame is an easy release valve—a means of pushing off discomfort instead of dealing with it. It tastes invigorating for a moment but has permanent harm. In one anecdotal example, a man describes how his unaddressed anger ultimately poisoned the people he loved the most. It wasn't until he noticed this pattern and the hurt behind it that healing and authentic connection started for him.Why Emotional Awareness Isn't SoftEducating boys about emotional awareness isn't about making them "soft." Instead, it makes them better decision-makers, more accomplished relationship-builders, and more resilient grown men. When men know what they feel, they gain the power to decide how to react, rather than blindly reacting.This emotional intelligence does not only assist men in dealing with conflict—it assists them in flourishing. Whether selecting a profession that would value their principles, establishing supportive partnerships, or being emotionally available dads, emotional fluency opens doors, instead of closing them.Teaching Boys the Language of EmotionsSo, how do we start? Body awareness is the foundation. Emotions appear initially in the form of bodily sensations—tightness in the chest, lump in the throat, flutter in the belly. It is important to teach boys to identify these warnings and link them with emotional events.Then parents and teachers can help enable safe emotional expression. When a boy tells you how he's feeling, don't correct him or tell him to "toughen up." Instead, respond with curiosity and compassion. Ask questions such as, "What do you think made you feel that way?" or "What do you need in this moment?" This both affirms his experience and builds his emotional vocabulary.Along the way, this establishes trust—with oneself and others. Someday, when these boys become men and find themselves with other men—maybe in locker rooms, workplaces, or group texts—they won't tumble into emotionally dysfunctional patterns such as teasing, denial, or aggression. Instead, they'll have the skills to respond in ways that demonstrate emotional maturity.Restoring masculinity doesn't involve abandoning it—it involves redefining it. The most powerful men aren't the ones who never weep or get wounded. They're the ones who notice when they have, own up to it, and learn from it.True masculinity, in the best possible way, is based on empathy, responsibility, and self-mastery. When boys are instructed that emotions aren't vulnerabilities but indicators—like hunger or tiredness—they no longer fear exposure and begin to cherish authenticity.Parents play a critical role here. Modeling emotional openness, apologizing when you’ve overreacted, or simply sharing your own feelings openly can set a powerful example for your sons. Remember- when boys feel safe being emotionally honest at home, they carry that strength into every part of their lives.

men's mental health week 2025: this is what happens when you teach boys to feel, not just fight

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Ever notice how a happy home makes everything feel better? Well, a new study suggests that a happy family life can actually help kids between the ages of 9 and 12, what we call tweens, get more sleep. 

A happy and healthy home environment is necessary for proper growth and well-being of children. While you may think that parents not interacting with their children may not affect them as much, the truth of the matter is that children intentionally seek their parents for acknowledgement and approval. These play an important role in helping children learn life skills like socializing and interpersonal relations, while also helping them gain confidence, healthy mindset, etc. However, could their home environment, also affect their physical health directly? 

Experts are going to present this research at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). What they found is that kids with strong family connections and parents who are really involved in their lives tend to sleep for longer periods. 

<h2>Strong Family Ties Promote Longer Sleep </h2>

The study looked at almost 5,000 kids in that 9-to-11 age range. It found some really interesting things about what helps kids sleep more: 

<strong>Involved Parents:</strong> If parents were highly involved in their kids' lives, over half (51%) of those kids got enough sleep.

<strong>Family Dinners:</strong> Eating dinner together as a family also seemed to help, with 48% of those kids getting enough sleep.

<strong>Planning Tomorrow: </strong>When families talked about their plans for the next day, 48% of those kids slept well too.

<strong>Neighborhood Fun:</strong> Even simple things like kids joining in activities in their neighborhood were linked to more sleep. 

You might think adults need a lot of sleep, but kids actually need even more! The experts at the AASM say that kids aged 6 to 12 should get 9 to 12 hours of sleep every night. This is super important for their overall health and for how well their brains and bodies grow. 

The researchers gathered information during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. They knew the pandemic had messed with kids' sleep, so they wanted to see if having strong family connections could act as a kind of shield, protecting their sleep. 

Researchers found a few things that could influence the child’s sleep habits or cycle negatively, which are: 

<strong>Too Much Screen Time Socializing:</strong> Kids who used screens a lot to connect with friends (like on social media or games) got less sleep, with only 40% of them sleeping enough.

<strong>Little Parent Interaction:</strong> If kids didn't talk much with their parents, only 42% of them got enough sleep. 

<h2>Future Implications for Child Well-being </h2>

These findings really highlight that having a good social life and strong family bonds is important for healthy sleep. Researchers hope these results can help create future campaigns or programs that encourage positive social connections, ultimately making kids healthier and happier. 

One thing you should keep in mind is that these findings are being shared at a medical meeting, so they're considered early results. They'll need to be published in a scientific journal after being reviewed by other experts before they're considered final. 

Healthy Sleeping Habits For Children

happy home & Healthy sleeping habits

family life and children's health

can family impact children's health

sleep health

Sleep and teenagers

Ever notice how a happy home makes everything feel better? Well, a new study suggests that a happy family life can actually help kids between the ages of 9 and 12, what we call tweens, get more sleep. A happy and healthy home environment is necessary for proper growth and well-being of children. While you may think that parents not interacting with their children may not affect them as much, the truth of the matter is that children intentionally seek their parents for acknowledgement and approval. These play an important role in helping children learn life skills like socializing and interpersonal relations, while also helping them gain confidence, healthy mindset, etc. However, could their home environment, also affect their physical health directly? Experts are going to present this research at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). What they found is that kids with strong family connections and parents who are really involved in their lives tend to sleep for longer periods. Strong Family Ties Promote Longer Sleep The study looked at almost 5,000 kids in that 9-to-11 age range. It found some really interesting things about what helps kids sleep more: Involved Parents: If parents were highly involved in their kids' lives, over half (51%) of those kids got enough sleep.Family Dinners: Eating dinner together as a family also seemed to help, with 48% of those kids getting enough sleep.Planning Tomorrow: When families talked about their plans for the next day, 48% of those kids slept well too.Neighborhood Fun: Even simple things like kids joining in activities in their neighborhood were linked to more sleep. Importance of Sleep for Tweens You might think adults need a lot of sleep, but kids actually need even more! The experts at the AASM say that kids aged 6 to 12 should get 9 to 12 hours of sleep every night. This is super important for their overall health and for how well their brains and bodies grow. The researchers gathered information during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. They knew the pandemic had messed with kids' sleep, so they wanted to see if having strong family connections could act as a kind of shield, protecting their sleep. Researchers found a few things that could influence the child’s sleep habits or cycle negatively, which are: Too Much Screen Time Socializing: Kids who used screens a lot to connect with friends (like on social media or games) got less sleep, with only 40% of them sleeping enough.Little Parent Interaction: If kids didn't talk much with their parents, only 42% of them got enough sleep. Future Implications for Child Well-being These findings really highlight that having a good social life and strong family bonds is important for healthy sleep. Researchers hope these results can help create future campaigns or programs that encourage positive social connections, ultimately making kids healthier and happier. One thing you should keep in mind is that these findings are being shared at a medical meeting, so they're considered early results. They'll need to be published in a scientific journal after being reviewed by other experts before they're considered final.  

Ishita Roy

Kids’ Tongues Show Signs Of Illness, Reveals Study

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Oral health is more than just clean teeth and fresh breath—it’s a window into overall health. While most people prioritize brushing and flossing, tongue hygiene often goes ignored. This oversight can lead to problems such as bad breath (halitosis), altered taste, dry mouth, infections, and even systemic health issues. A new review published in journal Cureus, part of Springer Nature, titled <em>Importance of a Healthy Tongue: Could It Be a Reflection of Overall Health in Children? </em>highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy tongue and draws attention to its role in both pediatric and adult oral care.

<h4>Why <span rel="noindex">Tongue Health</span> Matters</h4>

The tongue is a multifunctional organ, vital for chewing, swallowing, speaking, and tasting. It’s covered with papillae that contain taste buds and serve as a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Food particles and microorganisms can get trapped, especially on the dorsum of the tongue, causing bad breath and increasing the risk of infections like oral thrush.

Children under 18 months are especially vulnerable due to underdeveloped oral routines and exposure to pacifiers and bottle nipples. In these cases, even breastfed babies can develop thrush, which may be linked to maternal factors such as poor breast hygiene or antibiotic use.

A healthy tongue is typically pink with a slightly rough surface due to papillae. Any changes in color, size, texture, or shape could signal an underlying issue. For example:

<ul><li>A yellow tongue may suggest infection.</li></ul>

<ul><li>A gray-black coating could reflect digestive disorders.</li></ul>

<ul><li>A bluish tint might indicate poor oxygen levels or heart conditions.</li></ul>

<ul><li>An enlarged (macroglossia) or undersized (microglossia) tongue could point to congenital syndromes, nutritional deficiencies, or inflammatory diseases.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Certain conditions like geographic tongue, atrophic glossitis, or hairy tongue further show how tongue health connects to systemic wellness, nutritional status, and even immunity.</li></ul>

<h4>Children vs. Adults: Different Tongues, Different Needs</h4>

In infants, tongue hygiene can start as early as feeding time—using a damp cloth to clean milk residue. As children grow, introducing tongue scraping around age 3 or 4 can help build lifelong habits. However, many children resist the sensation, and their motor skills may not yet allow for effective cleaning. Making the process fun and rewarding helps, as does school-based education.

For adults, the stakes are different. With age, taste sensitivity may diminish, and poor hygiene may go unnoticed. Lifestyle factors—smoking, diet, medications—can contribute to bacterial buildup and systemic effects. For example, research links poor <span>oral hygiene</span> to cardiovascular risks. Regular tongue cleaning, hydration, and avoiding tobacco use can mitigate such issues.

The tongue plays a central role in maintaining a healthy oral environment. A few seconds spent scraping the tongue during routine brushing can prevent several oral and systemic problems. Yet, it remains a neglected part of oral care, especially among children and older adults. Pediatricians, dentists, and caregivers must reinforce its importance from infancy through old age.

Study reveals that tongue can indicate diseases

parenting

tongue health

oral hygiene

dental hygiene

Oral health is more than just clean teeth and fresh breath—it’s a window into overall health. While most people prioritize brushing and flossing, tongue hygiene often goes ignored. This oversight can lead to problems such as bad breath (halitosis), altered taste, dry mouth, infections, and even systemic health issues. A new review published in journal Cureus, part of Springer Nature, titled Importance of a Healthy Tongue: Could It Be a Reflection of Overall Health in Children? highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy tongue and draws attention to its role in both pediatric and adult oral care.Why Tongue Health MattersThe tongue is a multifunctional organ, vital for chewing, swallowing, speaking, and tasting. It’s covered with papillae that contain taste buds and serve as a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Food particles and microorganisms can get trapped, especially on the dorsum of the tongue, causing bad breath and increasing the risk of infections like oral thrush.Children under 18 months are especially vulnerable due to underdeveloped oral routines and exposure to pacifiers and bottle nipples. In these cases, even breastfed babies can develop thrush, which may be linked to maternal factors such as poor breast hygiene or antibiotic use.Health Clues from the TongueA healthy tongue is typically pink with a slightly rough surface due to papillae. Any changes in color, size, texture, or shape could signal an underlying issue. For example:A yellow tongue may suggest infection.A gray-black coating could reflect digestive disorders.A bluish tint might indicate poor oxygen levels or heart conditions.An enlarged (macroglossia) or undersized (microglossia) tongue could point to congenital syndromes, nutritional deficiencies, or inflammatory diseases.Certain conditions like geographic tongue, atrophic glossitis, or hairy tongue further show how tongue health connects to systemic wellness, nutritional status, and even immunity.Children vs. Adults: Different Tongues, Different NeedsIn infants, tongue hygiene can start as early as feeding time—using a damp cloth to clean milk residue. As children grow, introducing tongue scraping around age 3 or 4 can help build lifelong habits. However, many children resist the sensation, and their motor skills may not yet allow for effective cleaning. Making the process fun and rewarding helps, as does school-based education.For adults, the stakes are different. With age, taste sensitivity may diminish, and poor hygiene may go unnoticed. Lifestyle factors—smoking, diet, medications—can contribute to bacterial buildup and systemic effects. For example, research links poor oral hygiene to cardiovascular risks. Regular tongue cleaning, hydration, and avoiding tobacco use can mitigate such issues.Small Step, Big ImpactThe tongue plays a central role in maintaining a healthy oral environment. A few seconds spent scraping the tongue during routine brushing can prevent several oral and systemic problems. Yet, it remains a neglected part of oral care, especially among children and older adults. Pediatricians, dentists, and caregivers must reinforce its importance from infancy through old age.

kids’ tongues show signs of illness, reveals study

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