In rare cases, malnutrition can cause cracked tongue. A different study from 2016 found a link between cracked tongue and vitamin B12 deficiency. Meanwhile, research from 2015 indicates that pain associated with cracked tongue may stem from deficiencies in: B vitamins.
If you have fissures in your tongue, it's likely no cause for concern. In fact, certain types of grooves or cracks are considered simply a variation of a normal tongue. Sometimes called a plicated or scrotal tongue, this condition is often harmless. However, it's rarely a good idea to diagnose yourself.
No treatment is necessary except to encourage good oral hygiene including brushing the top surface of the tongue to remove any food debris from the fissures. Cleansing of the tongue helps prevent irritation and possible bad breath that may occur from food getting trapped in the grooves.
A cracked tongue:
Grooves, cracks or fissures along the surface of the tongue surface may be due to an iron, biotin or vitamin B12 deficiency, as these nutrients are required to mature the tongue's papillae.
Researchers haven't yet pinpointed the precise cause of fissured tongue. The condition may be genetic, as it's often seen in higher concentrations within families. Fissured tongue may also be caused by a different underlying condition. However, fissured tongue is thought by many to be a variation of a normal tongue.
There is no cure for fissured tongue. However, taking some simple steps can help to ensure that a fissured tongue doesn't cause any health problems. Tongue fissures are deep grooves on the upper surface of a tongue. Fissures can give a tongue a pebble-like appearance.
If you have anaemia caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may have other symptoms, such as: a pale yellow tinge to your skin. a sore and red tongue (glossitis)
Nutrients to Promote a Healthy Tongue
Nutritional deficiencies can affect the health and appearance of the tongue. The most common deficiencies which do so are B-vitamins (in particular B6 and B12) so you may want to consider a complete Vitamin B supplement to promote a healthy tongue.
Incidence of fissured tongue progresses with age, being more common in elderly, which is thought to be due to salivary hypo function, Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Chronic trauma and vitamin deficiencies may have a role to play in the formation of fissured tongue [2]. Iron deficiency anaemia, deficiencies of Vitamin B2, folic acid, Vitamin B12 and zinc can cause burning sensation of the tongue.
Ice, ice pops, and cold water. Ice has numbing qualities, so drinking ice-cold water or sucking on an ice cube or ice pop can help relieve some tongue soreness, including soreness caused by dry mouth, or a burning mouth.
According to a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, adults with B12 deficiency had slightly higher levels of B12 after eight weeks of sublingual dosing compared to those who took oral tablets.
A diet lacking or low in vitamin D will cause burning mouth syndrome. Symptoms of this condition include a burning mouth sensation, a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, and dry mouth.
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency? Zinc deficiency can result in skin changes that look like eczema at first. There may be cracks and a glazed appearance on the skin, often found around the mouth, nappy area and hands. The rash doesn't get better with moisturisers or steroid creams or lotions.
A lack of vitamin B12 can cause neurological problems, which affect your nervous system, such as: vision problems. memory loss. pins and needles (paraesthesia)
How to raise your B12 levels fast. The most common way to treat B12 deficiencies is by adjusting your diet. If this is unsuccessful, vitamin supplements may be recommended. If you're looking to boost the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, you should eat more animal products, like meat, seafood, dairy and eggs.
Bananas also contain fibre and potassium. It helps manage blood pressure, reduce stress, and relieve constipation and ulcer problems. The fruit also helps regulate body temperature. Another fruit that is rich in vitamin B12 is blueberries.
Symptoms of Dehydration that Impact Your Mouth
Bad breath. Cracked lips. Sticky or dry tongue.
Tongue splitting has become increasingly popular, but is offered by very few surgeons. As a result, those seeking it are often forced to perform it on themselves or to have it performed by an untrained, non-medical person, such as a tattoo artist or body piercer.
In adults, severe vitamin D deficiency leads to osteomalacia. Osteomalacia causes weak bones, bone pain, and muscle weakness.
Comparing the sublingual method to vitamin B12 injections, research found that taking B12 under the tongue had a higher absorption rate, making it a better option (Bensky, 2019). Taking vitamin B12 sublingually may also be a good option for people with a condition called pernicious anemia.
It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.
[1] People who regularly take medications that suppress stomach acid for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcer disease—such as proton-pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or other antacids—may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food.