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
A study conducted in 2016 links fissures to a deficiency in vitamin B12. It found that a lack of B vitamins, zinc and iron can play a role in the development of grooves. People with improperly balanced diets also stand a higher chance of wrestling with this condition.
A: Fissured tongue is a harmless condition usually with no associated symptoms. 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.
Riboflavin deficiency usually occurs with deficiencies of other B vitamins due to a diet low in vitamins or an absorption disorder. People have painful cracks in the corners of the mouth and on the lips, scaly patches on the head, and a magenta mouth and tongue.
This condition can develop in childhood, but the creases and cracks tend to deepen with age. A fissured tongue is more common as we age, especially for older adults with dry mouth, notes the AAOM. And while seeing deep creases in your tongue may be alarming at first, note that they are harmless.
Once the factors associated with lifestyle are addressed, the body will begin to heal on its own, and the fissuring will start to diminish. Conclusions: Even though the fissured tongue is considered a benign condition with no treatment needed, the body is perhaps telling us something that needs to be addressed.
B12 deficiency will also make the tongue sore and beefy-red in color. Glossitis, by causing swelling of the tongue, may also cause the tongue to appear smooth.
Dehydration can lead to a decrease in saliva production, which then allows bacteria to flourish. Dehydration also causes the tongue to become cracked and irritated, making it more susceptible to infection. As a result, it is important to stay hydrated, especially if you are suffering from white tongue.
Deficiencies in B6 or B12 may lead to a swollen, sore or yellow tongue, along with teeth indentations and fissures on the surface of the tongue. Iron: An iron deficiency can lead to a swollen tongue and painful sores in the mouth. The tongue will also appear pale and smooth due to the lack of haemoglobin in the blood.
Rinsing the mouth with saltwater
If a person has a tongue injury, keeping the wound clean could promote healing. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggest a gentle saltwater rinse may reduce the risk of infection.
A pink tongue is healthy and normal. A red tongue may indicate heat in the body like a fever or a hormonal imbalance. A reddish purple tongue is a sign that there may be inflammation or an infection in the body. A pale pink tongue may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system or a lack of energy.
A white tongue is usually a sign of bacteria build-up. A white tongue may be a sign of thrush or oral lichen planus. Rarely, it's a sign of leukoplakia, a condition that sometimes progresses to cancer. Yellow tongue: Dead skin cells build up on your tongue, causing the surface to look yellow.
Patients may be concerned about the possibility of oral cancer and need reassurance that malignancy is not an issue associated with a fissured tongue.
Possible Causes
Poor oral hygiene: Food, dead cells, bacteria, and other debris don't get cleaned thoroughly or often enough. Dehydration: It is important to consume plenty of water and other healthy liquids to stimulate good bacteria in your mouth. A dehydrated tongue can appear cracked, dry, and white.
Sipping water can bring some relief from the sticky or dry feeling you're experiencing in your mouth. However, water doesn't contain the moisturizers and lubricants necessary to provide longer-lasting relief.
Dry mouth can be a side effect of medical conditions, including Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and mumps.
One common cause of dry mouth at night is snoring or breathing through the mouth because your nasal passages are clogged or inflamed, using mouth ware such as bite splints or dental retainers, or using a CPAP machine due to sleep apnea. Other causes of dry mouth include: Simple aging. Diabetes.
Anemia can cause symptoms in the mouth, such as a sore tongue and ulcers, but more commonly affects other aspects of a person's overall health.
Studies have found that vitamin D deficiency can lead to burning mouth syndrome, which is a painful condition that leads to a burning, scalding, or tingling feeling in the mouth, especially on the tongue.
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.
Oral Tongue Cancer
The lump often looks like an ulcer and is grayish-pink to red. The lump bleeds easily if bitten or touched.