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.
Conditions associated with fissured tongue
Fissured tongue is sometimes associated with certain syndromes, particularly Down syndrome and Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. Down syndrome, also called trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that can cause a variety of physical and mental impairments.
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.
If you have cracks in your tongue, you might have a fissured tongue. It's not a health risk, but consider brushing your tongue to make sure debris doesn't get stuck in the cracks. If your tongue is painful or has lesions alongside tongue cracks, discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
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.
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.
Symptoms of Dehydration that Impact Your Mouth
Bad breath. Cracked lips. Sticky or dry tongue. Swollen tongue.
The body is experiencing dehydration and long-term adrenal stress. Typically, the tongue is swollen in this state and the pressure causes cracking.
Patients may be concerned about the possibility of oral cancer and need reassurance that malignancy is not an issue associated with a fissured tongue.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
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)
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.
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.
In some cases, having deep grooves on your tongue can be a symptom of other diseases, such as Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome and geographic tongue. Other times, a fissured tongue can signal a vitamin deficiency, particularly in Vitamin B12.