What is a Fissured Tongue?

The surface of a tongue consists of various papillae which are the small bumps located on the top and sides of your tongue. When the pattern of growth of these papillae changes, they can alter the appearance of the tongue. This leads to conditions like fissured tongue, which appear as deep grooves or crevices on the surface. These grooves can vary in size, number and depth. This is a quite common condition these days. This condition isn’t painful in most cases.

A large fissure in the center may commonly be visible in a condition like this. If numerous deep grooves are present, it may make the tongue look separated into distinct segments. This can occur at any age but is more commonly observed in people above the age of 40.

Causes:

Even though no definite reason is known for causing fissured tongue, it is believed to be hereditary. The development of fissures may also be a part of the body’s degenerative process, which explains its prevalence in older people. Certain disorders that may also cause this ailment are:

• Down’s syndrome
• Cowden’s syndrome
• Geographic tongue
• Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome
• Pustular psoriasis

It is also believed that malnutrition or deficiency of vitamins like B2 may be the reason for the fissured appearance of the tongue. Though the main cause is known to be genetic, age and other environmental factors are also known to play a key role in the development of this condition. 

Symptoms:

Most people with fissured tongues do not have any major physiological effects. Some people may experience a burning sting or soreness in these grooves. The condition can be easily diagnosed due to its characteristic appearance. It may also lead to facial swelling in some people. 

All of these symptoms become more pronounced with the increase in the age of an individual. 

Treatment:

There is no need for treatment if the condition is painless and non-contagious. The only case where the fissured tongue can be problematic is when the food particles remain stuck in the crevices leading to the development of bacteria and other microbes. To prevent this microbial attack and any infection, people with fissured tongues are advised to carefully clean their tongue every day. Maintaining proper dental hygiene is necessary for avoiding situations like bad breath or any bacterial infections. This is why proper brushing and flossing becomes even more essential in the case of a fissured tongue.

The condition may give your tongue an unpleasant look, but there is no particular cure for this. Having a proper cleaning routine and devoting time to your oral health can go a long way in the prevention of any major disease. 

If you notice some grooves developing on your tongue, you needn’t panic as it is a very common condition. Visit a dentist regularly to ensure that the grooves on your tongue are properly cleaned, and no infection is developing due to the leftover food in these crevices. 

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.