Fissured tongue is characterized by the presence of cracks or grooves on the upper portion of the tongue. This is called lingua plicata or scrotal tongue in medical terms and this condition is harmless. Often, the cracks are seen on the top of the tongue and sometimes on the sides. These grooves can vary in depth and length and some may be very deep and others may be elongated in shape. In some people there can be various partitions on the grooves thus dividing the entire tongue into many grooves and lobes. Fissures on the tongue are usually harmless and in rare cases it can get infected if debris builds on it.
Who are at risk?
About 5% of the people may develop a fissured tongue. Men are more likely to have fissured tongue than women. It is believed to run in families and can be genetic.
Causes :
Exact cause of fissured tongue is not known. But it is considered to develop due to certain conditions or diseases like Down’s syndrome or Melkersson Rosenthal syndrome. In both these cases, the children will have fissured tongue along with facial swelling or paralysis on the face. In children with benign migratory Glossitis this condition can develop.
It can occur due to injury or trauma to the tongue or due to teeth grinding. Swelling or inflammation on the tongue can cause mild cracks on the tongue. The tongue can get irritated due to repeated consumption of tobacco or alcohol and develops fissures gradually. It can occur due to allergic reactions, reflux disease or in rare cases due to tongue cancer.
Symptoms :
Presence of grooves or cracks on the tongue is characteristic marks of fissured tongue. The tongue may be separated into many sections or lobes by fissured tongue. Individuals with Geographic Tongue may not have the regular papillae or raised bumps on the tongue. Their tongue will resemble the geographic map having contours.
Diagnosis :
Your doctor can easily detect fissured tongue by mere examination of the tongue.
Pictures of Fissured Tongue :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Fissured Tongue
Treatment :
No treatment is required in most of the cases having fissured tongue. You can gently brush the tongue using soft toothbrush for removing the built-in debris. In case there is pain in the cracks, you can visit your dentist. Over the counter pain-killers are effective in giving relief from pain. Avoid eating spicy or hot foods which may worsen the grooves and inflammation.
Brush your tongue properly and practice good hygiene. Bacteria can accumulate on the cracks causing infection and hence remove the leftover food particles on the fissured tongue by cleaning it regularly. Fissured tongue is harmless and may not cause any problem unless it is attacked by bacteria.
