Fissured tongues show multiple small grooves or furrows on the tongue’s dorsal (top) surface. The top portion of the tongue is affected by this benign condition. Normal tongues are relatively flat across their lengths. A deep, prominent groove marks a fissured tongue in the middle. You will find shallow or deep fissures of varying degrees of depth. It is common for fissures (cracks) to appear in the middle one-third of the tongue. The severity of this condition also increases as people age. It is slightly more common for men than for women. 

Fissured Tongue: How is it caused?

It has been hard for the researchers to identify the exact cause of fissured tongue. Genetic reasons may account for the condition’s high incidence within families. However, this condition can also be associated with an underlying condition or syndrome, such as malnutrition. Another underlying issue may cause the fissured tongue. 

In some cases, it is apparent at birth, while it is developed during childhood in others. Exactly why fissured tongues occur is unknown. Children may exhibit signs of a fissured tongue, but the condition tends to get worse and more prominent as they get older. The risk of having a fissured tongue is slightly higher in men than in women, and older individuals with dry mouths tend to suffer from more severe symptoms. Although the fissured tongue may appear different from a normal tongue, many believe it is essentially the same as a normal tongue.

Fissured Tongue: What does it indicate?

As a result of a fissured tongue, the tongue may appear to be split in half. Sometimes there are multiple fissures as well. There may be cracks on your tongue as well. It is usually easy to see the deep groove on the tongue. The most affected area is the middle section. Therefore, your doctor or dentist will have no trouble diagnosing it.

Fissured tongue and geographic tongue are not contagious or harmful conditions, nor do they usually cause symptoms. Although, it is possible for some individuals to feel discomfort or be more sensitive to certain substances.

Fissured Tongue: How to cure or correct?

Treatment is generally not necessary for fissured tongues. Fissured tongue is usually a harmless condition without any symptoms. As far as treatment is involved, it is only advisable to brush the tongue to remove any food debris accumulated there. Dentists, however, stress the importance of maintaining proper oral health, such as brushing the tongue’s top surface to remove food debris and clean the tongue. Here are some pointers to take care of the fissured tongue:

• Maintain a regular dental care routine, including brushing and flossing daily. 
• When food gets trapped in the grooves on the tongue, it can cause irritation and bad breath. Cleansing the upper surface of the tongue regularly helps in preventing these. 
• The majority of pharmacies carry numerous tongue-cleaning devices that can be purchased along with regular toothbrushes. Patients can receive advice from dentists on how to clean their tongues using dental devices.
• Visit your dentist twice each year for a professional cleaning.

Book your appointment today with the dentist for the best possible treatment.