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Tongue fissures: Reasons and remedies

Tongue Furrows: Causes and Remedies

Tongue fissures: Causes and Remedies
Tongue fissures: Causes and Remedies

Tongue fissures: Reasons and remedies

Fissured tongue, a condition characterised by one or more grooves on the top portion of a person's tongue, can appear in childhood and may become more pronounced as the person ages. This benign and often asymptomatic condition is neither contagious nor painful, but it can serve as a clinical clue to underlying conditions.

While fissured tongue is more common in older people, anyone can develop it. The best prevention against fissured tongue is to practice proper oral hygiene, including cleaning the mouth at least twice a day and regular visits to the dentist. It's recommended that individuals visit their dentist twice a year for routine care, and go to their dentist if they have any oral pain or discomfort that does not go away.

Fissured tongue may be linked to a variety of underlying conditions, such as nutritional deficiencies, psoriasis, genetic syndromes, or systemic diseases. For instance, deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, or folic acid can manifest as fissuring of the tongue, along with other tongue texture changes. Correcting these deficiencies often helps resolve symptoms.

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, frequently shows fissured tongue as a common oral manifestation. In psoriasis, there is a strong genetic predisposition, with multiple immune-related genes implicated, highlighting a genetic predisposition influenced by environmental factors.

Fissured tongue can also be associated with conditions like geographic tongue, Down syndrome, Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, and certain systemic disorders such as celiac disease or oral infections. In extreme cases, Candida albicans may infect very deep grooves, requiring treatment with a topical antifungal medication.

While the cause of fissured tongue is not certain, there may be a genetic link, as suggested by its presence in genetic syndromes like Down syndrome. Genetic studies have identified multiple loci associated with psoriasis, known as PSORS1 to PSORS9, which affect inflammatory pathways and immune response genes.

It's important to note that fissured tongue is not a major cause for concern, but it is still important to maintain good oral hygiene and seek dental care if needed. Complications of fissured tongue can occur if food or debris gets caught in the grooves, leading to irritation, bacterial growth, bad breath, or tooth decay.

In a study conducted in South Africa and Israel, a higher frequency of fissured tongue was found in Israel, suggesting a potential genetic factor. Males are more likely than females to develop fissured tongue, and the primary fissure usually occurs in the middle of the tongue.

In conclusion, while fissured tongue is often benign and asymptomatic, it can provide valuable insights into underlying conditions. Maintaining good oral hygiene, correcting deficiencies, and managing associated systemic conditions are key to treatment and symptom relief. If you notice any changes in your tongue, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.

  1. Individuals with health conditions such as psoriasis, nutritional deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, or folic acid, Down syndrome, or certain systemic disorders might exhibit fissured tongue as an oral manifestation.
  2. Proper oral hygiene, including cleaning the mouth at least twice a day and regular dental visits, can help prevent the development of fissured tongue.
  3. Genetic studies have identified multiple loci associated with psoriasis, highlighting a genetic predisposition influenced by environmental factors.
  4. Males are more likely to develop fissured tongue, and the primary fissure usually occurs in the middle of the tongue.
  5. Complications of fissured tongue can occur when food or debris gets caught in the grooves, leading to irritation, bacterial growth, bad breath, or tooth decay.
  6. Science has provided predictive markers for conditions like psoriasis, which can help in identifying individuals at risk of developing fissured tongue.
  7. Health-and-wellness practitioners emphasize the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your tongue, potentially indicating underlying conditions.

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