Dorothy FarrarCracked tongue
The human tongue can be affected not only by wrinkles and plaque, but also by cracks. Medical treatment is not always necessary. In some cases, a cracked tongue can also indicate diseases that require treatment, which makes a visit to the doctor necessary. This is especially true when symptoms such as pain and bleeding occur.
What is a cracked tongue?
A cracked tongue happens to many people from time to time. Most of the time it is harmless in nature and has no medical significance. A cracked tongue often has large indentations that run across or in a straight line. If there are minor injuries, bleeding may occur. A distinction must be made between furrows and cracks on the tongue. The ridges have the appearance of gullies and have a rounded edge on the surface of the tongue.
In most people, they have been present since birth and do not cause pain. On the other hand, cracks on the tongue can certainly cause pain, which is particularly the case with inflammation. The inflammation usually goes away after a few days. Only in rare cases does it develop into ulcers. For most people, a cracked tongue does not cause any other symptoms. Sometimes, however, those affected suffer from whitish discoloration or bleeding. Injuries can also affect the taste perception of the tongue. The consumption of acidic drinks or food often proves to be unpleasant.
causes
The causes of a cracked tongue are different. If there are cracks that run lengthwise or crosswise, this is usually due to biting with the teeth. Sometimes there are also anomalies (malformations) of the mucosal relief. They are among the most common causes of a cracked tongue. The malformations are mostly harmless deviations from the normal structure of the mucous membrane. However, it does not cause any impairment of tongue functions such as speaking or chewing.Another common cause of cracked tongue is glossitis (inflammation of the tongue). It is usually caused by diseases of the teeth or by a denture that does not fit properly. It is not uncommon for intolerances to foods such as cheese , nuts, seafood or fruit to be the reason for glossitis. One of the biggest risk factors is smoking cigarettes. Sometimes the tongue inflammation is also a side effect of diseases such as scarlet fever, diphtheria, syphilis or Sjögren’s syndrome. Other possible causes can be stress , liver diseases or diabetes (diabetes mellitus).
Another cause of a cracked tongue is inflammation of the oral mucosa or a lack of vitamin H (biotin). The latter is often accompanied by anemia, hair loss and mucosal infections. However, the symptoms can be suppressed by increasing the intake of the vitamin. A cracked tongue can also be a sign of a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The symptom sometimes appears together with Crohn’s disease with ulcers on the mucous membrane of the cheek or tongue. If the tongue also turns red and appears smooth or shiny, it is called lacquered tongue and is considered an indication of liver failure. In some people, fungal infections are also the cause of a cracked tongue.
Diseases
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
When to the doctor?
In most cases, a cracked tongue is not a worrying condition that requires seeing a doctor. The cracks appear for a variety of reasons, but they usually heal within a few hours or days. People suffering from a cracked tongue can take a closer look at their oral hygiene. This may be defective. It is also possible that products used, such as toothpaste or mouthwash, are not well tolerated. A change of articles is sufficient. In addition, flossing too vigorously can cause the cracks.
In some cases, the symptoms occur when there is severe dry mouth . This can also be counteracted independently by a sufficient supply of liquids. If inflammation occurs in the mouth due to the cracks, a doctor should be consulted. If the symptoms spread further in the oral cavity to the throat, a doctor’s visit is also necessary. It is also advisable to consult a doctor if the person concerned suffers from pain as a result of the symptoms.
If the cracked tongue leads to reduced food intake, a doctor should be consulted as soon as a significant weight loss occurs. An eating disorder is imminent. In the case of a food intolerance, a doctor’s visit is necessary to find out the foods that should be avoided in the future.
diagnosis and course
If cracks in the tongue only occur occasionally, this is not a cause for concern. A visit to the doctor or dentist is usually not necessary, since illnesses are rarely the reason for the appearance. In some cases, however, the cracked tongue indicates diseases that require treatment. This is especially true for painful cracks that last longer than two weeks, smooth and gray plaque, or hard lumps or ulcers.
If the doctor suspects that there is a serious cause, he removes some tongue tissue, which is thoroughly analyzed in a laboratory. Usually a cracked tongue has a positive outcome. It heals in most people after a few days. However, if the changes in the oral cavity persist, a serious illness must be expected.
complications
Cracks and furrows in the tongue often form in infancy and are harmless provided there are no other symptoms. However, if glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) develops, accompanied by painful and infected cracks, a dentist should be consulted, as this disorder is often caused by disease of the teeth, gums or poorly fitted dentures. Misaligned teeth or jaws , which cause a patient to accidentally bite their tongue while chewing, can also be responsible for the painful cracks. The dentist can help here too.
In smokers, glossitis can quickly become chronic, so this risk group should see a doctor immediately if there are painful changes in the tongue. Allergies or hypersensitivity to certain foods are also very often responsible for a cracked tongue. If the symptoms always appear after eating certain foods, an allergist should be consulted. Sudden severe changes in the tongue, even if they are not painful, should be discussed with a doctor. The trigger for this change is often a dangerous infectious disease such as scarlet fever, diphtheria or syphilis. Liver disease can also manifest itself in this way.
treatment and therapy
There are a number of home remedies that can be used to treat a cracked tongue. If only little liquid is consumed, the supply should be increased significantly. A lack of fluid can also be responsible for cracks in the tongue. The increased fluid intake often improves the symptoms after a short time. Proper oral hygiene is also important in treating a cracked tongue. Otherwise there is a risk that bacteria or other germs will use the cracks as a gateway into the body and cause inflammation.
If the person concerned also suffers from pain, it is advisable to take a few drops of glycerin. Chewing hard bread or raw vegetables is also considered helpful. Hard food stimulates the production of saliva. Another proven remedy for a cracked tongue is rinsing with sage tea, lemon juice , or a non-aggressive mouthwash. In addition, the toothbrush should be used with caution so that it does not further aggravate the condition. In some cases, treatment at the dentist may be necessary.
prevention
To prevent a cracked tongue, regular intake of vitamin H and liquid should be ensured. Care should also be taken with ill-fitting dentures.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.