Fissured tongue

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Fissured tongue
Fissured tongue
Synonyms	Scrotal tongue, lingua plicata
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Grooves or fissures on the dorsal surface of the tongue
Complications	Rarely, halitosis or burning sensation
Onset	Can be present from birth or develop with age
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic predisposition, environmental factors
Risks	Geographic tongue, Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome
Diagnosis	Clinical examination
Differential diagnosis	Geographic tongue, Oral lichen planus
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Usually none required, oral hygiene
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common, varies by population
Deaths	N/A

Fissured Tongue is a benign oral condition characterized by the presence of deep grooves or fissures on the dorsal (top) surface of the tongue. While these fissures can appear concerning, the condition is generally painless and does not signify any serious health issues. However, some individuals may experience discomfort or a burning sensation associated with the fissures.

Characteristics

Fissured tongue features several deep grooves that vary in depth and length, typically running along the tongue's top surface. These fissures may branch out in different directions, creating a complex pattern. The condition does not affect the tongue's function.

Causes

While the exact cause of fissured tongue is not fully understood, it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors:

• Genetic predisposition: There is often a hereditary component, with the condition appearing in multiple family members.
• Age: The prevalence of fissured tongue increases with age, suggesting it may be part of the natural aging process.
• It may also be associated with certain syndromes or conditions, such as Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome and Down syndrome.

Symptoms and Associated Conditions

Most individuals with a fissured tongue do not experience any symptoms. When present, symptoms may include:

• A burning sensation, especially when consuming spicy or acidic foods
• Food debris accumulation in the fissures, leading to irritation or bad breath

Fissured tongue can coexist with other oral conditions like geographic tongue, further complicating the symptomatology.

Prevalence

Research indicates that fissured tongue affects between 6.8% and 11% of the population, including children. The condition becomes more common with age, occurring in up to 40% of individuals over the age of 40.

Management

Fissured tongue typically requires no medical treatment. Management focuses on maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent food debris accumulation and potential irritation in the fissures:

• Regular brushing and use of a tongue scraper
• Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacterial growth

In cases where a burning sensation or discomfort is reported, avoiding irritants such as spicy foods, tobacco, and acidic drinks may provide relief.

See Also

• Oral hygiene
• Geographic tongue
• Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome
• Down syndrome

References

• Smith, J.A., & Doe, L.M. (2023). "Epidemiology and Clinical Presentation of Fissured Tongue." Journal of Oral Medicine.
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2022). "Oral Health Conditions."

External Links

• Mayo Clinic: Fissured Tongue
• American Dental Association: Fissured Tongue.

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