What does it mean when your tongue has grooves in it?

If you have fissures in your tongue, it’s likely no cause for concern. In fact, certain types of grooves or cracks are considered simply a variation of a normal tongue. Sometimes called a plicated or scrotal tongue, this condition is often harmless. However, it’s rarely a good idea to diagnose yourself.

What vitamin deficiency causes cracks in tongue?

In rare cases, malnutrition can cause cracked tongue. A different study from 2016 found a link between cracked tongue and vitamin B12 deficiency.

How do you get rid of grooves on your tongue?

No treatment is necessary except to encourage good oral hygiene including brushing the top surface of the tongue to remove any food debris from the fissures. Cleansing of the tongue helps prevent irritation and possible bad breath that may occur from food getting trapped in the grooves.

Are there vitamin deficiencies that cause cracked tongue?

Vitamin deficiencies that lead to cracks in tongue includes: Riboflavin Riboflavin is B2 vitamin, its deficiency is the major cause of cracked or fissured tongue. It plays a very big role in energy production, skin and vision health and also helps the body to use other vitamins like B6, folate,…

What are the grooves in a cracked tongue?

The number and depth of the grooves, or fissures, varies. If the fissures are very deep, the tongue may seem to have distinct sections. In most cases of cracked tongue, a single groove runs down the tongue’s center.

Can a fissure in the tongue be caused by malnutrition?

Malnutrition may also cause fissured tongue to occur. But this is less common. A fissured tongue does not typically require treatment. Often, it does not have any symptoms, and a person may not know they have the condition until a dentist discovers it during a routine checkup.

How does vitamin H deficiency affect the tongue?

The deficiency extends to the tongue manifesting as cracks on the tongue. The tongue occurs as painful and magenta in color, inflamed (glossitis). Vitamin H deficiency mostly occurs in those taking anti-seizure medications, taking long-term antibiotics and absorption difficulties such as in Crohn’s disease.