What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Grooved Tongue
• Lingua Plicata
• Scrotal Tongue

What is Fissured Tongue? (Definition/Background Information)

• Fissured Tongue is a benign condition that is characterized by the presence of deep fissures or furrows on the upper part (top) of the tongue and along its sides (dorsal and lateral surfaces respectively). It is also known as Lingua Plicata or Scrotal Tongue, and is generally observed in healthy individuals
• Fissured Tongue is associated with a host of conditions including pustular psoriasis, Down syndrome, and chronic granulomatous disease. In some individuals, it may be a hereditary condition. Fissured Tongue is mostly an asymptomatic condition
• There are no specific treatments for this condition; however, a treatment of the underlying causative condition, if any present, may be necessary. Individuals with Fissured Tongue may be advised to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid smoking and spicy foods

Who gets Fissured Tongue? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Fissured Tongue is observed in both children and adults; the extent of the fissures are known to increase with age
• Both males and females are affected, and no preference is seen
• Racial, ethnic, or geographical predominance is not observed

What are the Risk Factors for Fissured Tongue? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Fissured Tongue may include several conditions such as:

• A family history of the condition
• Chronic granulomatous disease
• Down syndrome
• Geographic tongue
• Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome
• Pemphigus vegetans
• Pustular psoriasis
• Sjogren syndrome

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Fissured Tongue? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of formation of Fissured Tongue is not well understood
• The condition may be inherited in some cases. A variety of genetic conditions are believed to be causative; however, not all individuals with the genetic syndromes present a Fissured Tongue

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fissured Tongue?

The signs and symptoms of Fissured Tongue may include:

• Irregular furrows on the tongue, on the sides and top, is the distinguishing feature of the condition
• The number and extent of the furrows increase with age; meaning, children have fewer and less deeper furrows than adults
• No other significant signs and symptoms are usually noted
• A lack of oral hygiene may result in the formation of undesirable bacterial and fungal colonies leading to bad breath and thickening of the tongue

Additional signs and symptoms of the underlying condition, if any present, may be noted.

How is Fissured Tongue Diagnosed?

• A Fissured Tongue is usually an incidental diagnosis. A healthcare provider may be able to recognize the condition through physical exam and medical history evaluation
• However, if necessary, further tests and procedures to diagnose the underlying causative condition may be undertaken

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Fissured Tongue?

• There are no significant complications observed from a Fissured Tongue
• Food debris that are trapped in the tongue crevices may cause mouth infection
• Rarely, the condition may lead to orofacial granulomatosis, a condition causing persistent swelling of the oral cavity soft tissues

Complications of the underlying condition, if any present, may be noted.

How is Fissured Tongue Treated?

No treatment is necessary for Fissured Tongue since it is typically asymptomatic and benign.

• However, individuals may be recommended to maintain good oral hygiene (such as brushing after eating a meal, brush the surface of the tongue, flossing, etc.)
• Undertaking treatment of the underlying/associated condition may be necessary

How can Fissured Tongue be Prevented?

Currently, there are no available measures to prevent the development of Fissured Tongue. However, one may potentially lower the risk of oral infections and dental disorders by following certain practices such as:

• Avoidance of smoking
• Avoiding chewing betel nut (or paan)
• Reducing the intake of spicy and acidic foods
• Maintaining good dental hygiene

Getting early and appropriate treatment for any underlying medical condition(s) that cause Fissured Tongue is important.

What is the Prognosis of Fissured Tongue? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Fissured Tongue by itself is a benign and asymptomatic condition that is seen in healthy individuals
• However, the prognosis may be dependent upon the underlying cause of the condition, and this may vary from one individual to another

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Fissured Tongue:

Please visit our Dental Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/dental-health/