What does scalloped tongue indicate?

A scalloped, or wavy, tongue can indicate an underlying health condition, such as sleep apnea, a vitamin deficiency, anxiety, and low thyroid or hormone levels. If you notice that your tongue is scalloped around the edges, you may want to consult with your medical doctor to diagnose the health issue.

Is scalloped tongue serious?

A scalloped tongue is unlikely to result in any complications. The pressure or force on the tongue against your teeth may irritate the organ, and it may even become painful. However, a scalloped tongue isn’t dangerous or serious. Any complications from a scalloped tongue are likely related to the underlying cause.

Will a scalloped tongue go away?

The recommended treatment for scalloped tongue depends on the cause. For severe cases caused by genetic, inflammatory, or infiltrative conditions, surgery may be necessary to restore the tongue’s shape. Potential medical treatment options for scallop tongue include: anti-inflammatory medications.

Why does the side of my tongue have ridges?

When inflammation or macroglossia (tongue swelling) occurs, the tongue presses against the edges of the teeth. This develops wavy ridges on the sides of the tongue. Some genetic conditions that might cause scalloped tongue include: Down syndrome.

What are the symptoms of geographic tongue disease?

Signs and symptoms of geographic tongue may include: Smooth, red, irregularly shaped patches (lesions) on the top or side of your tongue Frequent changes in the location, size and shape of lesions

What causes pain on the top of the tongue?

Smooth, red, irregularly shaped patches (lesions) on the top or side of your tongue. Frequent changes in the location, size and shape of lesions. Discomfort, pain or burning sensation in some cases, most often related to eating spicy or acidic foods.

What causes the tongue to look like a map?

Other oral conditions, such as a fungal infection of the mouth (oral thrush), an inflammatory condition called oral lichen planus or a condition called geographic tongue that gives the tongue a maplike appearance

What are the different types of abnormal tongues?

Those include: 1 Macroglossia: Also referred to as ‘large tongue,’ macroglossia most often occurs when a congenital or acquired condition… 2 Scrotal tongue: Also referred to as ‘ fissured tongue,’ scrotal tongue is present in about 20% of the world population. More

Is your tongue supposed to have ridges?

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 Your tongue Says About Your thyroid?

The appearance of your tongue may indicate whether or not your altered taste buds stem from a thyroid issue. A healthy tongue is slightly pink, moist, and mostly smooth. If your tongue is dry, discolored, coated, or painful, you may suffer from hypothyroidism.

How do you fix a scalloped tongue?

Home remedies for scalloped tongue include:

1. staying hydrated.
2. eating a healthy, balanced diet.
3. practicing good oral hygiene.
4. maintaining a healthy weight.
5. avoiding allergens or mouth irritation.
6. quitting smoking.
7. reducing anxiety and stress that can lead to bad habits.

What color is a dehydrated tongue?

White. Tongues with a thick and lumpy white coating could mean you have oral thrush, a fungal infection of your mouth’s mucous membranes. On the other hand, a tongue that looks only slightly white can indicate dehydration.

Can your thyroid affect your tongue?

Patients with hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, may experience macroglossia (enlargement of the tongue), gum disease, slow healing of mouth sores, and, in children, delayed tooth growth.

Can thyroid problems cause a sore tongue?

Yes, thyroid disease may cause burning mouth syndrome. Burning mouth syndrome is a severe, painful condition characterized by burning sensations in the tongue, lips, palate (roof of the mouth), gums, inside of the cheeks, and the back of the mouth or throat.

Is it normal to have a scalloped tongue?

This is rare, but more likely if you’re applying a significant amount of pressure or friction to the skin. A scalloped tongue is rarely a sign of a very serious problem, such as cancer. However, that doesn’t mean a scalloped tongue is nothing to be worried about.

What are the ridges on the side of your tongue?

Tongue swelling with ridges on the sides could indicate a mineral or vitamin deficiency. For example, a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause your tongue to swell, make it look very red, and give a smooth appearance on its surface. Medline Plus reports that the medical name for a swollen tongue is glossitis.

Why do I have ridges on my tongue?

If your tongue becomes enlarged for any reason it will push against the surrounding teeth creating a scalloping effect. Depending on the severity of the swelling, you may have pronounced ridges on the sides of your tongue, visible teeth marks, or indentations on the tongue edges.

What causes ridges in the tongue?

Such disruptions in the breathing pattern when sleeping can cause the tongue to fall back into the cavity of the mouth.Subsequently, the teeth exert increased pressure on the tongue, thereby causing ridges on its sides. Sleep apnea is not a well-known cause of scalloped tongue.

What causes tongue inflammation on the sides?

What causes tongue inflammation? Allergic reactions. Tongue inflammation may occur if you have an allergic reaction to toothpaste, mouthwash, dentures, denture creams, or retainers. Sjögren’s syndrome. Sjögren’s syndrome results in the destruction of the saliva glands. Injury. Vitamin deficiency. Skin conditions. Yeast infections. Ingesting irritants.