A person does not always pay attention when cracks appear on the tongue, especially if for a long time they do not cause absolutely any discomfort. However, it must be remembered that such a violation can indicate the presence of various kinds of problems and diseases of internal organs, which is why if the very first signs occur, you need to see a doctor for diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
What do cracks in the tongue mean
Let us consider this question in more detail. Usually, barely noticeable cracks in the tongue begin to form, initially localized in the center and along its edges. Then quite deep depressions form. Often, the pathology affects people of adulthood, but can occur in children.
It is impossible to answer unequivocally what this manifestation means, since the causes of its occurrence are quite different. In some cases, toothpastes and balms have an aggressive effect, therefore, they can cause allergic reactions, which are accompanied by redness, the appearance of cracks.
It is worth noting that provoking factors can only be determined by a doctor, who then selects a treatment that allows you to eliminate the existing problem.
Main classification
Many people wonder why cracks appeared on the tongue, and what forms of such a disease are. If this is not a congenital pathology, then a person develops one of the types of disorders, in particular, such as:
- desquamative;
- folded;
- diamond-shaped.
The desquamative view is characterized by the fact that a kind of island forms on the surface of the tongue. At the same time, the borders have a clear outline and a rich scarlet color. Also, not too deep furrows are formed on the surface of the tongue, which are almost invisible at the initial stages. Affected areas may change their location.
Among the main indications, there is a burning sensation, tingling in the affected area, as well as pain during chewing. Often, such a violation occurs in children, pregnant women, in the presence of chronic diseases of the blood, stomach, liver, parasites. The causes of the occurrence are not yet fully established, but there is an assumption that this form of pathology appears in the presence of allergies, metabolic disorders.
The diamond-shaped type of the disease is characterized by the fact that the groove passes strictly in the center of the muscle. It can periodically disappear and reappear, which indicates the transition of the disease to the chronic stage. However, digestive problems may occur.
The folded type is characterized by the fact that grooves are formed on the surface of the tongue in connection with congenital pathologies. The folds extend along and across the muscle and can vary in width, depth, and length.
In addition, cracks in the tongue can be superficial and deep. The surface form is much easier to treat and causes much less discomfort.
Crack localization
Why in the language of a crack, will determine their localization. Defeat can be in its various parts. Cracks in the middle of the tongue are formed with a decrease in immunity. In this case, its surface becomes dry, and wounds can also form.
Cracks in the tongue on the sides can indicate the presence of diseases of the blood, intestines and stomach. In addition, the cause may be a malfunction of the thyroid gland.
"Cracks on the tip of the tongue, what is it?" - This question is of interest to so many people, since such a manifestation occurs quite often. They can occur due to burns, injuries, stomatitis. In addition, stress, psychological disorders, and fatigue can provoke such a violation. They affect the functioning of the nervous system.
Causes of occurrence
What cracks in the tongue are talking about, largely depends on their location, as well as the features and forms of glossitis. Their occurrence not only worsens the aesthetic appearance of the oral cavity, but also provokes discomfort and pain in a person during food consumption. The causes of cracks in the tongue can be congenital and acquired.
If the defects were formed for dental reasons, then they belong to an independent disease that characterizes the course of inflammation. They can develop as a dental reaction to toothpaste or mouth rinse. In addition, defects may appear as a reaction to implants and prostheses.
Cracks on the surface of the tongue can form when it is traumatized, in particular, damage to the teeth, uncomfortable dentures, bruises in the jaw area. With constant trauma, the formation of many cracks. It is very important to eliminate the source that provokes mucosal damage.
The causes of cracks in the tongue are largely related to the age of the person. In children, they most often appear with:
- vitamin deficiency;
- anemia
- the presence of parasites in the body;
- intoxication of the body with heavy metals.
The causes of cracks in the tongue in an adult can be associated with the presence of diseases such as:
- diseases of the oral cavity;
- liver pathology;
- disruption of the intestines and stomach;
- weakening of immunity.
Sometimes cracks are observed in newborns. This may indicate that the internal organs of the baby are not working correctly or this may indicate the presence of a hereditary predisposition.
Deep cracks
Deep cracks in the tongue in an adult cause very severe pain. In addition, a lot of food debris is collected in them, and the processes of its decay begin. Deep cracks form for the same reasons as small ones.
Glossitis is not such a simple disease as it may seem, as it can be very unpleasant. A person often rises in temperature, there is discomfort in the oral cavity, severe weakness, and general well-being worsens.
Deep cracks form as a result of various diseases, one of which is anemia. Often women suffer from a similar problem. It is very common during pregnancy. Also, hemoglobin can decrease with an unhealthy lifestyle, poor nutrition, and also heavy periods. With anemia, the oral cavity is often affected, and painful abscesses form on the tongue.
Deep cracks can appear in a child during teething. In this case, the body is greatly weakened and becomes susceptible to the effects of infection. The problem also occurs in adolescence, when hormonal changes in the body occur.
Rare reasons
There are also quite rare causes of cracking in the tongue and white plaque. Among them, Down syndrome should be distinguished. This may be due to the fact that the child’s tongue is wider and drier. Also one of the reasons is Melkerssson-Rosenthal syndrome. With the occurrence of such a pathology, severe paralysis of the facial nerve is observed, damage is formed in the mouth, and lips also swell strongly.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of cracks in the tongue are often of a specific nature. A burning sensation, dry mucous membrane, pain, swelling of the affected area should alert. If microcracks are difficult to detect on their own, then wounds are almost impossible to ignore. Among the main signs of the presence of cracks in the tongue, it is necessary to distinguish the following:
- increased salivation;
- temperature rise;
- yellowish plaque;
- redness of the tongue;
- the surface is loose or very smooth;
- loss of taste.
Cases are also known when cracks reach dimensions of 5 mm. They can have a different arrangement.
Diagnostics
Often a diagnosis is made according to a person’s language, a photo of a crack helps to determine the cause of a similar defect. Diagnosis begins with a superficial examination. In this case, the doctor carefully examines the existing superficial damage to the mucosa. He also pays close attention to the depth, size and shape of the cracks.
The color of the tongue is taken into account, whether there is plaque on the surface, and also how painful the cracks are. Sometimes there may even be a black coating, which looks extremely unaesthetic. If there are cracks in the tongue, you need to consult a dentist. After a thorough examination, the doctor may refer you to a neurologist or gastroenterologist for consultation.
Treatment features
To eliminate the cause of cracks in the tongue, treatment must necessarily be comprehensive. Initially, you need to pay attention to conducting regular and thorough oral hygiene. The right choice for cleansing your teeth and tongue is of great importance. This will destroy pathogens and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
It is necessary to limit in the usual diet or completely eliminate all irritants. These include hot and hot seasonings, as well as scorching and cold dishes. They can disrupt intestinal motility, and also locally affect the affected soft tissues.
It is necessary to treat the underlying disease, which caused the defect. To identify pathology, it is preliminary worth going through a set of examinations. Antiseptics are used to destroy pathogens. Rinses are prescribed using decoctions of herbs that have an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, the following medications are prescribed for treatment:
- anesthetics;
- disinfectants;
- drugs that tone the nervous system;
- medications that have a beneficial effect on cerebral circulation;
- vitamin complexes.
Keratoplasty is used to heal the wound surface. These include the drug "Carotoline", as well as vitamin A in an oil solution.
Physiotherapy procedures also have a good effect. Electrophoresis and iontophoresis have proven their high effectiveness. In some cases, hirudotherapy and electroneurostimulation help a lot.
The duration of treatment largely depends on the form and stage of the disease, patient compliance with all recommendations, as well as the degree of neglect. Drug therapy generally takes from 2 weeks to a month, if they are not associated with serious pathologies.
Folk techniques
Regardless of the cause, treatment of cracks in the tongue can be carried out using folk remedies and techniques. Among the most effective and popular means you need to highlight the following:
- camomile tea;
- potato juice;
- oils;
- beekeeping products.
Chamomile infusion should be used to rinse after each meal. To prepare it, you need to pour dry chamomile flowers with boiling water. Let the infusion cool. To significantly enhance the healing effect, when preparing the infusion, add St. John's wort, celandine, sage. All these herbs contribute to a faster healing process and eliminate inflammation.
In the morning, it is recommended to use sea buckthorn or olive oil. You need to drip 1-2 drops on the affected mucosa and wait 10-20 minutes. Potato juice will help get rid of white plaque and cracks in the tongue, as starch helps to heal. To do this, take 2-3 medium potatoes, grate them on a fine grater, put the resulting slurry in gauze and keep on the tongue for 10-15 minutes.
Sour milk compresses, which can be made from sour cream or cottage cheese, have a good effect on the damaged area. In order for the wounds to disappear, they need to be done regularly. Before going to bed, it is recommended to chew a small piece of propolis for 1-2 minutes. After this, do not consume food or drink until morning.
Dieting
Diet is very important in the treatment. The appearance of cracks in the tongue may indicate a lack of vitamins and nutrients. A proper, balanced diet will help strengthen immunity and get rid of an existing problem much faster.
Optimal will be the consumption of boiled food or steamed. Food should be varied. You need to eat as many plant foods as possible. With vitamin deficiency, fresh fruits and vegetables, natural juices will be useful. In addition, it is recommended to consume eggs, liver, meat. All this helps to normalize well-being and increase immunity.
Prophylaxis
Despite the fact that there are many different reasons for the formation of cracks in the tongue, they can be prevented if you follow the simple rules of prevention and do not neglect regular visits to the dentist.
It is very important to pay attention to high-quality brushing of teeth, to refuse the consumption of alcohol and tobacco smoking. It is necessary to balance the usual diet, namely to include in it a lot of products containing a large number of required vitamins and minerals. In the usual menu should always be protein food. It is necessary to try to consume as few sweets as possible, since they are a favorable breeding ground for pathogens.
It is important to adjust the drinking regime by ensuring the intake of a sufficient amount of fluid, as well as timely treatment of existing diseases.
The formation of cracks in the tongue is not always accompanied by discomfort, but in this case they can be quite dangerous. Careful monitoring of the condition of the tongue will help to identify pathological changes in the initial stages of the course, which avoids serious consequences and complications.