A person does not always pay attention when cracks appear in the tongue, especially if they do not cause any discomfort for a long time. However, it must be remembered that such a violation may indicate the presence of various kinds of problems and diseases of the internal organs, which is why, if the very first signs occur, you need to consult a doctor for diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
What cracks in the tongue mean
Let's consider this issue 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 are formed. Often, pathology affects people of mature age, but can occur in children.
It is impossible to unequivocally answer what such a manifestation means, since the reasons for its occurrence are quite different. In some cases, toothpastes and balms have an aggressive effect, so they cancause allergic reactions, which are accompanied by redness, the appearance of cracks.
It is worth noting that only a doctor can determine the provoking factors, who then selects a treatment that will eliminate the existing problem.
Main classification
Many are interested in 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;
- pleated;
- diamond-shaped.
The desquamative type is characterized by the fact that a kind of islands are formed 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 grooves are formed on the surface of the tongue, which are almost invisible in the initial stages. The affected areas can change their location.
Among the main indications are the presence of 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 occurrence have not yet been fully established, but there is an assumption that this form of pathology appears in the presence of allergies, metabolic disorders.
The rhomboid type of the disease is characterized by the fact that the groove runs strictly along the center of the muscle. It can periodically disappear and reappear, which indicates the transition of the disease to the chronic stage. However, there may bedigestive problems.
The folded type is characterized by the fact that furrows are formed on the surface of the tongue due to congenital pathologies. The folds run 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 superficial form is much easier to treat and causes much less discomfort.
Crack localization
Why there are cracks in the tongue, will determine their localization. The defeat can be in its different parts. Cracks in the middle of the tongue are formed with a decrease in immunity. Its surface becomes dry, and wounds may also form.
Cracks in the tongue on the sides may 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 interests a lot of 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 say depends largely on their location, as well as the features and form 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. Causescracked tongue can be congenital or acquired.
If the defects were formed for dental reasons, then they belong to an independent disease that characterizes the course of inflammation. They may develop as a dental reaction to toothpaste or mouthwash. 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, many cracks form. 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 when:
- avitaminosis;
- anemia;
- presence of parasites in the body;
- heavy metal intoxication.
The causes of cracks in the tongue in an adult may be associated with the presence of diseases such as:
- diseases of the oral cavity;
- liver pathology;
- disruption of the intestines and stomach;
- weakened immunity.
Sometimes cracks are observed in newborns. This may indicate that the baby's internal organs are not working properly or it may indicate the presence of a hereditary predisposition.
Deep cracks
Deep cracks in the tongue of an adult cause very severe pain. ExceptIn addition, they collect a lot of food debris, and the processes of its decay begin. Deep cracks form for the same reasons as shallow ones.
Glossitis is not such a simple disease as it may seem, as it can be very unpleasant. A person often has a fever, discomfort in the oral cavity, severe weakness, and general well-being worsens.
Deep cracks are formed as a result of various diseases, one of which is anemia. Women often suffer from this problem. It is very common during pregnancy. Also, hemoglobin can decrease with an unhe althy lifestyle, poor nutrition, and heavy periods. Anemia often affects the mouth and causes painful sores 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. Also, the problem occurs in adolescence, when hormonal changes occur in the body.
Rare causes
There are also quite rare causes of cracked tongues and white patches. Among them, it is necessary to highlight Down's syndrome. This may be due to the fact that the child's tongue is wider and dry. Also one of the reasons is Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. With the course of such a pathology, severe paralysis of the facial nerve is observed, damage is formed in the mouth, and the lips also swell strongly.
Main symptoms
Symptomscracks in the tongue are often specific. Burning sensation, dryness of the mucosa, 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, the following should be highlighted:
- increased salivation;
- temperature increase;
- yellowish coating;
- redness of the tongue;
- surface loose or very smooth;
- loss of taste.
There are also cases when cracks reach sizes of 5 mm. They may have different arrangements.
Diagnostics
Often diagnosed by a person's tongue, a photo of a crack helps to determine the cause of such a defect. Diagnosis begins with a superficial examination. In this case, the doctor carefully considers the existing superficial damage to the mucosa. He also pays close attention to the depth, size and shape of cracks.
The color of the tongue, whether there is plaque on the surface, and how painful the cracks are taken into account. 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 for a consultation with a neurologist or gastroenterologist.
Features of treatment
To eliminate the cause of cracks in the tongue, treatment must be comprehensive. Initially, attention should be paid toregular and thorough oral hygiene. Of great importance is the right choice for cleaning teeth and tongue. 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 spicy and hot seasonings, as well as scalding and cold dishes. They can disrupt intestinal motility and also act locally on affected soft tissues.
It is imperative to treat the underlying disease that caused the defect. To identify pathology, it is first necessary to undergo a set of examinations. Antiseptics are used to destroy pathogens. Gargles are prescribed using decoctions of medicinal herbs that have an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, the following medications are prescribed for treatment:
- anesthetics;
- disinfectants;
- drugs that tone the nervous system;
- drugs that have a beneficial effect on cerebral circulation;
- vitamin complexes.
Keratoplasty is used to heal the wound surface. These include the drug "Carotolin", as well as vitamin A in an oil solution.
Physiotherapy also has a good effect. Electrophoresis and iontophoresis have proved their high efficiency. In some cases, hirudotherapy and electrical nerve stimulation help well.
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 usually takes from 2 weeks to a month, if they are not associated with serious pathologies.
Folk techniques
Regardless of the cause, the treatment of cracks in the tongue can be carried out using folk remedies and techniques. Among the most effective and popular means, the following should be highlighted:
- chamomile infusion;
- potato juice;
- butter;
- bee products.
Chamomile infusion should be used as a rinse after each meal. To prepare it, you need to pour dry chamomile flowers with boiling water. Let the infusion cool down. To significantly enhance the healing effect, you can add St. John's wort, celandine, sage when preparing the infusion. All of these herbs promote a faster healing process and reduce inflammation.
In the morning it is recommended to use sea buckthorn or olive oil. It is necessary 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 promotes healing. To do this, you need to take 2-3 medium potatoes, grate them on a fine grater, put the resulting gruel in cheesecloth and keep it on your 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. For wounds to disappear, they need to be done regularly. Before going to bed, it is recommended to chew a small piece of propolis for1-2 minutes. After that, do not eat 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. Proper, balanced nutrition will help strengthen the immune system and get rid of the existing problem much faster.
The best would be the consumption of boiled or steamed food. Food should be varied. Eat as many plant foods as possible. With beriberi, 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 causes of cracked tongue, they can be prevented if you follow 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 stop drinking alcohol and smoking. It is necessary to balance the habitual diet, namely, to include in it a lot of products containing a large amount of the required vitamins and minerals. Protein foods should always be present in the usual menu. You should try to consume as little sweets as possible, as they are a favorable breeding ground for pathogens.
It is important to adjust the drinking regime, ensuring the consumption ofa 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 allows you to avoid serious consequences and complications.
