How to Treat a Cracked Tongue

Cracked tongue is quite common. Although it may seem mild and harmless, this condition still needs to be addressed as it can cause problems inside the mouth. Therefore, it is important to know the causes of a cracked tongue and how to treat a cracked tongue.

Cracked tongue is generally more commonly experienced by adults. This condition tends to worsen with age. It is easily identifiable by the presence of shallow or deep grooves on the upper surface or the edges of the tongue.

The depth and size of the grooves vary and can intersect with each other, leading to the appearance of a cracked tongue. This condition often does not cause any complaints, unless there is food residue stuck in the crevices of the tongue grooves.

Causes of Cracked Tongue

Until now, the exact cause of cracked tongue is still unknown. However, there are several factors that are known to increase the risk of cracked tongue, namely:

• Genetic factor plays a role in increasing the risk of experiencing cracked tongue, especially if a person's parents or siblings have a similar condition
• Infection caused by fungi
• Insufficient intake of iron, folate, and vitamin B12
• Consuming spicy or sour foods, hot beverages, and alcoholic drinks
• The immune system is weakened
• Stress
• Dehydration

The condition of a cracked tongue often occurs concurrently with other conditions, such as:

Geographic tongue or Benign Migratory Glossitis (BMG)

This condition is generally not harmful and often occurs alongside a fissured tongue. Additionally, the tongue may become more sensitive to spicy and hot foods.

Down syndrome

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes delayed physical and mental development in affected individuals. Research indicates that as many as 80 percent of children with Down syndrome will experience cracked tongues.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome

This disease is generally uncommon. In addition to causing cracked tongue, this condition is often accompanied by swelling on the lips and face as well as paralysis on one side of the face.

How to Treat a Sore Cracked Tongue

Usually, cracked tongue does not require special treatment. However, this condition can be prevented by maintaining oral hygiene regularly. After brushing your teeth, it is also recommended to routinely brush the surface of the tongue to remove leftover food particles in the tongue clefts.

If you neglect to brush the surface of your tongue, bacteria and plaque will accumulate, leading to a cracked tongue, bad breath, and tooth decay.

Additionally, there are several other ways you can prevent cracked lips, including:

• Consuming a balanced and nutritious diet
• Ensuring adequate fluid intake by consuming a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily is essential in preventing dehydration and dry mouth
• Quit smoking
• Cease the consumption of alcoholic beverages
• Decrease the intake of spicy foods, acidic items, and hot beverages
• It is recommended to visit the dentist regularly twice a year for treatment, cleaning, and oral health check-ups.

Cracked tongue typically improves on its own as long as oral and dental health is maintained. It is also advisable to avoid habits that may contribute to the development of a cracked tongue, as previously mentioned.

If the condition of a cracked tongue is accompanied by other symptoms, such as persistent thrush, alterations in taste perception, and visible swelling or pain in the tongue, it is advisable to consult a dentist promptly for appropriate treatment.

Also read articles about: How to Keep Your Mouth and Teeth Healthy

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