Many people don’t realize this, but your tongue can actually say a great deal about you. Normally, your tongue should be pink, moist, a little shiny, and relatively smooth with tiny bumps on it. If you notice that it looks a bit different than usual, that can be a sign that something is wrong. For example, if it’s red and irritated, you may have a nutrient deficiency. If it has a thick white coating, you may have a fungal infection or inflammatory condition.
Fissured Tongue
Fissured tongue is a condition that causes the tongue to look and feel different than the norm. With this condition, the tongue has deep grooves, cracks, or lines in it. Those differences can be disconcerting, and they’re likely to leave you wondering about fissured tongue causes and whether this condition is something to be concerned about.
What Causes a Fissured Tongue?
First, let’s take a look at what can cause a fissured tongue. In truth, the causes aren’t always clear. Several factors can contribute to the condition, though. It often runs in families, so if a parent or other relative has it, you may be more likely to develop it. Age can play a role here as well. Fissured tongues are more common in older adults, and the fissures can get more pronounced over time.
Some medical conditions have also been linked to fissured tongues. Those include nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin B and iron. Certain autoimmune conditions can cause a fissured tongue too. For instance, Sjogren’s syndrome causes chronic dry mouth, and that can make the tongue more prone to cracking. Dehydration may make fissures more noticeable as well.
Is a Fissured Tongue Dangerous?
In most cases, fissured tongues are completely harmless. They’re not painful or dangerous. That said, it’s not uncommon for food particles and bacteria to accumulate in the grooves. That can lead to bad breath and irritation without proper oral hygiene. Some people who are living with the condition experience heightened tongue sensitivity when they eat salty, spicy, or acidic foods.
Treatment Options
In general, treating a fissured tongue is fairly simple. Practicing good oral hygiene is one of the most important and effective measures. That helps remove food particles and bacteria, which reduces the risks of inflammation. With that being the case, brushing regularly and using antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antiseptic mouthwashes are crucial.
Staying hydrated can help as well. Drinking plenty of water keeps the tongue moist and prevents irritation from dryness. When the condition is caused by nutritional deficiencies, eating a balanced diet or taking supplements can help mitigate it. If a fissured tongue is caused by serious underlying conditions, addressing those is essential.
Living With a Fissured Tongue
Seeing deep groves in your tongue may be a bit scary, but it’s generally not serious. Most people don’t need medical treatment for a fissured tongue, but maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce bacteria growth and bad breath. Staying hydrated can help with irritation and sensitivity.
If you experience significant irritation or discomfort, though, don’t hesitate to reach out for medical help. In cases where an underlying condition is present, treating that condition can help manage the potential complications of a fissured tongue. Still, for the most part, it’s little more than a variation of the way the tongue looks.
Refresh Date: January 11, 2026
