What do grooves in tongue mean

A person may not visit a dentist unless they are experiencing pain. However, it is a good idea to visit the dentist twice a year for routine care.

People should also go to their dentist if they have any oral pain or discomfort that does not go away. Fissured tongue is not a major cause for concern.

It can lead to minor to moderate complications, such as bad breath, tooth decay, or mild infections in rare cases. A person may develop fissured tongue as a child, but it can become more pronounced as the person ages. There are many tiny spots or bumps on the tongue that people need for taste and sensation. But spots on the tongue that are unusual in size or…. People with scalloped tongue have tongues with indented, rippled, or scalloped edges.

Learn about the causes and when to see a doctor. The tongue is a sensitive and complex muscle, but it can hurt for a wide variety of reasons.

This Knowledge Center article explains a number of common…. Tongue bumps are common, and there are many possible causes, including injuries, allergies, and infections. Although tongue bumps can feel strange…. The best practices for healthy teeth and gums include regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding certain types of food and beverage. Learn more about…. What to know about fissured tongue. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. What is fissured tongue?

Share on Pinterest A person with a fissured tongue may experience pain if food gets stuck in a groove. When to see a dentist. Dentistry Dermatology. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. It is not usually a serious condition but can lead to some mild…. Geographic tongue is a harmless condition in which white patches appear on the surface of the tongue.

Tongue bumps are common, and there are many possible causes, including injuries, allergies, and infections. Although tongue bumps can feel strange…. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for oral thrush, which is a yeast infection in the mouth. What causes cracked tongue? Cracked tongue pictures. Cracked tongue causes. Cracked tongue treatment. Cleaning techniques. When to see a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.

Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What to know about fissured tongue. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Everything you need to know about geographic tongue. The problem often resolves on its own but may appear again at a later time.

Geographic tongue is a minor — although sometimes uncomfortable — condition. However, lesions on the tongue may indicate other more-serious conditions of the tongue or diseases affecting the body in general. If you have lesions on the tongue that don't resolve within 10 days, see your doctor or dentist.

The cause of geographic tongue is unknown, and there's no way to prevent the condition. There may be a link between geographic tongue and psoriasis and between geographic tongue and lichen planus.

But more research is needed to better understand possible connections. Studies of factors that may be associated with an increased risk of geographic tongue have produced mixed results. Factors that are likely associated with an increased risk include:.

Geographic tongue is a benign condition. It doesn't pose a threat to your health, cause long-term complications or increase your risk of major health problems. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Geographic tongue Open pop-up dialog box Close.