Seeing deep cracks on the tongue, or red and white patches that change shape like a map, worries many people. Most of these cases are harmless.
- A fissured tongue and a geographic tongue are usually harmless, painless conditions and not contagious.
- Gentle daily tongue cleaning and limiting spicy, sour, salty and hot food ease stinging and bad breath.
- An ulcer that does not heal after two weeks, a patch that cannot be wiped off, a hard lump or bleeding needs a check.
- The dentist can examine the tongue and refer you to another specialist when needed.
Some people look in the mirror and see deep grooves on the tongue, or red patches with a white border that look like a map and change from day to day. The worry is understandable, but most cases are a fissured tongue or a geographic tongue, two conditions that are usually harmless.
What is a fissured tongue?
The surface of the tongue has a central groove and many small cracks running across it. This often appears early or becomes clearer with age and mostly causes no pain. Food and bacteria can lodge in these grooves, so if the tongue is not cleaned properly it may cause bad breath or mild soreness.
What is a geographic tongue?
These are smooth red patches with a whitish or pale yellow border, irregular in shape, that change position and size from day to day like a map. It is not contagious and is usually not dangerous, although some people feel a sting when eating spicy, sour, salty or hot food.
Care when the tongue is sensitive
- Clean the tongue gently every day, from back to front, see whether tongue scraping is necessary.
- Limit very spicy, sour, salty and hot food while the tongue stings.
- Drink enough water so the mouth does not dry out.
- Brush twice a day and keep the mouth clean.
Unusual signs that need a check
See a doctor if you notice an ulcer that does not heal after two weeks, a white or red patch that cannot be wiped off, a new hard lump or swelling, long lasting soreness, bleeding or difficulty moving the tongue. See also a sore or white coated tongue, what it means and how long mouth ulcers take to heal.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first. The dentist will examine your tongue and the lining of the mouth, advise on care and, when needed, refer you to another specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Is a fissured tongue a disease?
Usually it is a harmless condition and does not hurt. The tongue should be cleaned properly to avoid bad breath and mild soreness.
Is geographic tongue contagious?
No, and it is usually not dangerous. The red patches change shape from day to day, and some people feel a sting with spicy or sour food.
When does a lesion on the tongue need to be checked?
When an ulcer does not heal after two weeks, a white or red patch cannot be wiped off, or there is a hard lump or bleeding.