Image of cracked tongue stuck out person’s mouth

Gum Health

Cracked Tongue: Causes, Treatment, & Recovery

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Stephanie Gans

A cracked tongue (also known as a fissured tongue) is a fairly prevalent condition that makes the tongue appear covered in grooves or cracks. Most instances of a grooved tongue are benign and not painful, with some estimates suggesting that between 2% and 20% of people live with the condition. Cracked tongues can accumulate debris within their grooves, potentially leading to pain or the formation of sores. If these symptoms develop and persist despite improved oral hygiene, seeking medical or dental advice is recommended.
This article will explore the causes of a cracked tongue, detail the symptoms that may manifest, and advise when it might be necessary to consult a doctor.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Cracked Tongue?

A cracked tongue, also termed a fissured tongue or lingua plicata, is a harmless condition characterized by one or several cracks traversing the tongue's surface. In most instances, a cracked tongue is easily identifiable as the tongue’s smooth appearance is visibly disrupted. While some alterations in the texture or look of the tongue can signal an underlying health issue, a fissured tongue itself is not considered a disease. However, its presence is sometimes associated with other underlying conditions. The condition is cosmetic, not detrimental to health.

How Common are Tongue Fissures?

If you're asking, "why is my tongue cracked?" you are not alone. Estimates vary, but fissured tongues are believed to affect anywhere from 2% to 20% of individuals globally. Cracked tongues are thought to be more prevalent in those assigned male at birth and individuals over 50, with some research also suggesting that fissures are more common in specific geographical regions.

Symptoms of a Cracked Tongue

Fissured tongue symptoms should not extend beyond the cracks and grooves visible on your tongue’s surface. These cracks will not appear in any uniform pattern, and when examining a fissured tongue, you might observe:

Cracks on the tongue ranging from 2 to 6mm in depth
A single prominent groove in the center of the tongue, with smaller cracks branching off it
Seemingly random, disconnected cracks
Cracks that extend to the edges of the tongue

Grooves on the tongue can complicate proper cleaning, leading to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. If this occurs, you may experience additional fissured tongue symptoms, including:

A burning or sore cracked tongue 
Persistent bad breath 
Glossitis

Dentist and patient smiling into mirror.

Causes of a Cracked Tongue

Unfortunately, medical professionals still do not fully understand what causes fissured tongues. Some research suggests a possible genetic link to the condition, but this connection is not definitive. Although the exact cause remains unclear, studies have indicated that a cracked tongue is more likely to appear alongside certain conditions, including:

Vitamin Deficiencies: Cracks in the tongue can accompany malnutrition and shortages of crucial vitamins. Studies have shown that individuals deficient in B vitamins, zinc, and iron may be more susceptible to fissured tongues.
Psoriasis: The autoimmune condition psoriasis can lead to raised and sore skin and is sometimes associated with a fissured tongue.
Sjögren’s Syndrome: This autoimmune condition is also linked to fissured tongues in some cases.
Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A neurological condition that can cause facial swelling and a cracked tongue.
Geographic Tongue: A benign inflammatory condition characterized by smooth, red patches on the tongue caused by loss of surface papillae, often bordered by slightly raised white or yellowish margins. Geographic tongue is frequently observed in individuals who also have a fissured tongue.

Beyond various underlying health conditions, certain factors may be associated with fissured tongue, including age, genetic predisposition, and conditions that affect oral dryness or tongue anatomy. Allergen exposure may contribute to oral irritation but is not considered a direct cause of fissured tongue.

Diagnosing a Cracked Tongue

Cracked tongue diagnosis is a relatively straightforward procedure for a doctor. A visual examination where you extend your tongue should suffice to determine if you have the condition. If the doctor is uncertain about the underlying cause of your fissured tongue, they may conduct some tests to identify it. Blood tests to check for deficiencies or certain immunodeficient conditions might be performed, along with any other tests your medical practitioner deems necessary.

Cracked Tongue Treatment

In most cases, cracked tongue treatment will not be necessary, as the condition is benign and poses no threat to your health. If your cracked tongue has led to bacterial buildup in the mouth and an infection, you might require a professional dental cleaning, or your doctor may simply advise you to pay more attention to oral care at home. If your doctor believes your cracked tongue is a symptom of allergens, they might recommend avoiding any triggers to see if that helps resolve associated soreness or inflammation. There is no single answer to the question of how to heal a sore, cracked tongue, but with a thorough understanding of its cause, a doctor can help advise on a suitable treatment plan.

Oral Health Essentials: Your Guide to A Healthy Smile

Common oral health issues include cavities and tooth decay, gum disease, staining, and sensitivity. The main culprit behind these is often plaque buildup a sticky bacterial film that forms on teeth. By consistently following a complete oral care routine, you can preemptively tackle these issues, leading to a stronger, healthier smile:

Start your routine with Crest Clean Breath Toothpaste. This stannous fluoride formula works around the clock, actively fighting the bacteria that cause cavities and bad breath, so you enjoy a long-lasting, fresh, and clean feeling.
Rinse with a Crest Pro-Health Complete Clean Mouthwash: Finish your routine with an anti-gingivitis/antiplaque mouthwash to kill bad breath germs, support gum health, and wash away remaining food particles from your tongue and other areas of the mouth.
Brush 2X/day with an Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush: An electric toothbrush, such as an Oral-B iO, helps eliminate up to 100% more plaque than a conventional manual toothbrush. Its dentist-inspired round brush head effectively surrounds each tooth, adapting to the contours of teeth and gums to ensure a cleaner, healthier smile even in hard-to-reach areas.
Use Floss: Daily flossing assists in dislodging plaque and debris from between teeth. Incorporating flossing into your routine can help remove any lingering food particles and plaque buildup, offering an additional layer of protection.