Cut Tongue From Broken Tooth? The 73 New Answer

You have a broken tooth but can’t go to the dentist right away? While the tooth itself may not hurt, it can have sharp edges that bother your tongue. dr Fink demonstrates how to smooth out annoying sharp edges to provide temporary relief until you see your dentist.

broken tooth

Hi. Today I want to talk about one of the most common emergency calls we receive in our office when someone breaks a tooth. Below are a few pictures of how teeth can break. The corner of a tooth often comes loose, leaving a sharp edge on the tooth.

These sharp edges are annoying for your tongue. It may not be deep enough to injure the tooth or cause pain, but this tongue is always moving. Your tongue moves when you speak and swallow. It even moves around just to find out what’s going on in your mouth. When it finds something like a sharp edge on a tooth, the tongue often won’t leave it alone and within hours you’ll have a sore tongue. It’s an emergency. It is urgent. It’s immediate. Sometimes it’s not convenient where you can come and let us do something. I want to talk about what you can do at home.

Temporary home remedies

Whenever a patient calls with such a situation, I recommend him to file it with a nail file. With the fingernail file you can take this file on the sharp edge of the tooth. Within a few puffs, that sharp edge is a rounded edge, making the tooth feel so much better. Most people have a fingernail file at home. Although I used a metal nail file in my demonstration, any nail file will work.

Another nail file you may also have is a fingernail emery pad, which is like a piece of sandpaper. The advantage of emery boards is that you can bend them a bit. This allows you to come in from the front but have the file twist so you come in from the front and don’t have to stick that fingernail file through your cheek to get to it.

Giving themselves some relief until they can come has worked well for many of our patients. This is only a temporary solution. You should come because the broken tooth still needs treatment. Call us at 602-942-4260 or REQUEST an APPOINTMENT with us today!

Tongue biting Tongue biting is relatively common and usually happens accidentally. You can bite your tongue: when eating

after dental anesthesia

while sleeping

due to stress

during a seizure

following a traumatic event, such as a bicycle or car accident, or a fall

In sports, tongue-biting injuries are common and often minor, particularly in children. They are usually more severe in adults. The healing time for a tongue bite depends on the severity of the injury. Less severe tongue injuries will heal on their own within a week. More severe tongue injuries require medical attention, such as stitches and medication. It may take several weeks or months to fully heal. A tongue bite can bleed. Even small bites can bleed, but these do not usually require medical attention. Get medical help right away if your tongue: Bleeds excessively

bleeds a second time after the original bleeding has stopped

appears red or swollen

feels warm

has red streaks or pus

is very painful

is accompanied by fever

is visibly deformed If you bite your tongue, you can also bite your lip or the inside of your mouth. Treating these areas of the mouth is similar to treating the tongue.

Treating a tongue bite at home If the tongue bite is minor, you can treat it at home. Follow these steps to minimize pain and ensure the injury heals properly: Wash your hands with soap and water or wear latex gloves. Rinse your mouth with water so you can see the injury better. Apply pressure to the injury site with gauze or cloth to stop the bleeding. Put ice or an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth on the outside of the lips or mouth if there is swelling. Call a doctor if the bleeding doesn’t stop or if you notice a visible deformity, signs of infection, or new bleeding. If the injury is severe, be sure to follow a doctor’s advice in addition to the following home treatments: Eat foods that are soft and easy to swallow.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce pain and swelling.

Apply a cold compress to the injured area for five minutes several times a day. You can also suck on a piece of fruit-flavored ice cream or popsicle.

Rinse your mouth with a saline solution after eating to relieve pain and keep the wound clean. To make a salt water solution, mix 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt in 1 cup of warm water.

When to See Your Doctor Call your doctor for a tongue bite that won’t stop bleeding or shows signs of infection, new bleeding, or deformity. In adults, a good rule of thumb is to see a doctor if the edges of a tongue injury don’t come together when the tongue is still. Get medical help for a child right away if you notice: a gaping cut on the tongue, lips, or inside the mouth

severe pain that does not improve within two hours of taking over-the-counter pain relievers

Difficulty swallowing liquids or spitting up

Inability to fully open or close the mouth

Signs of infection and fever Check all tongue injuries daily for changes in how they look or feel. Mouth sores that are clean and healthy may appear light pink to white. Contact your doctor right away if you notice signs of infection, such as E.g. pus

Fever

Pain that gets worse instead of better Call 911 or your local emergency services if you have major mouth bleeding that can’t be stopped or if you have trouble breathing. These can be signs of a life-threatening emergency.

Diagnosis and Medical Treatment If you do decide to see your doctor, they will first try to stop the bleeding and visually examine the area to determine the right treatment for you. Most bites on the tongue, lips, and inside the mouth are called lacerations. These are deep cuts. It’s also possible that you had a wound that healed but became infected. This too requires treatment. Depending on the severity of your injury, your doctor may decide that you need stitches

Antibiotics used to treat or prevent infections

reattachment to bandage a bitten off part of the tongue (very rare) Don’t stop a course of antibiotics even if you feel better.

Healing Time for a Small Tongue You can expect a small sore on the tongue, lips, or mouth to heal in three to four days. A more serious injury that required stitches or reattaches may take several weeks to a few months to heal. Mouth infections are rare but can occur. They usually disappear completely after a few weeks.

Preventing Tongue Biting During Sleep If you or your child tend to bite their tongue during sleep, consult a dentist about an oral appliance to prevent biting. This device slides easily over the teeth and prevents the tongue from moving around the mouth while you sleep. It can also prevent grinding or chewing. Biting the tongue during seizures Adults and children with epilepsy can bite their tongues during seizures. These bites can be severe. Follow your epilepsy treatment plan to prevent tongue-biting during seizures. Take all prescribed medications consistently and avoid seizure triggers that you and your doctor may have identified. Tongue Biting During Sports Activities It is common to bite your tongue during certain sports activities, particularly those that involve sudden or rapid movements, hard objects, and physical contact. Wear a soft mouthguard during these activities to avoid biting your tongue. Some sports, such as hockey, require wearing a helmet or mask, which can also prevent accidental biting. Biting your tongue while eating You are more likely to bite your tongue if you eat particularly hot or cold food, or if you eat very quickly. To prevent this, cool or heat food properly before eating and take your time.

tooth contouring. tooth reshaping. tooth files. make tooth slim. These are some of the names for a procedure performed to slightly reduce the size of a tooth to improve its appearance or the way it fits in your mouth. Many people refer to this process as “teeth shaving”. The technical name for this procedure is odontoplasty, or enamelplasty, when a small amount of enamel is removed from a tooth to reshape it. You can also call it occlusal equilibration. This process can be done for cosmetic reasons, e.g. B. to smooth the appearance of a deformed or chipped tooth. Dentists can remove the jagged edges of teeth called mamelons to create a more even tooth line. A dentist may also suggest shaving your teeth for medical reasons, including improving your bite or preparing a damaged tooth for a crown.

Purpose and benefits of tooth contouring? After carefully examining your teeth, jaw, and dental X-rays, a dentist may decide that one or more of your teeth could benefit from reshaping or filing. There are a number of reasons for this. Putting damaged teeth back into shape A small chip in your tooth might not seem like a big deal, but you can spot it every time you look in the mirror. Shaving or filing down that tooth to create a more even edge can do wonders when it comes to improving your smile. Create more space in your mouth You may have a small jaw or large teeth. Or your teeth are just very close together in your mouth. Tight teeth can cause a range of problems including jaw pain, misalignment and crooked teeth. Filing some of those teeth can create just enough space to reduce crowding — and any problems it causes. When adding a crown A crown is a cap that fits over a damaged tooth or a tooth with a root canal. Typically, a dentist will need to trim your tooth (known as preparing the tooth) before fitting the crown. In this case, the crown covers the tooth so you don’t see any traces of the actual shaving or filing process. Veneer Tooth Shaving A veneer is similar to a crown in that it covers damage to a tooth. However, a veneer usually only covers the front of a tooth. Sometimes a dentist may need to gently file away a piece of your tooth in preparation for a veneer, but it’s a lot less reduction than with a crown. It is also much rarer than a crown. A dentist may also need to shave or file away some of the teeth opposite the veneer just to make sure they fit together properly. Veneers can not only cover damaged teeth, but also change the size, colour, length and shape of your teeth and fill gaps. Shaving Tooth For Braces Orthodontics was developed to address problems such as crowded or misaligned teeth. Braces and retainers can help move teeth into better positions, which can relieve crowding or misalignment. Sometimes, however, an orthodontist needs to shave off a tooth or two a bit as part of the process. Adjusting your bite Open your mouth. Now close your mouth so that your upper teeth are resting on your lower teeth. Are they a good match? If not, a dentist may suggest shaving or contouring any teeth that prevent them from touching easily. For example, your canines may be a bit too long, which can affect your bite. Misaligned teeth can affect your bite. As a result, they can cause a range of problems ranging from pain in the jaw muscle to loose teeth and headaches. Research suggests that fixing the problem can reduce or eliminate issues like tooth sensitivity and pain. It can allow your jaw to close properly.

Does shaving your teeth hurt? The short answer is no. A tooth correction should not hurt. The dentist removes only a little of your tooth’s surface enamel and does not touch the pulp or tooth root. You shouldn’t even need anesthesia to have a small piece of tooth enamel removed.

Are there any side effects or risks? In general, this type of dental procedure is not considered very risky. In fact, tooth contouring is often viewed as a conservative procedure. However, some research suggests that performing odontoplasty on an already fragile tooth may be riskier. If a dentist needs to reshape a broken or damaged tooth to prepare it for a crown, it is possible to use materials to build up the tooth so it can wear the crown.

How much does tooth shaping cost? As with any dental or orthodontic procedure, the cost depends on factors such as where you live and the dentist’s experience. Minor reshaping of a tooth can range from $50 to $300. The cost of occlusal balancing, which involves reshaping multiple teeth and leveling your bite, can range from $650 to $1,500, which should include aftercare. Talk to a dentist if you’re concerned about the cost. It is possible that your supplementary dental insurance will cover part of this. Your coverage may depend on the medical reason for having the procedure performed.

Who Should Consider Dental Contouring? If you’ve ever been bothered by a tooth with a somewhat jagged edge or chip, especially if it’s in a highly visible spot, you may be a candidate for tooth contouring. If you are having trouble with your bite, you should also consider tooth contouring, reshaping, or equilibration. When your teeth don’t fit together properly, it can cause pain in your jaw and head, and possibly even lead to a condition in a joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Can you shave your own teeth at home? A quick foray into YouTube reveals countless videos of people claiming they’ve successfully shaved their own teeth at home using a nail file or sandpaper. You might be tempted to try it, especially if you just have a small chip or sharp edge you want to address. But just because you could do it doesn’t mean you should. Experts say see a dentist instead. Attempting to file or shave your teeth at home can damage tooth enamel, which can lead to a whole host of other problems. You cannot regrow tooth enamel, so any damage is irreversible. You might even need a veneer or crown if the damage is severe enough.

Wounds to the tongue do not usually require stitches, but this can help heal large or wide wounds. To help the wound heal, a healthcare professional may use a piece of surgical thread, called a suture, to stitch two edges of the wound together. Tongue injuries from sports injuries and falls are common, especially in children. When these sores are minor or don’t involve the tip of the tongue, they often don’t need stitches. Because the many nerves and blood vessels in the tongue help it heal quickly and without infection. In this article we describe when a tongue wound needs stitches. We also examine healing times and follow-up strategies.

What are tongue sticks? Share on Pinterest numbeos/Getty Images Medical professionals use sutures or surgical thread to close large open wounds. There are two common suture types: non-absorbable and absorbable. They typically use nonabsorbable sutures for superficial cuts or minor wounds and absorbable sutures for deep wounds. The American College of Surgeons reports that doctors typically use absorbable sutures for stitches in the mouth.

You can use an approach called “layered repair”. Sutures are made both inside the wound and on its surface to minimize tension and prevent hematoma. Absorbable sutures usually resolve within a few weeks or months, depending on the type of material and the severity of the injury. Non-absorbable sutures must be removed by healthcare professionals.

When does the tongue need stitches? Cuts or wounds to the tongue usually need stitches if they are longer than 2 centimeters. A person may need these stitches if they: Bite their tongue severely

grind their teeth

catching your tongue on dental equipment or sports equipment

have a minor injury on the tip of your tongue or on the sides of your tongue

have an injury from a fall, sudden impact or seizure

are undergoing oral surgery, such as B. a procedure to remove a growth in the mouth

have an infection from a piercing

have a health problem that causes an open sore on your tongue

experience physical abuse

injure their tongues by self-injury

First aid for a torn tongue The following measures may be sufficient to heal minor tongue wounds: Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the wound.

If the wound is bleeding, apply direct pressure until the bleeding stops.

Next, inspect the cut for dirt and other debris and carefully remove them.

Clean the wound gently with clean water or a saline solution.

Brush your teeth frequently to keep the area around your tongue clean. If the wound is open, e.g. after a bite or sting, it is especially important to keep it as clean as possible until it has healed. Be careful not to expose wounds to impure or natural water sources.

Follow-up care for sutures A doctor or nurse will explain how sutures are used to dress a tongue wound. They can recommend: Having excellent oral hygiene

eat soft food for several days

Using over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) to treat mild pain and swelling

Avoid anything that stretches or strains the tongue, such as Eg: screaming, singing, using a straw, sucking on candy

Prevention Tongue injuries are often unavoidable. However, there may be some ways to reduce the risk, such as:

Wearing well-fitting dental equipment and protective mouthpieces, helmets and face masks when playing contact sports

chew slowly

wearing a mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding

Buckle up

Keep children in car seats until they are the right age and size for regular seat belts

Avoiding chewing gum and sweets

Treating conditions that can cause seizures, such as B. Epilepsy

We all love the life hacks and fun advice shared on TikTok, but dentists are warning of an alarming new trend of users filing their own teeth at home with nail files or other household items.

Several videos show users grinding down uneven teeth, which dentists say should never be done at home, let alone with household items.

“You could file your nails and they’ll grow back, but teeth don’t grow back,” said Dr. Tricia Quartey-Sagaille, a New York City-based dentist. “It’s very important that people recognize that and know that sometimes there’s another reason why your teeth are different lengths, so maybe it’s not as simple as maybe your teeth are in different positions.”

TikTok has taken some action to warn of potential dental misinformation. Some videos, such as B. one by user @MiaDio, contain a warning below stating that the video shows “potentially dangerous actions”.

In the video, the user says she’s trying to file her teeth with a nail file because they’re “not perfect” and “have some ridges,” but she doesn’t have the money to get them professionally examined. While calling the finished results “significantly better,” Quartey-Sagaille told TODAY that the user’s actions could make things more difficult later in life.

“People see the instant ‘Wow, it looks better,’ but once (enamel) is gone, it’s gone forever,” Quartey-Sagaille said. “They can do really irreversible damage and have long-term health effects. There is a lot of irreversible damage that can be done.”

Some of this damage includes increased sensitivity, permanent damage, an increase in tooth decay, and other pain.

“Don’t do anything at home that your dentist hasn’t told you to do,” Quartey-Sagaille advised. “The teeth are very strong, but you can certainly do a lot of things to weaken them. I’d say if it’s not something you routinely see over the counter, don’t do it.”

Social media savvy dentists are using various platforms to combat misinformation about tooth filing and dental care in general.

dr Suhail Mohiuddin, known on TikTok as @dr.m_ and who runs a dental practice in Illinois, shared a video directly responding to claims that you can file your teeth at home.

“As a dentist, when a patient asks me to do this, the first thing I think is, ‘Why are their teeth uneven in the first place?'” Mohiuddin said. “In this case, it’s because the bottom teeth are crowded and the top teeth are wearing unevenly. Okay, you’re filing them and they look pretty good, but you haven’t solved the original problem, so what are you going to do? a few years when they’re uneven again and now your teeth are shorter?”

In another video, he explained that the “bumpy ridges” some users mentioned are called mamelons and are perfectly normal, but can be professionally removed if desired. In a third video, he explained the steps a dentist takes before filing teeth, including measuring the thickness of tooth enamel, assessing the bite, and polishing the filed teeth with a flexible disc tool.

Arkansas-based orthodontist Dr. Ben Winters shared a video on Instagram in which he responded to another user’s submission, reiterating that while dentists and orthodontists can safely perform the procedure, it can cause serious harm if performed at home.

“It’s all bad news, bad juju!” he said. “You have to leave that to an expert because we know exactly how much enamel we can remove to be healthy for our teeth and still look good.”

Quartey-Sagaille said any dental procedures or changes you wish to make should be carefully considered with your dentist’s input.

“I think ideally what I’d like to see is someone finding a dental home that they feel comfortable enough in to tell (the dentist) what they want to do, because sometimes we hear about things after they’re done.” although of course it’s too late,” she said. “We will give our honest opinion on this and explain – and enlighten.”

How are cracked teeth repaired?

The sooner you can contact your dentist for assessment, the better. It could ultimately save your tooth. Your dentist can then look at the damage and decide the best treatment to save your tooth. Here are some of the treatment options he or she may choose:

If a tiny piece of enamel or filling has chipped off, you may only need a new filling or some bonding material to replace the broken part.

If only a small piece of your tooth has broken off, your dentist may be able to protect the rest of the tooth with a crown or filling.

If the fracture is severe, endodontic surgery may be needed to remove the fractured portion to protect the pulp and tooth.

If the crack extends into the pulp, you may need a root canal or tooth extraction.

Cracking your tooth can be a scary thing, but there are several treatment and recovery options. Contact your dentist right away. An early evaluation leads to the best possible result.

Non-Urgent Advice: See a dentist if you or your child:

chipped, fractured or chipped tooth

If a piece of tooth is broken off, soak it in milk or saliva (by spitting into a container if it’s your tooth, or have your child spit into a container if it’s theirs) and take it to a dentist . The dentist can possibly glue the piece of tooth back on.

Don’t go to a family doctor. They cannot provide you with dental treatment.

Scalloped tongue gets its name from wavy or ridged edges that appear on the sides of a person’s tongue. A scalloped tongue isn’t usually a cause for concern, but its potential causes can lead to further complications and additional symptoms that can affect your dental health if left untreated. The presence of a scalloped tongue can also help diagnose certain medical conditions and identify bad oral habits.

causes

dehydration. Dehydration can cause swelling in your body, including your tongue. The swollen tongue can then press against your teeth, creating jagged edges over time.

Fear. High levels of stress and anxiety can manifest themselves in a variety of ways in the body. These include clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, and pressing your tongue against your teeth. Pressure on the tongue will indent it over time.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ). The hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull can become stuck and misaligned. This can put extra pressure on the tongue and result in a jagged indentation pattern on the sides of the tongue.

Sleep disorders. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, bruxism, and teeth clenching and grinding can cause pressure on the tongue. For example, sleep apnea can cause you to press your tongue against your teeth to open the airway. This can lead to a scalloped tongue.

nutritional deficiencies. Scalloped tongue can occur when the body is not getting enough of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B, iron, niacin, and riboflavin.

Smoking. Smoking not only increases inflammation in the body, but also increases the risk of dehydration. Both of these factors affect the likelihood of developing a scalloped tongue.

Other causes of scalloped tongue can include hypothyroidism, genetic disorders or birth defects (such as Down syndrome), and amyloidosis (buildup of proteins in organs). Each of these conditions has unique symptoms, but a common one is tongue swelling, which can lead to scalloped tongue.

treatment

Before treatment can begin, a correct diagnosis must be made. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. For example, if you have a genetic condition that causes a swollen tongue, surgery to reduce the size of the tongue is an option. If your scalloped tongue is caused by health conditions like hypothyroidism, prescription medications can help.

If you have a sleep disorder, devices like a continuous positive airway pressure device for sleep apnea and a mouth guard for bruxism can help reduce the pressure inside the mouth that causes scalloped tongue. Therapeutic Botox is also available to treat scalloped tongue caused by clenched jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

In addition to the treatments above, there are steps you can take at home to reduce bad habits in your mouth. Drink plenty of water not only to stay hydrated, but also to displace bacteria in the mouth and encourage saliva production for better oral health. Also, eat a healthy, balanced diet to ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy mouth. You should also avoid harmful habits like smoking. Finally, managing your anxiety and stress through yoga, medication, and exercise is important to prevent bad habits like grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw.

A dentist can identify bad oral habits that contribute to a scalloped tongue. In addition, the presence of a clam tongue can help diagnose other conditions, such as hypothyroidism.

If you think you may need a bite correction or mouthguard due to a conch tongue, call our office and make an appointment at (925) 705-7093 or request an appointment online.

An ulcer is any damage to the lining of the mouth, which includes the cheeks, tongue, gums, lips, and palate. The open area of ​​an ulcer is often very tender and painful.

Some ulcers appear as solitary ulcers; some ulcers occur in clusters. Some heal quickly and leave no mark, others heal and leave a scar that may be visible for some time. Some ulcers appear and then go away never to come back, others can always come back.

A single ulcer that does not heal and that persists for more than 10 days should be evaluated by your dentist. Unless there is a good reason the ulcer is not healing, it should be evaluated further to rule out possible cancer. However, most ulcers are not cancerous and can be explained after the dentist asks about various characteristics of the ulcer.

Healing individual ulcers are often caused by minor damage to the oral mucosa, e.g. B. from a scratch from sharp foods such as potato chips, or damage from a sharp broken tooth or filling. Alternatively, a burn from hot food can cause a blister that collapses, leaving an ulcer. Occasionally, an ulcer may result from a chemical burn; For example, if an aspirin is dissolved on the gums next to an aching tooth (this will not stop the toothache). Also, frequent and prolonged use of some toothache or teething gels can cause an ulcer in the area to which they are applied.

Other single sores may result from a cold sore or, much less commonly, a recurrence of chickenpox (shingles) in the mouth. Less commonly, there are some conditions that affect the mouth and can cause ulcers (eg, lichen planus, gluten sensitivity, and other rare conditions).

Recurrent ulcers are known by various names: recurrent oral ulcers, recurrent aphthous (pronounced “af-thus”) ulcers, and sometimes recurrent aphthous stomatitis. These recurring ulcers can be divided into three groups based on their appearance and duration.

The most common type of recurrent ulcers are minor recurrent oral ulcerations. The name is given because the ulcers are small, about 3-5 mm in diameter. These ulcers often appear in clusters of about half a dozen. They appear in the mouth over two or three days, last about five to seven days, and then heal over the next few days. They most commonly affect areas in the front of the mouth; Lips, tongue and gums and when they heal there’s no sign of where they’ve been.

Larger recurring oral ulcers are much less common. These ulcers usually appear in the back of the mouth, such as the back and sides of the tongue, gums, and tonsils. These ulcers are usually single and large (about 1 cm in diameter) and can last for many weeks. They heal slowly, leaving a scar where the ulcer used to be.

Herpetiform ulcers are also very rare. These sores are tiny (1mm in diameter) and can appear in any area of ​​the mouth. Often many dozens of tiny ulcers appear together. These heal in a few days, leave no scars and rarely recur. The name, herpetiform, is because of the appearance of the ulcers. They have nothing to do with the virus of the same name that can cause cold sores.

There are no treatments available that heal the ulcers. Medications can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy that may help relieve symptoms, including:

Chlorhexidine mouthwash (e.g. Corsodyl) – an antiseptic mouthwash that helps keep your mouth clean

Difflam – a mouthwash or spray that can temporarily numb the lining of the mouth and reduce pain

Adcortyl in Orabase – a paste application of a mild steroid. The paste acts as a protective covering over the ulcer and the steroid content helps reduce inflammation and discomfort.

A dentist can look at ulcers that are a concern. If the dentist deems it appropriate, they may refer to a hospital specialist, such as an oral medicine doctor, for further evaluation and/or treatment.

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Overview A scalloped tongue gets its name from the wavy or ridged indentations that appear on the sides of a person’s tongue. A scalloped tongue is also known as: wavy tongue

Pie crust tongue

notched tongue

lingua indentata The notches of a bowed tongue are rarely painful. Any pain can be the result of the underlying condition causing the ripples. The lining of your mouth, especially on the sides closest to your tongue, may become red or tender. This is rare but more likely if you put a lot of pressure or friction on the skin. A scalloped tongue is rarely a sign of a very serious problem like cancer. However, that doesn’t mean that a scalloped tongue isn’t a cause for concern. Understanding the causes of a scalloped or wavy tongue can help you stop the behaviors that cause it and know when to see your doctor.

Causes of Scalloped Tongue In most cases, scalloped tongue occurs due to swelling or inflammation of the tongue. Tongue swelling is also known as macroglossia. Any cause of macroglossia, or swelling of the tongue, will result in other symptoms as well. Knowing the different symptoms can help you understand what might be causing your tongue problems. Genetic Condition or Birth Defects Some disorders or diseases you are born with can cause macroglossia and a scalloped tongue. These include: Down syndrome

congenital hypothyroidism

Apert Syndrome Each of these disorders has unique symptoms. Hypothyroidism This thyroid disorder is characterized by low thyroid hormone levels. When thyroid hormone levels are low, in addition to tongue swelling and scalloped edges, you may experience the following symptoms: Hair loss

fatigue

pain and cramps

bruises

Low blood pressure Amyloidosis Accumulation of proteins in organs is characteristic of this disease. The buildup can occur in your organs and soft tissues, including your tongue. If it occurs in the tongue or mouth, swelling or inflammation may occur. The large, swollen tongue can press against your teeth and create jagged edges over time. Dehydration Dehydration can cause swelling all over your body, including your tongue. Anxiety A variety of oral symptoms can be due to high levels of stress or anxiety. These include jaw pain, teeth grinding, and tongue pressing against teeth. Pressing the tongue against the teeth over a long period of time can leave indentations. Parafunctional Habits You can develop habits with your tongue or mouth that put you at risk for complications and side effects over the long term, including scalloped tongue. You may not know that you have some of these habits. It may require treatment and occupational therapy to stop. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ or TMJ) The hinge joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull can sometimes become painfully stuck or misaligned. When this happens, your tongue has to work hard to keep your lower jaw in place. You may have to press your tongue against your teeth and lower mouth to create the necessary pressure. This can create a scalloped indentation pattern on the side of your tongue. Learn more about TMJ disorders » Sleep Apnea Scalloped tongue can be a sign of sleep apnea due to difficulty breathing during sleep. You can unconsciously push your tongue into your teeth to open the airway, which can lead to scalloped tongue.

When to Call Your Doctor A scalloped tongue isn’t usually a sign of something serious. You don’t need to seek emergency care, but you should make an appointment with your doctor if you see the telltale indentations of a scalloped tongue. If you don’t already have a family doctor, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you find a doctor in your area. The possible causes can lead to additional symptoms and complications if left untreated. If you notice you have clam tongue, make a list of all the other possible symptoms you think you have. Knowing all of the signs and symptoms can help your doctor narrow down the list of likely causes.

Complications A scalloped tongue is unlikely to cause any complications. The pressure or force of the tongue against your teeth can irritate the organ and even become painful. However, a scalloped tongue is not dangerous or serious. Any complications of a scalloped tongue are likely related to the underlying cause. Untreated conditions can lead to stronger and more severe signs and symptoms. For example, untreated sleep apnea can cause: daytime sleepiness

fatigue

Cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to complications such as: Enlargement of the thyroid gland

increased risk of heart disease

nerve damage

Diagnosing a Scalloped Tongue It is important to make a proper diagnosis. Diagnosing the underlying cause of a scalloped tongue will help you and your doctor ensure you are using the right form of treatment. It also reduces the likelihood of complications. When you see your doctor, you’ll both talk about your general health, any changes you’ve recently experienced, and any symptoms you’ve noticed in addition to the scalloped tongue. A history of symptoms may be sufficient to make a diagnosis. But to be sure, your doctor may order a series of tests. These include blood tests to check for abnormal levels of protein, vitamins, minerals, or toxins. A biopsy or tissue sample can help check protein levels or look for other symptoms that may explain your symptoms.

You may not think about your tongue and oral health very often, but it can be an early indicator of other problems. The shape, color, bumps, spots, and other features of your tongue are your body trying to tell you a problem. Here are a few things to watch out for.

White spots on your tongue

White spots on your tongue can indicate a fungal infection, lichen planus (an immune system reaction), or leukoplakia, which is linked to cancer. Patches may appear blotchy, lacy (on the tongue or inner cheeks), or hard and flat and will not go away when scraped off. White spots can also be associated with an overgrowth of yeast, thrush or candidiasis – most common in newborns, pregnant women, the elderly, as well as people taking antibiotics and people with dry mouth or dentures. If you have a white discoloration on your tongue or inside your mouth, see your dentist as soon as possible.

“Hairy” tongue

Viruses like Epstein-Barr or HIV can cause oral hairy leukoplakia, which are hairy white patches that don’t go away when scraped off. Other appearances can include black, brown, or white “furry” tongues, when the bumps on your tongue grow into longer strands that disappear when scratched. The appearance of a hairy tongue can also be a sign of poor oral hygiene, as well as dry mouth, tobacco use, or a reaction to certain medications. If you have these symptoms, please make an appointment with your dentist.

Bright red “strawberry” tongue

A tongue that appears enlarged and/or bright red with strawberry-like bumps can be caused by food or drug allergies, strep throat, or Kawasaki disease. It can also be a symptom of scarlet fever. In the case of pain, there may be a vitamin B3 deficiency.

Shiny, pale, smooth tongue

If you find that your tongue is smooth and shiny, or pale, you may be iron deficient or deficient in folic acid or one of the B vitamins. This condition can also be caused by celiac disease, an infection, or a medication.

If you notice any changes in your tongue, give us a call or contact us right away!

bumps on or under your tongue

Bumps on or under the tongue may be a cancerous growth or papillitis that will go away on its own. However, some bumps can be an indicator of oral cancer. Questionable bumps should be checked out by your dentist. At Peace Haven Family Dentistry, we provide oral cancer screening as part of every dental exam in our Winston Salem office.

Painful tongue

A painful tongue can be the result of a variety of issues, including canker sores, lichen planus, geographic tongue, thrush, infections, and medications. Pain in the tongue can also be an indicator of cancer, especially if it is accompanied by a lump or white or red patches. Please contact your dentist immediately if you notice these symptoms.

Big Tongue

Does your tongue suddenly feel bigger than normal? This can be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as an infection, allergies, or hypothyroidism. Call your dentist to have this problem checked out.

Grooves in the tongue

Grooves or cracks in the tongue are harmless, although you should gently brush your tongue to remove trapped bacteria or food debris. This condition can be associated with psoriasis, Down syndrome or Sjogren’s syndrome. Please contact your dentist for treatment.

Scalloped Tongue

A scalloped or wavy tongue can indicate an underlying health condition, such as sleep apnea, vitamin deficiencies, anxiety, and low thyroid or hormone levels. If you notice that your tongue is ragged around the edges, you should consult your doctor to diagnose the health issue.

Your tongue does a lot more than just taste food and help you speak. Your tongue can serve as a marker of your overall health.

If you notice any changes in your tongue, give us a call or contact us right away