A folded tongue is a congenital pathology characterized by abnormalities in the shape and size of the tongue. In approximately half of the cases, this pathology manifests itself together with desquamative glossitis. The folded tongue is also called “scrotal”. This pathology is one of the most common symptoms of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.
Folded tongue: photos and symptoms
Usually the anomaly is detected in early childhood, but it also occurs in adults, since sometimes this problem does not bother the patient in any way, and the person is not even aware of its presence. The signs of the disease are as follows:
- Macroglossia, or enlargement of the tongue, which can affect a person's speech and chewing function. Usually the patient keeps his teeth in an open position.
- Folds and grooves appear on the surface, which are covered with papillae.
- The tongue is significantly thickened.
- The back and tip of the tongue are smoothed, the filiform papillae have atrophied.
- Increased sensitivity (especially in people who have undergone infectious diseases and surgical operations).
- Regular tingling and pinching sensation.
- Lymph nodes are enlarged.
- Smell from the mouth.
The folds, in turn, are different: transverse, deep longitudinal (and not very deep), fringed. Usually the main longitudinal fold (it is the largest and deepest) runs from the tip along its midline. The remaining folds lead exactly to it.
Sometimes this pathology accompanies desquamative glossitis (geographic tongue) - this is inflammation, as a result of which some areas of the organ become several shades lighter or acquire a gray tint. In general, the picture of the organ resembles a map, which is why it got its name.
Treatment in the clinic
Before prescribing medications and procedures, it is necessary to find out why cracks occur. After this, a plan is drawn up, which may include:
- Treatment of a common disease
- Antifungal medications
- Iron tablets
- Vitamins
- Corticosteroids
- Immunostimulants
- Antihistamines
The surface of the tongue is disinfected with antiseptic solutions. Painkillers are used to reduce pain.
If mechanical injuries occur as a result of unsuccessful prosthetics, it is recommended to replace the structure.
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External manifestations
In normal condition, the human tongue is clean and moist, with symmetrical edges and a uniform surface. As the disease progresses, these parameters change.
Depending on the pathology, the surface may become dry and glossy . The organ takes on an unhealthy pigmented hue . There is an upward change in size.
When the tongue protrudes, its deviation from the midline is noted. In some cases, pain and a pronounced change in surface relief occur. The epithelium may become covered with cracks and ulcers.
Possible causes of pathology
The exact causes of the anomaly are unknown. But there are a number of factors that can provoke the appearance of pathology:
- chronic diseases of the liver, stomach, duodenum;
- skin diseases;
- pathologies of the nervous system;
- pathologies of the endocrine system;
- bone marrow diseases;
- acute infections;
- violation of the mucous membrane of the tongue and its trophic function;
- lack of vitamins and essential microelements in the body;
- collagenosis;
- human reaction to vaccination;
- hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, lactation).
Causes of teeth marks on the tongue
Causes of teeth marks on the tongue When diagnosing, the doctor must examine the patient’s tongue and evaluate the existing changes. One of these changes, indicating the presence of malfunctions and disorders in the body, are teeth imprints, usually on the sides of the tongue.
Teeth imprints on the tongue as a symptom of diseases of internal organs
Tooth prints are not always associated with dental problems. Changes in the tongue can cause diseases of the nervous system or gastrointestinal tract. You should not ignore the changes or try to diagnose yourself. If clear visible marks from teeth repeatedly appear on the tongue, you need to consult a doctor.
Nervous system disorders
Stress is the cause of many diseases. “Driven” inside, it can lead to serious disorders of the nervous system. One of the signs of constant, prolonged stress is the visible imprints of teeth on the tongue. During times of nervous tension, the jaws involuntarily close tightly, which leads to the appearance of teeth marks that remain for a long time.
If this happens once, the imprint will quickly pass, but a protracted process indicates a worsening of problems with the nervous system. In such cases, there is no need to take risks. You need to contact a neurologist who will treat the nervous system. As the underlying disease is cured, the tooth marks will also disappear.
Endocrine system diseases
Hormonal imbalances can externally manifest themselves with different symptoms. For example, hypothyroidism (thyroid disease associated with iodine deficiency) is often diagnosed after a patient complains of hair loss and brittleness or splitting nails. As the disease progresses, swelling of the face and neck appears. The tongue swells and increases in size, and marks begin to remain on its surface. The complex of symptoms indicates that it is necessary to visit an endocrinologist.
Another common endocrine disorder is xerostomia. As this disease develops, the salivary glands stop working properly. The oral mucosa becomes dry, the tongue becomes crimson in color, and tooth marks are visible on its surface. Patients often complain that they cannot taste food while eating.
There are many reasons why the salivary glands malfunction. You cannot self-medicate. Usually, making a correct diagnosis requires examination not only by an endocrinologist, but also by other specialists. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract always lead to changes on the surface of the tongue. Plaque, swelling, teeth marks are a reason to visit a gastroenterologist. Especially if you know that you have such diseases. It is pointless to treat only fingerprints. Until the underlying disease is cured, the problem will not be solved. External symptoms disappear on their own after the condition stabilizes.
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Dental Causes of Tooth Marks
The most common dental cause of teeth marks is malocclusion. Depending on the type of malocclusion, the imprints are localized on one or both sides of the tongue, sometimes located closer to the tip or, conversely, to the root. The appearance of marks is due to the fact that with an incorrect bite, when closing the jaws, the tongue tries to take a position corresponding to the location of the dentition.
In this case, orthodontic treatment is prescribed. The method of exposure is selected by the doctor depending on the type and severity of the pathology. You can treat malocclusion at any age, but it is better to do it in childhood, immediately after all the baby teeth have erupted. Glossitis
Glossitis is a disease that leads to inflammation of the tongue. Its surface becomes smooth, as if glossy, the papillae are smoothed out, and noticeable teeth marks appear on the side parts. Glossitis is usually accompanied by painful sensations. Erosion may develop on the oral mucosa. Patients complain of an unpleasant odor.
In the early stages, the disease manifests itself with slight pain and burning. As it develops, deep foci of erosion may develop on the mucous membrane, and it becomes difficult for the patient to eat. At this stage, signs of general malaise are added to the main symptoms. The temperature rises, weakness and lethargy appear. Only a doctor can prescribe adequate treatment.
The cause of the appearance of fingerprints can also be congenital pathologies. In any case, if you begin to notice changes on the surface of your tongue, you need to consult a doctor. Sometimes a diagnosis may require examination by several specialists. The underlying disease must always be treated. After this, the prints pass through.
Treatment of folded (scrotal) tongue
The anomaly usually does not bother its owners, however, sometimes they complain about its appearance: cracks.
A folded (scrotal) tongue requires especially careful care. Because food residues may be trapped in the folds. Because of this, bad breath occurs, as well as accompanying unpleasant symptoms: burning and inflammation.
In addition, the grooves may bother people who have suffered acute infections or surgical interventions. The reasons in this case are also clear: the overall tissue reaction in the body decreases, and the sensitivity of the surface of the folded tongue increases significantly. Therefore, it reacts painfully to chemical irritants and drugs.
If the patient does not properly care for the diseased organ, then the inflammatory processes can drag on, and this is a very favorable place for the development of fungal infections.
The dentist treats this pathology. It is he who will select oral care.
Sometimes a folded tongue requires surgery. This happens in cases where the organ is too enlarged and interferes with the patient. The operation involves excision of part of it.
So, in general, drugs are used to eliminate related problems:
- Fungal and bacterial diseases: anti-inflammatory, antifungal drugs, immunocorrectors, antiseptic treatment.
- Candidiasis: clotrimazole cream, shading with aniline dyes, 10% sodium borate solution in glycerin.
- Painful sensations: antiseptic rinses, mouth baths with citral solution, application of medications with anesthesin.
Diagnostics
This diagnosis is made based on the overall clinical picture. It is important to take into account that this pathology is one of the symptoms of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. This means that a folded tongue can be either a congenital or acquired pathology.
It is very important at the diagnostic stage to differentiate the pathology of the folded tongue and sclerosing glossitis, which is similar in manifestations. This change in the structure of the tongue occurs against the background of secondary syphilis. In this case, a similar structure of the tongue, resulting from an increase in the size of the connective tissue, is accompanied by compaction and decreased mobility. The folded tongue, on the contrary, is quite soft, although larger in size. There are no difficulties when chewing or speaking.
Features of care
If you have this pathology, you do not need to self-medicate; careful care and supervision by a specialist are required. In general, you should take care of your oral cavity as follows:
- general oral hygiene;
- rinsing;
- if the patient uses removable dentures, they should also be thoroughly cleaned after eating;
- it is necessary to avoid spicy, salty food, it should not be too hot or cold;
- giving up bad habits (smoking, alcohol);
- You need to brush your teeth with a special paste;
- the toothbrush should be made of synthetic materials: this will help avoid damage;
- regular visits to the dentist.
Such careful care will help neutralize the oral cavity from bacteria, which will prevent their proliferation and the occurrence of associated infections.
Author:
How dangerous is the phenomenon - what could be the consequences?
If you properly care for your teeth and oral cavity and maintain an acceptable level of hygiene, a folded tongue can cause virtually no trouble, of course, if the size of the organ does not reach critical levels. Therefore, in most cases, careful and regular care for the condition of the organ is sufficient. Neglected hygiene against the background of illness can lead to the addition of fungal infections, the development of catarrhal inflammation, the appearance of abscesses and phlegmons.
The photo shows a fungal infection on the tongue
Also, according to some experts, the presence of an anomaly in a patient increases the risk of developing cancer of the organ. If inflammation has developed, you need to brush your teeth very carefully so as not to touch or injure the affected tissues with the bristles.
Which doctor should I contact?
The answer to the question of which doctor treats glossitis is simple. When painful changes appear in the mouth, patients turn to the dentist. This specialist will help alleviate the condition, but there is a high chance that damage to the taste organ is only a symptom of changes in the body. It is not always possible to determine the disease by the tongue; additional studies are prescribed. Consultations with a hematologist, endocrinologist and gastroenterologist may be required, diagnostics including:
- external examination of damage, swelling;
- epithelial scraping examination;
- blood analysis;
- identification of concomitant chronic or acute diseases.
FAQ
How to distinguish leukoplakia from a folded tongue?
Leukoplakia has different symptoms from a grooved tongue. It should be taken into account that some of them may appear if the scrotal disease is not properly cared for.
- Inflammation and swelling of the mouth and tongue;
- Horny formations with a white coating;
- Ulcers and erosions;
- Bleeding of the affected areas;
- The mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue becomes denser and harder;
- Rapid growth of painful formations;
- Proliferation of papillae in affected areas.
Can the tongue bend poorly due to folding?
Most often, the scrotal tongue is soft and mobile. If the bending of this organ is poor, you should consult a specialist. This may be a sign of sclerosing glossitis.
Is it possible to use sea buckthorn if you have a folded tongue?
Yes, you can.
Do they die from this?
No. The main thing is to follow all the points of caring for such a tongue, otherwise other infections may arise, which can lead to very serious consequences.
Is folded tongue a disease?
Yes, this is considered a disease, but it does not threaten the owner with proper care.
