Questions and Answers
Abnormalities of the Tongue
“Birth defects and developmental disorders frequently affect the craniofacial complex.” – U.S. Surgeon General’s Report
- Are tongue abnormalities common?
- What is Tongue-Tie?
- What is Macroglossia?
- What is Fissured Tongue?
- What is Hairy Tongue?
- What is a Geographic Tongue?
- What is Sore Tongue?
1. Are tongue abnormalities common?
- They are fairly common.
There are many types of tongue abnormalities.
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2. What is Tongue-Tie?
- Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) is a problem caused by abnormal development of the tongue.
It is a congenital condition, in which the tongue is tied down to the floor of the mouth.
- The tongue is normally connected to the floor of the mouth by a thin cord, called a frenum.
- With tongue-tie the frenum is too short and thick
- It prevents the tongue from moving freely.
- The treatment is to cut the frenum and free the tongue.
Normal frenum |
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3. What is Macroglossia?
- This is an abnormally large tongue.
- It is sometimes associated with congenital problems like Down’s Syndrome.
- Surgery may be possible to correct the problem.
Large tongue |
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4. What is Fissured Tongue?
- This is a tongue with deep fissures or crevices on its surface.
- Bacteria may collect in the fissures and cause infections.
- Many people have fissured tongues and do not experience any problems.
Fissured tongue |
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5. What is Hairy Tongue?
- The surface of the tongue looks dark and hairy.
- It sounds terrible, but this is usually a benign condition, which will eventually go away.
- It may be related to antibiotic treatment, but the cause is unknown.
- An operation to shave the tongue may improve the condition, if it persists.
Hairy tongue |
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6. What is Geographic Tongue?
- Smooth reddish patches surrounded by white areas, appear on the top of the tongue.
- These areas seem to move around or migrate.
- The condition usually disappears without treatment.
Geographic tongue |
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7. What is Sore Tongue?
- Sore Tongue (Glossodynia), may have psychological or physical causes.
Anaemia could be a cause.
The dentist or medical specialist will be able to diagnose and treat the condition.
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