Should You Be Worried if You See Fissures?
If you see some little deep cracks on the surface of your tongue when you look at it in the mirror, they are likely nothing to worry about. Most often, there is no pain associated with the condition, and it is not contagious. But we always recommend visiting your dental professional as they will be able to officially diagnose your fissured tongue and help put your mind at ease.
Since the deeper grooves can collect more bacteria, fungal species, and food particles, it's crucial to clean your tongue at least once a day. The only fissured tongue treatment you really need to take part in is to keep up with your rigorous oral care routine. As noted by Medical News Today, a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans could, in very rare and extreme cases, infect the deep grooves of your tongue. But Candida is the most common form of fungal infection, and your dentist can prescribe a topical antifungal medication for treatment.
It's vital to incorporate into your oral care routine the habit of cleaning your tongue. You most likely already brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth with floss, a water flosser, or another interdental cleaning device once a day. You can now add a tongue scraper to your routine as a gentle cleaning tool before or after you brush your teeth. Good oral hygiene also reduces the risk of bad breath that can stem from microorganisms' growth on your tongue. So it's an all-around win to keep your tongue as clean as it can be!
And as always, routine visits to your dental professional can provide you with early detection of any oral health issues or anomalies. Your dentist and dental hygienist will be able to notice deviations from normal tongue papillae and other oral conditions. While a fissured tongue may sound alarming, it's not an indicator of your oral cavity's overall health. Continue your rigorous oral care routine and show up for your regular dental appointments as you did before. Before you know it, the minimal extra care of cleaning your fissured tongue will become second nature!