06-04-2025
A cracked tongue (fissured tongue) is a fairly common condition that makes the tongue appear as though it is covered in grooves or cracks. Most instances of a grooved tongue are harmless and not painful, with some estimates suggesting between 2% and 20% of people live with the condition.
Cracked tongues can build up debris within their grooves or become painful and form sores; medical care is recommended in these instances.7
In this article, we will discuss what causes a cracked tongue, what symptoms may present themselves, and when it may be necessary to see a doctor.
Key Takeaways
- Cracked tongues are common and not a serious condition.
- Doctors do not know exactly what causes fissured tongues, but age, deficiencies, poor oral care, and some underlying conditions are thought to contribute.
- You do not need to see a doctor about a cracked tongue unless you experience severe pain, difficulty breathing, or a tongue infection.
What is Cracked Tongue?
A cracked tongue, also called a fissured tongue or lingua plicata, is a harmless condition, characterised by one or several cracks running over the tongue's surface. In most cases, a cracked tongue will be easy to spot as the tongue’s smooth surface appears visibly broken up.
Whilst some changes in the texture or appearance of the tongue can signal an underlying health condition, cracks in tongues do not. The condition is cosmetic, not harmful.
How Common are Tongue Fissures?
If you are wondering ‘why is my tongue cracked’, then you aren’t alone. Estimates vary, but fissured tongues are thought to affect anywhere between 2% and 20% of people across the globe.
Cracked tongues are considered to be more prevalent in those assigned male at birth and people above 50, with some research also suggesting that fissures are more common in certain areas of the world.
Symptoms of a Cracked Tongue
Fissured tongue symptoms should not extend beyond the cracks and grooves you see on your tongue’s surface. These cracks will not appear in any set ways, and when looking at a fissured tongue, you may see:
Cracks in the tongue ranging from 2 to 6mm deep
A singular large groove in the centre of the tongue, with smaller cracks spreading off it
Seemingly random, unconnected cracks
Cracks that extend to the edges of the tongue
Grooves on the tongue can make it more difficult to clean properly and lead to the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. If this happens, you may experience additional fissured tongue symptoms, including:
A burning or sore cracked tongue
Persistent bad breath
Causes of a Cracked Tongue
Unfortunately, doctors still do not know exactly what causes fissured tongues. Some research suggests that the condition could be linked to genetics, but that link is not definitive. Though we are unsure of the exact cause, research has shown that a cracked tongue is more likely to appear alongside certain conditions, including:
Vitamin Deficiencies: Cracks in the tongue can accompany malnutrition and deficiencies in key vitamins. Studies have indicated that people low 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 may, therefore, be what causes fissured tongues for some people.
Sjögren’s Syndrome: This autoimmune condition can also be a cause of fissured tongues in some cases.
Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A neurological condition which can cause facial swelling and a cracked tongue.
Geographic Tongue: A condition which causes raised spots on the tongue and can lead to cracks.
As well as various underlying health conditions, there are certain risk factors associated with the development of a fissured tongue, including:
Wearing dentures
Drinking alcohol regularly
Coming into contact with allergens
Diagnosing a Cracked Tongue
Cracked tongue diagnosis is a relatively easy procedure for a doctor. A visible examination where you extend your tongue should be sufficient to determine whether you are living with the condition.
If the doctor is unsure of the underlying cause of your fissured tongue, they may perform some tests to determine it. Blood tests to check for deficiencies or certain immunodeficient conditions may be performed, as well as any other test 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 danger to your health. If your cracked tongue has led to the buildup of bacteria in the mouth and an infection, you may need a professional dental cleaning, or your doctor may just advise you to pay more attention to oral care at home.
If your doctor believes that your cracked tongue is a symptom of allergens, then they may advise you to stay clear of any triggers and see if that cures the cracks on your tongue.
There is no set answer to the question of how to heal a sore, cracked tongue, but with a proper understanding of the cause behind it, a doctor can help advise a treatment plan which could help.
Keep Your Mouth Clean with Oral-B
A cracked tongue may look concerning, but it’s typically harmless and often doesn’t require treatment. However, maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene is essential to prevent debris from settling into the grooves and reducing the risk of irritation or infection.
Oral-B promotes the importance of a consistent and thorough oral care routine as a key part of everyday wellbeing. With the iO Series, you can achieve a deep, effective clean, with the ability to reach difficult areas while remaining gentle on sensitive parts of the mouth.
Using the right tools each day helps protect not just your tongue, but your entire oral environment. And don’t forget, regular dental visits are essential for monitoring your oral health and catching any potential issues early. With Oral-B and the iO Series, you can maintain your oral care with confidence and ease.
FAQs
Is a cracked tongue a sign of poor oral health?
Can a cracked tongue cause bad breath?
When should I see a dentist about a cracked tongue?
Sources
About Our Medical Reviewers
Dr Robert Lee is a dentist with more than thirty years of experience in the industry.
Graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and from the University of New South Wales with a Master of Business Administration, Robert’s career has taken him all over the world – from Australia to Germany to his current position in Chicago, where he is the founder of Denticus Inc., offering strategic dental consulting.
Robert has previously worked for Procter & Gamble as the Director of Professional Scientific Relations in both the Cincinnati and Sydney offices, being responsible for external relations and scientific exchange with leading professional associations and industry thought leaders. He was also responsible for all technical and scientific training for the professional teams in North America and Australia.
Robert has been assisting the team at Oral-B by fact-checking and reviewing our blogs on dental health.
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