A tongue is a muscular organ that appears to be the same look-wise in everyone; it is fleshy and pink. But what if yours look different? Does your tongue have waves or ridges on the side, or do they look like teeth marks? Continue this blog to find your answers.
What Is A Scalloped Tongue?
If your tongue does not conform to the regular shape, is swollen, or has bumps on it, then it is called a scalloped tongue. This misshape is particularly around the edges where the tongue meets/hits your teeth.
The main cause of these marks on the tongue is because of it pushing against the teeth. These scalloped teeth marks are usually not a point of concern; however, it is important that you know what is causing them.
Teeth Marks on Tongue – Causes
Why do such marks engrave on the tongue? Let’s find out.
Anxiety
Increased stress and anxiety take a toll on the body in many different ways. Some of the issues it causes include tightening or clenching, teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, and pressing of the tongue against your teeth. As time passes, the pressure on the tongue results in indentation formation.
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the significant causes of swelling of your tongue, which then pushes against the teeth to create scalloped edges over some period of time.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
It is a joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull and allowing movement. When one has TMJ disorder, this joint gets stuck and misaligns, resulting in teeth-like marks on the tongue.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep apnea and teeth clenching or grinding are a few of the disorders that may result in added pressure on the tongue, forming teeth marks. In case of sleep apnea, you may press your tongue against the teeth to open the airways. This can cause wavy tongue from the sides.
Malnutrition
Your tongue may deform if the body is not getting certain vitamins, like vitamin B, iron, riboflavin, and niacin etc., in adequate quantities.
Smoking
Smoking is the main reason for increased inflammation in the body and dehydration. These two combine to increase the susceptibility to form a scalloped tongue.
Sleep Apnea
In this condition, breathing repeatedly halts and starts again. This results in fatigue, throat issues, and most importantly, tongue ridges.
Hypothyroidism
The body has low levels of thyroid hormones that result in hair loss, weight gain, fertility issues, and a tongue that looks like it has teeth marks.
Genetics
More often than not, certain conditions that may seem unusual are a result of genetic troubles; two of such include Down syndrome and Apert syndrome.
Treatment of a Scalloped Tongue (Teeth Marks)
A wavy tongue serves as a symptom of certain medical conditions, so you must treat the underlying cause to make this symptom go away.
Final Outlook
Talk to one of the dentists from Hermosa Dental, and fix an appointment to know exactly what is causing your issue so that the treatment can start promptly. Call to make an appointment at E. Little York (713) 695-3400 Highway 6 (832) 427-1797 Porter +1-281-747-7004 Tomball (832) 328-5651.