A scalloped tongue is a condition where the tongue has grooves or indentations along the edges. The indentations may be shallow or deep, giving it a wavy appearance. The condition is also known as lingua serrata, crenated tongue, or scrolled tongue. This condition is typically asymptomatic and requires no treatment. In symptomatic scalloped tongue cases, the pain or discomfort level varies from person to person. For example, some people only experience pain when eating spicy foods, while others may have constant pain.
A scalloped tongue is typically diagnosed during a routine physical exam by your doctor or dentist. In most cases, no further testing is required as the condition is benign and does not require treatment. However, in some cases, your doctor may recommend additional testing, such as blood tests or oral cultures, to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
In most cases, treatment for scalloped tongue isn’t necessary since the condition usually isn’t painful or uncomfortable. However, if you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms like bad breath, you may need to see a doctor or dentist for treatment. They may prescribe medication to help relieve your symptoms or recommend other lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or using oral rinses with fluoride.
Cheek Sucking
It is common for people to suck on their cheeks or tongue, especially when anxious or stressed. However, some people do it more often than others, and it can become a compulsive behavior for some.
Cheek sucking is the act of placing the lips over the teeth and gums and then sucking on the cheeks. This can damage the gum tissue and lead to gum disease. It can also cause tooth decay by wearing down the enamel on the teeth. Cheek sucking can harm oral health, leading to problems such as gum disease and tooth decay.
This habit can cause a scalloped tongue because it places pressure on the underside of the tongue. This pressure can cause the sides of the tongue to bow outwards, resulting in the characteristic indentations seen in a scalloped tongue. Sometimes, this pressure can also lead to notching in the teeth.
Parents who suspect their children’s scalloped tongue may be caused by cheek sucking must talk to their pediatrician or dentist to rule out any other potential causes and help develop a plan to break the habit if necessary.
