Dehydration
Have you ever noticed that when you’re dehydrated, your tongue looks different? Perhaps it’s not as moist or has tiny indentations along the sides. This can signify that a person needs to up their water intake.
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of scalloped tongue. When the body doesn’t have enough water, it begins to ration its little fluid by redirecting it away from non-essential functions such as saliva production. This can lead to a decrease in saliva, leading to a scalloped tongue. In addition to causing scalloped tongue, dehydration can also worsen existing cases of scalloped tongue. A scalloped tongue resulting from dehydration can lead to difficulty speaking or swallowing in severe cases.
It is important for individuals who suspect dehydration to seek medical attention immediately, as dehydration can be life-threatening. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, dark urine, and dry mouth. See a doctor or visiting an emergency room as soon as possible is recommended.
