Down Syndrome
Medical professionals have associated Down syndrome with various physical characteristics for years. These include everything from low muscle tone to a higher risk of heart defects. However, new research is beginning to shed light on another potential link between Down syndrome and a physical condition known as scalloped tongue.
A study found that people with Down syndrome are significantly more likely to have scalloped tongue than those without the condition. The study found that nearly 12% of people with Down syndrome have a scalloped tongue, compared to just 3% of those without Down syndrome. Researchers believe that there may be several reasons for this increased risk.
People with Down syndrome are more likely to have an overgrowth of the papillae due to an overproduction of a protein called epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). In addition, individuals with Down syndrome often have problems with their thyroid gland, which can lead to an enlargement of the tongue. People with Down syndrome often experience poor muscle tone in their tongues, which can also contribute to an enlargement or abnormalities in shape.
