Cracks on a child's tongue

The appearance of the tongue can tell a lot: for example, you can understand whether the child is healthy, etc. Cracks in the tongue are also an unfavorable sign and a clear reason to see a doctor.

Cracks in the tongue are often found: this is a common phenomenon both in dentistry and in other areas of medicine. This symptom can accompany various painful conditions and has many causes.

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Epidemiology

There are no reliable statistics regarding such a sign as cracks on the tongue in a child. Experts have calculated that at least a quarter of all cases associated with pain in the oral cavity are related to the appearance of cracks.

Most often, cracks are found in middle-aged and elderly patients, as well as in young children (starting from the beginning of teething).

Diseases of the tongue can occur equally often in both men and women.

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Causes cracked tongue on a baby's tongue

Cracks in the tongue can be the result of an inflammatory process in the tissues of the tongue - glossitis. However, other diseases can also be the cause:

• digestive disorders;
• diseases of the hematopoietic system;
• nervous diseases;
• helminthic lesions;
• hormonal imbalances;
• deficiency of vitamins and microelements;
• dental pathologies (for example, installation of inappropriate dentures).

Cracks can occur with syphilis, erythema, lichen, as well as with allergic reactions - to food, oral care products, etc.

In addition, the possibility of tongue damage due to trauma cannot be ruled out. For example, biting the tongue while eating or talking often happens. Under certain conditions, the bite wound can bleed and ulcerate.

If cracks appear on the tongue, it is unlikely that you will be able to guess the reason for their appearance on your own. You should consult a doctor - for example, a dentist. If necessary, he will give a referral for consultation with other specialists: a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, venereologist, etc.

Cracks in children most often form during the period of teething and puberty. Thus, the most vulnerable age in this regard is from six months to 3 years and from 12 to 16 years. During these periods, such a symptom as geographic, or desquamative, tongue may form. The reasons for its appearance have not been thoroughly studied, so there is no specific treatment for the problem. Associated symptoms - such as a burning sensation, tingling, pain, are eliminated with the help of symptomatic treatment.

It has been noted that after eliminating the cause (with normalization of hormonal levels, after the period of teething has ended), the tongue acquires a normal appearance and the cracks disappear.

Cracks in the tongue from childhood - or more precisely, from birth, this is the so-called folded glossitis, which belongs to the category of congenital anomalies with predominant manifestations in the tongue area. With congenital pathology, all sorts of longitudinal-transverse folds and cracks of varying depth and length are formed in the child from birth. In this case, as a rule, the deepest crack runs along the midline of the organ.

With folded glossitis, the child does not present any complaints, nothing bothers him. It can be said that in this aspect, glossitis is not considered a disease, but an individual congenital feature of the body.

Risk factors

The following factors are considered to be the trigger for the appearance of cracks:

• gum disease, teeth disease, malocclusion, poor quality dentures, braces;
• systemic diseases, chronic and sluggish pathologies;
• metabolic disorders (especially diabetes mellitus );
• neuropsychiatric disorders, regular stressful situations, phobias;
• ignoring oral hygiene;
• tendency to allergic processes.

Among the rare causes of cracks in the tongue are:

• Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome;
• Down syndrome.

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Pathogenesis

There are many reasons for the formation of cracks in a child. The most common are mechanical damage, vascular disorders, and inflammatory changes in tissues.

The crack is equally often found on the lateral edges, on the tip and on the front surface of the tongue. Less often - on the lower part of the tongue.

Often, a combination of several cracks is observed. When food and drink residues accumulate in them, local inflammation is formed, especially if the damage is wide and deep. A defect in the mucous tissue is formed, nerve endings are exposed, which leads to a long-term and severe pain syndrome. New food intake prevents healing, causing tissue ischemia. In addition to the presence of food masses in the mouth, there are a number of other irritants - smoking, alcohol consumption, vascular diseases, diseases of the endocrine and digestive systems, etc.

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Symptoms cracked tongue on a baby's tongue

Cracks may be the only painful symptom, or may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as swelling, the appearance of spots, ulcers, etc.

The cracks themselves are sometimes singular, sometimes multiple. In addition, their localization can also tell a lot.

• A crack in the middle of the tongue is usually characterized by a great depth of penetration into the tissue. Therefore, pain is, of course, an additional symptom - sharp, increasing during the consumption of food and drinks, as well as during conversation or straining the tongue. A similar condition, in which the tongue hurts and cracks on the tongue, in most cases indicates the presence of an inflammatory reaction - for example, with glossitis. This can be a folded or diamond-shaped process.
• A longitudinal crack in the tongue may be accompanied by redness and inflammation of the organ. This happens with glossitis - and with any of its varieties.
• Transverse cracks on the tongue are a consequence of weakened immunity, vitamin deficiency. In this case, it is necessary to carefully compare the symptoms and take tests to determine which vitamin is lacking in the body.
• A white tongue and a large number of cracks are a sure sign of intestinal diseases, most likely of a chronic nature. This condition is accompanied by regular intestinal disorders: constipation, diarrhea, bloating.
• A crack on the tip of the tongue is often a consequence of mechanical damage. For example, this happens after burns, biting. Cracks on the tip of the tongue also occur as a result of a disorder of the nervous system. Weak immune protection can also manifest itself in a similar sign: in this case, the crack on the tip of the tongue does not bother, but does not heal for a long time. Additional symptoms can be frequent colds, headaches, viral infections.
• The tongue is red and cracked, the surface is glossy, the papillae are flattened - these are symptoms of such an inflammatory process as Gunther's glossitis. The pathology occurs as a result of vitamin deficiency. If the tongue stings, is red and cracked, then this is a clear sign of inflammation, requiring a consultation with a medical specialist.
• Deep cracks in the tongue are a common sign of endocrine pathologies. For example, the thyroid gland or elevated glucose levels in the body may be to blame. Additionally, increased fatigue, thirst, and sleep disturbances are observed.
• Cracks in the tongue and burning are present with any glossitis. Moreover, the deeper the crack penetrates, the more discomfort the patient experiences. Burning and pain increase during meals and when moving the tongue.
• Cracks on the sides of the tongue often indicate diseases of the internal organs, in particular, the liver and hepatobiliary system. A loose tongue with cracks also indicates problems with the liver and digestive system: the organ swells, often leaving imprints of the teeth on the lateral surfaces. A swollen tongue becomes susceptible to injury, it is easy to bite. Plaque and cracks on the sides of the tongue are common signs of anemia, thyroid disease and digestive system diseases. In addition, swelling may indicate problems with the nervous system.
• Cracks in the tongue and lips are considered probable signs of diabetes or severe vitamin deficiency. If a person has been starving for a long time or has been eating monotonous, poor food, then hypovitaminosis can be suspected.
• Spots and cracks on the tongue are present in parasitic invasions, metabolic disorders. Peculiar spots in the form of thin lines are a symptom of the desquamative inflammatory process.
• Cracks under the tongue are formed by stomatitis, hormonal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. For an accurate diagnosis, you need to see a doctor and undergo a series of examinations.
• Ulcers and cracks on the tongue are provoked by regular or severe stress, nervous exhaustion, improper wearing of dentures and braces. Ulcers can also be a sign of diabetes - and mainly in patients over fifty years of age.
• Large cracks in the tongue often indicate a metabolic disorder or weakened immunity. In addition, it may be a reaction to antibiotics or a food allergy. It is important to analyze and compare all possible factors to find the cause of large painful cracks.
• Dry mouth and cracked tongue, constant thirst and dry throat – these symptoms indicate problems with the endocrine system. To clarify the pathology, it is necessary to take tests – in particular, for glucose levels in the blood.
• Yellow coating and cracks on the tongue are almost always considered to be a consequence of liver disease. Additional symptoms include: yellowing of the sclera, bad breath, and intolerance to fatty foods.
• Congenital cracks in the tongue are a relatively rare phenomenon that occurs when there is a genetic predisposition to such a pathology. Such cracks cannot be treated: they are called "folded tongue".
• A cracked tongue root is a sign of vitamin deficiency or dehydration. As a rule, the condition can be aggravated by headaches, thirst, constant feeling of fatigue, deterioration of hair, skin, nails.

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Complications and consequences

If the child is not taken to the doctor, or the prescribed treatment is ignored, the pathological reaction can spread from the tissues of the tongue to the entire oral cavity and even the upper respiratory tract.

Abscesses may develop, which will require surgical intervention.

The risk of tissue structure damage and development of a malignant tumor is low. However, such a development of events is also possible – for example, with a prolonged inflammatory process in the tissues.

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Diagnostics cracked tongue on a baby's tongue

Diagnostics usually do not present any problems: cracks can always be noticed during examination. However, since cracks are only a symptom that has its own root causes, diagnostics must be complete and include a number of additional studies. After all, the doctor's goal is to find the cause of such an unfavorable symptom.

For this, the doctor will prescribe tests:

• general blood test (to characterize the general state of health, to determine the presence of inflammation, anemia, etc.);
• blood biochemistry (to assess liver function, metabolic processes, and the immune system);
• analysis for the presence of TORCH infections, HIV, syphilis (RW).

Instrumental diagnostics may include:

• bacteriological test of washing or scraping from the affected side of the tongue to determine the microbial pathogen;
• histological method for detecting malignant changes.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics are carried out with such diseases as:

• glossitis is an inflammatory process of the tissues of the tongue;
• secondary syphilis;
• lichen planus;
• systemic scleroderma;
• flat form of leukoplakia.

Treatment cracked tongue on a baby's tongue

If, in addition to the cracks themselves, nothing else bothers the child, then local treatment can be limited. If the disease is associated with other pathologies, then therapy must begin with eliminating the underlying cause. It often happens that cracks in the tongue go away on their own after treatment of the underlying pathology.

When painful or other unpleasant sensations appear, in addition to special treatment, local medication is also prescribed.

A diet is prescribed that excludes irritating foods: sour, salty, spicy and hot foods.

Depending on the cause of the disease, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunocorrective drugs are used. In case of a pronounced inflammatory process, treatment with hormonal drugs may be required - for example, prednisolone or hydrocortisone. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to take into account that almost all drugs have a number of contraindications and side effects, so they can be taken only after consulting a medical specialist.

To disinfect the surface of the tongue, it should be periodically treated with special solutions. For this purpose, a solution of furacilin, potassium permanganate, chlorhexidine, etc. is often used.

To eliminate painful sensations, anesthetics are prescribed. This can be lidocaine or a special drug Kamistad, which is a combination of lidocaine and chamomile extract.

To speed up the restoration of damaged tissues, sea buckthorn or rosehip oils, Actovegin or Vinisol preparations are applied by applicator.

If there is a coating on the tongue, it should be removed with a cotton pad or tampon before applying local preparations. If the coating is too thick, proteolytics are often required: trypsin, chymotrypsin, etc.

Medicines that help heal cracked tongue

Antibiotics
Rovamycin	Take 6-9 million IU per day, divided into 2-3 doses. Rovamycin is not used during lactation and in childhood.
Iruksol	Use externally to remove plaque from the tongue using a cotton pad.
Antiseptics
Lizak	The tablets are intended for resorption in the oral cavity - one tablet at intervals of 1-3 hours. The maximum permissible daily dosage is 10 tablets.
Stomatidin	A 0.1% solution is used locally, for rinsing, or for application with a tampon. On average, treatment lasts 5 days. The drug is non-toxic and usually well tolerated.
Immunomodulators
Imudon	The lozenges are taken eight times a day for ten days. Rarely, the drug can cause an allergy.
Tincture of ginseng	Take 25 drops three times a day for a month. The drug is not recommended for use in childhood and during pregnancy.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Tantum Verde	It is used in the form of tablets or spray: tablets are taken for resorption in the mouth (1 piece 4 times a day), and the spray is sprayed 4-8 doses every 2-3 hours. The duration of treatment is determined individually. The drug can sometimes cause dry mouth and impaired sensitivity of the mucous membrane.
Ketoprofen	It is used as a solution for rinsing, two or three times a day. The drug is contraindicated for use in children under six years of age.

Vitamins to eliminate cracked tongue

Cracks often appear as a result of a deficiency of vitamins B ₂, B ₆, PP and C.

• Vitamin B ₂ – found in dairy products, fish, liver, buckwheat, oatmeal. The drug can be taken orally at 10-30 mg per day, or intramuscularly at 5-20 mg per day. Duration of administration – from 2 to 4 weeks.
• Vitamin B ₆ – found in cereals, beans, bananas, meat, liver, yeast. The drug is taken at 1.4-2 mg per day.
• Vitamin PP – found in potatoes, rice, carrots, meat products. The daily requirement for this vitamin is 14-25 mg.
• Vitamin C – is found in most vegetables, fruits, berries. In addition, if necessary, the drug can be taken orally – 0.5 g per day.

Physiotherapy treatment

In case of complex, slowly healing cracks, it is advisable to prescribe physiotherapy. Physiotherapeutic procedures reduce the activity of the inflammatory reaction, soothe pain and stimulate recovery processes.

For cracked tongues the following procedures are indicated:

• Electrophoresis of anesthetics – with lidocaine, trimecaine, etc. The session lasts 20 minutes. Repeats – daily, for 12 days.
• Electrophoresis of B vitamins, possibly in combination with anesthetics. The session lasts six minutes, daily, for a week.
• Diadynamic therapy – as a pain reliever. The session lasts six minutes, daily, for a week.
• Ultrasound and ultraphonophoresis with analgin.
• Darsonvalization – involves a 2-minute impact on the affected area of the tongue, over ten sessions, daily.
• Laser therapy, cryotherapy – as indicated.

Folk remedies

If the cracks do not indicate a serious illness, then some simple folk remedies can help solve this problem. However, it should be taken into account that in serious cases, you need to see a doctor and treat the disease comprehensively.

• In the morning before breakfast, lubricate the surface of the tongue with olive oil or sea buckthorn oil and leave it for about ten minutes.
• Mix some fresh homemade cottage cheese with the same amount of sour cream. Place the mixture in a clean gauze napkin and apply to the affected area on the tongue for five minutes. Do this every night for 7-10 days.
• Before going to bed, chew small pieces of propolis or honeycomb thoroughly. After this, you cannot eat or drink anything until the morning.

When cracks appear, it is advisable to diversify your diet. However, it is better to avoid sour and spicy foods so as not to irritate already irritated tissues. In addition, you need to avoid smoking - even in small amounts.

Herbal treatment

The use of herbal infusions and decoctions effectively complements traditional treatment of cracked tongue. We suggest you pay attention to the following methods of alternative therapy:

• Every day, three times a day, you should rinse your mouth with chamomile infusion. To prepare it, take 1 tbsp. of raw material and pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave to infuse to room temperature. Rinse immediately after eating.
• In the morning and evening, rinse your mouth with a decoction of oak bark. To prepare it, take 2 tbsp. of fine bark, pour 400 ml of water, put on the fire, bring to a boil and turn off the fire. Cover with a lid and leave for 30 minutes.
• Every morning and at night, you can make compresses from an infusion of sage and celandine. You need to take 1 tbsp. of each plant, pour 300 ml of boiling water and leave for 30-40 minutes under a lid. Then you need to soak gauze in the resulting solution and apply it to the tongue. Hold it for as long as possible. You can rinse your mouth with the remaining infusion.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies for cracks in the tongue are presented by a fairly extensive list: they are selected individually, depending on the causes of this phenomenon, as well as the presence of additional symptoms. The constitutional type of the patient is also taken into account.

It is possible to use the following homeopathic remedies:

• Borax – eliminates inflammation, including stomatitis.
• Carbo vegetabilis - helps with cracks that are accompanied by white ulcers and plaque.
• Kali muriaticum - used for additional symptoms such as swelling of the tongue and foul odor.
• Mercurius corrosivus - can be prescribed for a grayish coating on the surface of the tongue.
• Sarsaparilla - helps eliminate cracks, whitish plaque and ulcers.
• Graphites and Sempervivum - used in cases of viral origin of the disease.
• Thuja – used for vesicular glossitis.

The dosage of the drugs is strictly individual.

Side effects during treatment occur very rarely and manifest in individual cases as an allergy to a particular drug.

Surgical treatment

When cracks appear on the tongue, the question of surgery is raised extremely rarely. This is possible only in isolated cases, when complications arise:

• when an abscess forms on the tongue or in the oral cavity;
• in the presence of an inflammatory process in the deep tissues of the tongue.

In any other cases, surgery is not indicated.

Prevention

The following preventive measures are envisaged:

• timely seeking of medical help for any illness;
• compliance with sanitary and hygienic norms and rules;
• regular consultations and examinations with a dentist;
• complete, high-quality nutrition;
• unacceptability of bad habits;
• hardening, supporting the immune system, regular intake of vitamins;
• unacceptability of self-medication, with any medications.

It is important to visit a doctor if you have any suspicious symptoms: you must not allow anemia and hypovitaminosis to develop.

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Forecast

With timely and adequate treatment, the prognosis can be considered favorable. Treatment should be aimed at neutralizing the traumatic cause or eliminating the underlying pathology.

In most cases, cracks in the tongue are reversible and heal without a trace.

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