A cracked tongue: Grooves, cracks, or fissures along the surface of the tongue surface may be due to an iron, biotin, or vitamin B12 deficiency, as these nutrients are required to mature the tongue's papillae.
Riboflavin Deficiency in Humans
Riboflavin deficiency (sometimes called ariboflavinosis) causes stomatitis of the mouth and tongue, cheilosis (chapped and fissured lips) and a scaly rash on the genitalia.
In rare cases, malnutrition can cause cracked tongue. A different study from 2016 found a link between cracked tongue and vitamin B12 deficiency. Meanwhile, research from 2015 indicates that pain associated with cracked tongue may stem from deficiencies in: B vitamins.
Clinicians don't know definitively what causes them. One study from 2016 links them to smoking, and others hint at a genetic cause, a condition that is hereditary. At times, cracks can occur along with other health issues: malnutrition, geographic tongue, Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, and pustular psoriasis.
Nutritional deficiencies include iron, folate and vitamin B12 deficiency. B12 deficiency will also make the tongue sore and beefy-red in color. Glossitis, by causing swelling of the tongue, may also cause the tongue to appear smooth.
Q: Is there treatment? A: Fissured tongue is a harmless condition usually with no associated symptoms. No treatment is necessary except to encourage good oral hygiene including brushing the top surface of the tongue to remove any food debris from the fissures.
The Dry Mouth Feeling
Lack of saliva makes the skin in and around your mouth dry and tight. Your lips may become cracked. Sores might form at the corners of your mouth. Your tongue may feel rough and dry.
Studies have found that vitamin D deficiency can lead to burning mouth syndrome, which is a painful condition that leads to a burning, scalding, or tingling feeling in the mouth, especially on the tongue.
Dehydration can lead to a decrease in saliva production, which then allows bacteria to flourish. Dehydration also causes the tongue to become cracked and irritated, making it more susceptible to infection. As a result, it is important to stay hydrated, especially if you are suffering from white tongue.
04/7Tongue ulcers
Mouth or tongue ulcers can also be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. Given that people deficient in B12 can produce abnormally large red blood cells that don't function correctly, it can result in anaemia. The deficiency can therefore cause a whole host of symptoms, including mouth ulcers.
Zinc deficiency can manifest as non-specific oral ulceration, stomatitis (painful mouth) or white tongue coating. Rarely, it can cause angular cheilitis (sores at the corners of the mouth) and burning mouth syndrome (mouth or tongue soreness).
Splitting may be reversed surgically by removal of sutures, excision of healed tissue on edges, and re-suturing the tongue together. Once healed, muscle control of the individual sides can be gained with practice if the split is sufficiently deep.
Laws relating to skin penetration and body piercing are different in each state or territory. In Victoria it is illegal for any person to perform scarification, tongue splitting, branding or beading on any person under the age of 18 years.
A pink tongue is healthy and normal. A red tongue may indicate heat in the body like a fever or a hormonal imbalance. A reddish purple tongue is a sign that there may be inflammation or an infection in the body. A pale pink tongue may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system or a lack of energy.
Dehydration, use of medications, or bad eating habits, which can all happen with a viral infection can also cause dry mouth. Apart from this, having a dry mouth can also lead to fissuring (cracking) of the lips, dryness, tongue ulcers, gum infections and tooth decay.
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a burning sensation on your tongue, roof of your mouth or lips. It can happen anywhere in your mouth or throat. BMS often starts seemingly out of nowhere. It may feel like your tongue is being burned by a hot liquid like coffee.
Stage 1 is decreased levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. Stage 2 is low concentration of vitamin B12 in the cell and metabolic abnormalities. Stage 3 is increased levels of homocysteine and MMA and decreased DNA synthesis resulting in neuropsychiatric symptoms. Stage 4 is macrocytic anemia.
There are certain foods that also need a cut-down in case of vitamin B12 deficiency. “Some foods and drinks can interfere with vitamin B complex intake like alcohol, caffeine and processed foods, etc should be avoided completely,” Shah added.