Scalloped tongue is a condition where the edges of the tongue have a wavy or rippled appearance. The name "scalloped tongue" comes from the resemblance of the edges to the scalloped edge of a seashell. This condition can affect anyone but it is more common in people who have certain underlying health conditions.
Scalloped Tongue Causes
Scalloped tongue is not a disease or a disorder, but a physical manifestation of an underlying condition. It is often associated with conditions that cause swelling or enlargement of the tongue, such as sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, down syndrome, or bruxism. It can also be a side effect of certain medications or a result of chronic clenching or grinding of the teeth.
In most cases, it is harmless and does not need treatment. But, if you have other symptoms or it indicates an underlying health condition, it may need to be evaluated and treated by a healthcare provider.
Scalloped Tongue Symptoms and Diagnosis
Scalloped tongue doesn't cause symptoms but rather is a symptom of other conditions. Some of the conditions that may cause this are sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, down syndrome, and bruxism.
Sleep apnea
A condition in which a person stops breathing for brief periods during sleep. Besides scalloped tongue, other symptoms may include loud snoring, fatigue, morning headaches, and lack of focus.
Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Other symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and constipation.
Down syndrome
A genetic condition in which a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21. Other symptoms may include intellectual disability, characteristic facial features, and a higher risk of certain medical conditions.
Bruxism
Involuntary teeth grinding and clenching that causes repeated pressure of the tongue against the teeth. This results in indentations or ridges along the sides of the tongue, leading to the scalloped look. Other symptoms of Bruxism may include tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, headaches, and disrupted sleep.
Luckily, botox for teeth grinding is a safe, effective, and fast treatment available to anyone who suffers from bruxism.
Differentiating Between Other Tongue Oddities
There are several other tongue oddities that look like Scalloped Tongue. Here are some of the common tongue abnormalities and their distinguishing features:
- Geographic tongue - a weird condition where the tongue looks like a red map with dark and lighter patches. Unlike scalloped tongue, geographic tongue does not cause ridges or indentations on the sides of the tongue.
- Fissured tongue - When the tongue has deep grooves or furrows that can run along the entire length of the tongue. It also does not lead to ridges or indentations on the tongue's sides.
- Lingual tonsillitis - an inflammation of the lingual tonsils, which are located at the back of the tongue. This can cause swelling and redness on the back of the tongue, but it does not cause scalloped tongue.
- Oral cancer - can cause various abnormalities in the tongue, including lesions or ulcers that do not heal. Unlike scalloped tongue, oral cancer has other symptoms. These include outbursts of pain, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing.
How to Prevent Scalloped Tongue and Its Associated Complications
If you believe Bruxism or teeth grinding is the result of your scalloped tongue then contact us today so we can support you. You can view a list of potential treatments for Bruxism here.
An Effective Treatment with Minimal Downsides
Are you looking for a scalloped tongue treatment that:
- Lasts approximately 6 months?
- Only requires 24 hours of downtime?
- Is so painless that it requires no anaesthetic?
- Displays results by 4 weeks?
Then a Botox treatment in Birmingham may be perfect for you! Book your appointment with Dr. Aesthetica today.
