Common tongue conditions, explained

Geographic, fissured, scalloped, hairy and other tongue conditions: what each looks like, what causes it, whether it needs treatment, and how to keep the tongue clean and comfortable.

• What is leukoplakia, and is it cancer?Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch inside the mouth, often on or under the tongue, that cannot be rubbed or scraped off and has no other obvious cause....
• What is tongue-tie, and does it need treatment?Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is when the band of tissue under the tongue, the lingual frenulum, is unusually short, thick or tight, so the tongue cannot move...
• What is a fissured tongue, and can it heal?A fissured tongue has deep grooves or cracks across its top surface. It is a harmless variation of normal, often inherited and more noticeable with age, and...
• What is burning mouth syndrome?Burning mouth syndrome is a long-lasting burning, scalding or tingling pain in the mouth, most often on the tongue, when the mouth looks completely normal....
• What causes a scalloped tongue?A scalloped tongue has a wavy or rippled edge where the sides have been pressed into the teeth. The most common reasons for scalloped tongue are clenching...
• What is glossitis and what causes it?Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue that makes it sore, swollen and red, and often smooth and shiny because the small bumps on its surface flatten out....
• What causes strawberry tongue?Strawberry tongue is a swollen, bright red tongue covered in enlarged bumps, so it resembles the surface of a strawberry. It is a sign of an underlying...
• How do you get rid of black hairy tongue?Black hairy tongue is a harmless condition where the tiny threads on the tongue grow long instead of shedding, then trap stain and bacteria so they look...
• What causes macroglossia (an enlarged tongue)?Macroglossia is a tongue that is larger than normal for the size of the mouth. In children it is most often linked to conditions present from birth, such as...
• What is oral lichen planus?Oral lichen planus is a long-term immune condition in which the body reacts against the lining of the mouth, causing white lace-like lines, white patches or...
• Why does my tongue hurt?Most sore tongues come from something minor: biting it, a burn from hot food or drink, a canker sore, irritation from sharp teeth, spicy or acidic food, or...
• Why is my tongue swollen, and when is it an emergency?A tongue that swells suddenly, over minutes to hours, is a medical emergency until proven otherwise, because it can be anaphylaxis or angioedema and can...