What causes teeth shaped indentations on the sides of the tongue?

Question

Hi doctor,

I always get indentations on the sides of my tongue because of my teeth, and sometimes my tongue gets cut. My middle teeth are crooked. I am attaching photos of my teeth and tongue.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen the pictures you have attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity) along with the complaint. The teeth that you have mentioned are said to be out of the arch and are called crowding of teeth. The reason behind it is the lack of space for your teeth during the eruption stage. There is nothing wrong with it at the moment. It can be corrected, and your teeth can be aligned through braces treatment (orthodontic treatment). Regarding the indentation of teeth on the sides of your tongue, it is again a typical feature for people having a considerably large tongue.

The tongue is a muscular organ that sometimes takes up the shape of the sliding teeth surfaces. These indentations will not hurt you in any way. Some studies even say that it could be due to extreme stress. So, I advise you to stay relaxed, hydrate yourself well, and eat whole, nutritious food instead of grabbing junk food. I suggest you visit your nearby orthodontist for the braces treatment, as this is the right age to undergo orthodontic treatment.

I hope this helps.