Why do I have small cut like lines on the top of my tongue?

Question

Hi doctor,

My tongue feels numb and dry every morning. When I eat some food recently my mouth starts to burn. Then, I noticed some small cut-like lines on the top of my tongue. Then do not hurt unless the food is hot. They sting if I eat certain foods. I am extremely concerned.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for sending the photographs (the attachment was removed to protect the patient's identity). You have a fissured tongue. It is quite harmless. This is usually hereditary but can occur in people as age progresses. This does not require any medication unless you have itching or burning sensations on the tongue. A dry and numb tongue is a cause for worry.

This is strongly diet-dependent. You need to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables as they are the richest sources of vitamins like B complex and vitamin C. For now, you can start by having a course of multivitamin tablets, once daily for a month. But, medicines are never a substitute for a balanced diet. Avoid hot spicy foods for a month. You will for sure start seeing the difference.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.