cracked sides of my tongue

[baseball266]

the sides of my tongue are quite sore and very cracked. it looks like someone was sharpening a knife against them. the top of my tongue is a little sensitive. i feel like it came about all at once. ive had this problem a few days now, and its only gotten worse. what is this mystery ailment caused by? and what should i do about it!

i am a 30 year old female.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough,but it can be due to iron or vit B and C deficiency or geographic tongue.

Pls take some iron supplements and multivitamins esp vit B and C for some days and see if there is any relief.If the symptoms persist then it is advisable to get it evaluated from a physician.Other causes may be candidiasis,chronic granulomatous disease,lichen planus,geographic tongue and oral submucous fibrosis.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Warm regards.

[baseball266]

My condition doesnt seem to be any of those causes. it seems to be clusters of canker sores. possibly due to excess chewing of Dentyne Fire gum. the irritation caused by the spicy gum, produced the now apparent sores and the grooved texture. im rinsing with salt water and bearing the pain until hopefully it clears up. I have a very balanced diet, 80% vegetarian, and take a multivitamin everyday. its unlikely to be vitamin issue.

[zoobie55]

A related discussion, cronic sore tongue was started.