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Warning-sign checks

Fissured tongue: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if tongue or throat swelling makes it hard to breathe, swallow saliva, or speak normally.

    Sudden breathing difficulty is an emergency, but it is not a typical result of fissured tongue.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical care for increasing tongue or facial swelling, fever, pus, severe pain, or redness spreading into the face or neck.

    These are not usual features of fissured tongue and may indicate infection or another condition.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine dental or medical appointment if:

    • You are unsure whether the grooves are fissured tongue
    • Pain, burning, or bad breath continues despite gentle cleaning
    • The tongue is difficult to clean without discomfort
    • You develop creamy white patches or other signs of possible thrush
    • A lump, red or white patch, or ulcer lasts longer than two to three weeks
    • You have unexplained bleeding, numbness, altered taste, or trouble eating

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Fissured tongue. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.