So, you are brushing your teeth and cleaning your tongue, and you see that your tongue is not as smooth from the sides as it used to be and is supposed to be.
“What are these waves?” One might think.
It is a scalloped tongue.
Do you need to be worried? No.
Is it benign? Yes.
Do you need treatment? Yes.
This blog discusses corrugated tongue in detail, and you must read it until the end to learn all about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Also, book an appointment with Peace of Mind Dental Studio for a quick diagnosis.
Understanding Scalloped Tongue
Your tongue is supposed to be pink, moist, and smooth. However, if anything is wrong with your body, it is reflected in your mouth, sometimes through the swelling or indentation on the tongue. An indented tongue has ripples, waves, or indents on the sides, making it appear distinct and not normal.
However, do not worry, and book an appointment today!
Causes of Scalloped Tongue
Are you wondering what has caused these ripples on your tongue? There can be multiple reasons. Check out which one is the cause behind your corrugated tongue.
Anxiety
People don’t know it, but anxiety affects you physically as well. It is not just a mental issue. Your hands fidget, your breathing is labored, you feel tingling in the tips of your fingers and toes, and you clench and unclench your jaw numerous times, causing a scalloped tongue. If you have high anxiety levels, then it might be the reason behind this tongue anomaly.
Dehydration
Did you know that merely a 1% shortage of water in the body causes thirst, and dehydration is caused by a 7-8% shortage of water in the body? When your body is dehydrated, your body parts are affected in a peculiar manner; say, your tongue swells, or ripples appear on its sides. So, if your mouth is constantly dry and you don’t drink enough water, the ridged tongue might result.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition wherein the thyroid hormones in your body are less than normal. It leads to multiple health conditions, including hair loss and swelling of the tongue.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s tongue relaxes a little too much while sleeping, causing problems with breathing. When the tongue relaxes, it is often caught between the teeth, causing an indentation. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can even lead to type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, etc. If you have sleep apnea, consult the best dentist in Chandler at Peace of Mind Dental Studio.
Nutritional Deficiencies
If you are not eating a balanced diet and lacking essential nutrients, it is visible through your ridged tongue.
Impact of Hypothyroidism on Scalloped Tongue
Hypothyroidism is a common cause of scalloped tongue. If you have a scalloped tongue and haven’t had your thyroid tested before, it is important to consult a dentist.
At Peace of Mind Dental Studio, we examine our patients thoroughly and learn about the symptoms and the severity of the ridged tongue to find out the correct reason.
In case of hypothyroidism, we advise a thyroid examination. You must consult your doctor about this.
In addition, it is also advised that when visiting Peace of Mind Dental Studio, Chandler, AZ, be honest and transparent about your overall health, medications, and medical history (such as hypothyroidism), so we can prescribe suitable treatment.
Treatment Options for Scalloped Tongue
Scalloped tongue treatment depends on the cause of the problem, so the treatment is directly related to it:
Dehydration
If you have a corrugated tongue, then the first home remedy is to start drinking lots of fluids. Drink plenty of water, and see if the condition improves.
Anxiety
If anxiety is the reason behind your scalloped tongue, then anti-anxiety medicines can help. You must consult your doctor about this.
Hypothyroidism
In case of hypothyroidism, you must undergo a thyroid test, and if it is positive, then the right medications shall help.
Sleep Apnea
In the case of sleep apnea, you need a CPAP machine that regulates the air passage and improves the condition.
The best way to get rid of an indented tongue is to consult Peace of Mind Dental Studio today so we can determine the cause and treat it.
Corrugated Tongue: A Unique Oral Phenomenon
Corrugated tongue is not a common problem, and it is only caused by the problems stated above. It is a benign condition, and many people don’t even notice the changed shape of their tongue. However, if it causes severe discomfort and pain, then treatment becomes important.
At Peace of Mind Dental Studio, we offer scalloped tongue treatment. If you are searching for the best dentist in Chandler, choose Peace of Mind Dental Studio.
Ans: If the underlying cause of the ridged tongue is dehydration, you can treat it at home. Drink plenty of fluids, and the waves shall go away. However, if it doesn’t help, consult us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio.
Que: When should I see a doctor for a scalloped tongue?
Ans: If you notice the waves alongside the tongue appearing too frequently, you should consult the dentist.
Que: What are the symptoms of scalloped tongue?
Ans: The symptoms of a scalloped tongue are pain, swelling around the tongue, discomfort in chewing or talking, etc.
Wisdom teeth removal is the last resort to eliminate the discomfort and constant pain. It is a common dental procedure, but healing can be challenging sometimes due to unexpected complications. One such condition is bone sequestra, a condition in which small fragments of bone remain behind, hindering the healing process.
If you or a loved one has recently undergone wisdom tooth removal and is experiencing trouble healing, it may be due to the presence of bone sequestra. It’s crucial to understand this phenomenon to recover quickly.
What Is Bone Sequestra?
Bone sequestra or sequestrum in singular form are tiny pieces of bone that separate from the tooth during or following a tooth extraction. These fragments can occur when the blood supply to a small area of the bone is disrupted during the procedure, especially if the extraction was surgical or complex.
As the surrounding tissue heals, the body attempts to eliminate foreign materials, such as bone fragments. So, these pieces push against the surface, causing immense pain, injury to the tongue, and other complications.
Why Does Bone Sequestra Occur After a Tooth Extraction?
During a bone tooth extraction, the trauma to the surrounding tissue can lead to reduced blood supply in small areas of the jawbone. As the portion doesn’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients, the bone parts die and separate from the healthy bone, resulting in a sequestrum.
Some common risk factors include:
Surgical extraction of impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth
Poor oral hygiene after the procedure
Bone conditions
Smoking or delayed healing
Infection or poor blood clot formation
Common Bone Sequestra Symptoms to Watch For
Identifying a bone sequestra is quite easy. You can feel something hard protruding or pressing against the soft tissue. It may or may not cause pain, but it can pique your interest in learning more about it. In many cases, it’s the dentist who alerts patients. However, you can look out for the following symptoms if you suspect having a sequestration.
A hard, white, or yellow piece protruding from the extraction site
Pain or irritation in the gum area
Swelling or mild inflammation around the socket
Delayed or slow healing
Mild bleeding when brushing or rinsing
A gritty or sharp feeling on the tongue near the socket
If you are experiencing these symptoms, visit Peace of Mind Dental Studio today.
Bone Sequestra After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Bone sequestra wisdom tooth cases are quite common. Did you know that over 5 million people in the USA have their wisdom teeth removed every year, which translates to approximately 20 million teeth being extracted annually.
As wisdom teeth are located deeper in the jaw, the extraction often requires removing bone tissue, increasing the likelihood of a sequestration forming.
Can Bone Sequestra Delay Healing?
Yes, bone sequestra can delay the healing process. It is a piece of dead bone in your gum, which can result in the following:
Preventing the complete closure of the gum tissue
Increasing inflammation
Causing discomfort during eating or brushing
Leading to minor infections if not cleaned properlyOften, the body eventually expels the fragment, and healing isn’t hindered. However, you must consult a dentist so they can monitor the area and remove it, if needed.
Treatment and Removal of Bone Sequestra
If the bone fragment is invasive and causes discomfort, your dentist may recommend extraction. It is a simple procedure that involves the following:
Loose tissue or debris is removed.
The sequestrum is removed using dental tools.
If the bone is lodged deeper, it requires administering anesthesia and making a small cut to remove the fragment.
Antibiotics are prescribed, and patients often require pain relief medications for post-surgical comfort.
Preventing Bone Sequestra After Tooth Extraction
It is not possible to prevent bone sequestra from forming, but post-operative care can help reduce the risk.
Here are the tips that will help:
Keep the area clean with gentle saltwater rinses
Avoid smoking or using straws during healing
Stick to soft foods and avoid biting near the site
Attend all follow-up appointments
Don’t poke or disturb the area with your tongue or fingers
When to Seek Professional Help?
If you have had a tooth extraction and the pain hasn’t subsided despite taking your medication on time, it is advisable to consult us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio. If you witness symptoms of bone sequestra, do not attempt to remove them on your own. For a smooth recovery and to avoid infection, it is recommended that you consult a professional.
Conclusion
A bone sequestrum isn’t an alarming problem, but like any other dental issue, it requires prompt action. Understanding these symptoms and post-operative issues will help.
For more information on bone sequestra, tooth extraction, and the complications, book an appointment with us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio. We will be happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Que: How do I know if I have bone sequestra after tooth extraction?
Ans: If you feel a hard, white, or yellow piece near the extraction site, protruding abnormally, it might be a bone sequestra.
Que: Will bone sequestra go away on its own?
Ans: Yes, in some cases, the body may push out the piece automatically, but in most cases, it requires surgical removal.
Que: How long does bone sequestra delay healing after wisdom tooth removal?
Ans: Depending on the size and location of the fragment, the healing may be delayed by a few days or even more than a week.
Que: Can bone sequestra lead to infection?
Ans: Yes, it can lead to infections as bacteria may get trapped and cause problems.
Que: Is bone sequestra the same as dry socket?
Ans: No, it is a piece of bone lodged in the soft tissue, while a dry socket is caused by a lack of blood at the extraction site.
Written by Dr. Silverman
Dr. Silverman is the co-founder of Peace of Mind Dental, a Chandler Arizona, general dentistry practice.
