Newer Classification System for Fissured Tongue: An Epidemiological Approach.

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Dermatology
• General Dentistry

Background:

• Fissured tongue is a prevalent oral anomaly with limited data on its patterns and systemic associations.
• Understanding fissured tongue variations is crucial for potential links to overall health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To classify patterns of fissured tongue.
• To investigate the correlation between fissured tongue and systemic diseases.
• To identify associated tongue anomalies.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 1000 participants aged 10-80 years.
• Tabulation of fissuring patterns, systemic diseases, and concurrent tongue anomalies.
• Data analysis to identify correlations.

Main Results:

• 387 out of 1000 subjects had fissured tongue.
• Hypertension was observed in 57 cases, diabetes in 18, and both in 3 subjects with fissured tongue.
• The central longitudinal type was the most frequent fissuring pattern.

Conclusions:

• Fissured tongue appears associated with certain systemic conditions.
• Further research is required to establish a definitive correlation.
• Identifying fissured tongue may aid in the early diagnosis of systemic disorders.