Structural and functional abnormalities of the tongue: An epidemiological study from a tertiary care center

Abstract

Background: The tongue is a prominent muscular organ of the oral cavity and the integrity of the tongue mucosa frequently can reflect the overall health of an individual. There are a number of notable structural and functional alterations that can affect the tongue. These changes may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of structural and functional abnormalities of the tongue in a population reporting to a tertiary care center. We also assessed the prevalence of the normal variants and evaluated the normal tongue protrusion measurement in the study population. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 1,143 dental outpatients above 18 years of age who visited the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology between October 2021 and February 2022. Demographic details of the patients were noted. Participants were asked questions regarding any symptoms or abnormalities noticed pertaining to tongue. The tongue was examined thoroughly for any structural/ functional abnormalities. The maximal tongue protrusion for each participant was measured by asking them to extend the tongue out. Medical history, drug history and social history were recorded. Results: The study included 564 male and 579 female participants; tongue lesions were positive in 66.5% of the study population. Coated tongue (26.2%) was the most frequent structural abnormality that was noted in the present study. Taste dysfunction (4.6%) was the most frequent functional abnormality. The lesions were most in the anterior two thirds (4.2%) of the tongue. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that tongue lesions were present in 66.5% of the population. Careful and detailed evaluation of the tongue examination is mandated in routine dental checkup. This shall help in prompt identification of various etiological factors causing structural and functional abnormalities of the tongue.