Teeth marks on your tongue?
What’s that along the side of your tongue? If you have ever looked closely in the mirror and noticed small ripples along the edge, you might have a scalloped tongue. Subtle indentations along the tongue, shaped like your teeth, are more than just a random quirk.
A scalloped tongue itself is usually nothing to worry about, but it can reflect what is happening in your body, particularly while you sleep. The way you breathe, hold your jaw, and carry tension can all influence the shape of your tongue. Understanding those marks can offer meaningful insight into both your oral health and your overall wellbeing.
What is a scalloped tongue?
A scalloped tongue, also known as a crenated tongue, refers to a tongue that has gentle, wavy indentations along its sides. These impressions typically mirror the shape of the adjacent teeth, giving the edges a rippled or “scalloped” outline.
Importantly, the surface of the tongue is usually normal in colour, texture, and function. There are typically no ulcers, white patches, bleeding, or changes in taste. The key feature is the patterned indentations along the borders of the tongue, rather than any abnormality on its surface.
Many people only become aware of a scalloped tongue by chance, either while brushing, looking in the mirror, or during a routine dental examination.
What does a scalloped tongue look like?
A scalloped tongue is usually easy to recognise by its distinctive edges. Common features include:
- Noticeable teeth-shaped indentations along one or both sides of the tongue
- A tongue that appears slightly broader than the space of the dental arch
- Mild fullness or swelling, particularly on waking
- An otherwise healthy surface, with no bleeding, ulcers, or persistent pain
These impressions are often most visible first thing in the morning and may soften or become less defined as the day progresses and the tongue muscles relax.
Why do teeth marks appear on the tongue?
At its core, tongue scalloping develops when the tongue applies repeated pressure against the teeth. This pressure can be continuous or occur mainly during sleep. Over time, the soft tissue along the edges of the tongue adapts to the contours of the surrounding teeth, leaving visible impressions.
The underlying reasons for this pressure vary. Some are structural, such as jaw shape, dental arch width, or tooth alignment. Others are functional, related to breathing patterns, muscle tension, or the way the body behaves during sleep.
Why scalloped tongue happens
Clenching or grinding the teeth, especially at night, places sustained pressure on the tongue. When the jaw tightens, the tongue has limited space and is pushed outward against the teeth. Over time, this repeated pressure can create the characteristic scalloped edges. Stress and anxiety often contribute, even when clenching occurs unconsciously during sleep.
A narrow upper or lower dental arch can limit the space available for the tongue. If the tongue is slightly too large for the arch, it naturally presses against the teeth at rest. Certain bite or jaw alignment issues can also affect tongue posture, increasing the likelihood of scalloping.
Scalloped tongues are commonly associated with sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnoea. Restricted airflow during sleep can cause the tongue to shift forward or outward to maintain an open airway. This repeated pressure leaves impressions along the tongue’s sides, particularly overnight. While a scalloped tongue alone does not diagnose sleep apnoea, it can be a useful visual clue, especially when accompanied by snoring, daytime fatigue, or unrefreshing sleep.
Jaw misalignment or chronic TMD can affect tongue posture and resting position. Over time, repeated bracing or altered positioning of the tongue against the teeth may contribute to scalloping.
Temporary swelling of the tongue, from dehydration, allergies, or systemic inflammation, can cause it to press against the teeth. In such cases, scalloping is usually mild and may fluctuate rather than remain constant.
The tongue is a strong muscle that responds to stress like any other part of the body. Chronic tension can cause it to press or brace against the teeth, particularly during periods of concentration or emotional strain. Over time, this habitual pressure may leave visible indentations along the tongue’s edges.
Some medical conditions can cause the tongue to be naturally larger than the oral cavity can comfortably accommodate. Examples include congenital conditions (e.g., Down syndrome) or acquired causes such as hypothyroidism or acromegaly. A larger tongue naturally presses against the teeth, leading to scalloped edges.
Deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, folate, or iron, can affect tongue health, sometimes causing swelling, tenderness, or subtle scalloping. These cases often present with additional symptoms like glossitis (smooth or inflamed tongue).
Loss of teeth or poorly fitting dentures can reduce space for the tongue, forcing it to press against remaining teeth and leaving impressions along the edges.
Beyond dehydration or allergies, systemic issues such as kidney disease or cardiovascular conditions can sometimes cause mild swelling of soft tissues, including the tongue, which may accentuate scalloping.
Is a scalloped tongue worth worrying about?
In most cases, a scalloped tongue is harmless and does not require urgent treatment. It becomes more significant when it persists or appears alongside other symptoms.
Further assessment may be warranted if you also notice:
- Frequent jaw pain or headaches
- Tooth wear or increased sensitivity
- Snoring or disrupted sleep
- Daytime fatigue
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
Considered alongside these signs, a scalloped tongue can provide valuable insight into oral function, sleep quality, and jaw alignment. It often serves as a prompt for a broader discussion with your dentist or healthcare provider about underlying factors that may affect overall health.
Simple fixes to try at home
While a professional assessment is important, several gentle strategies may help reduce tongue scalloping:
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration can contribute to tongue swelling and accentuate indentations.
- Focus on nasal breathing. Practising nasal breathing during the day can promote healthier nighttime breathing patterns.
- Relax the jaw. Gentle exercises or conscious relaxation can help ease tension, especially during stressful periods.
- Limit evening stimulants. Reducing caffeine and alcohol in the evening may decrease nighttime clenching or grinding.
- Support good sleep posture. Proper head and neck alignment can relieve pressure on the tongue and jaw during sleep.
Trying these measures may not completely eliminate scalloping, but it can reduce contributing factors and support overall oral comfort.
How dentists can help
A dentist can determine whether a scalloped tongue is related to bite alignment, tooth wear, or jaw function. In cases of clenching or grinding, a custom night splint may be recommended to protect both the teeth and the tongue while relieving pressure.
If there are signs of airway restriction or sleep-disordered breathing, your dentist can collaborate with medical professionals or sleep specialists to ensure a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate care.
Prevention starts with awareness
Your mouth is often your body’s dashboard light. It can reveal subtle changes occurring elsewhere in the body before they even show up there. A scalloped tongue is one such sign that merits attention, even when it causes no discomfort.
Regular dental check-ups allow these changes to be identified early, before they develop into more significant issues. When combined with consistent oral hygiene, proper sleep habits, and stress management, small observations like tongue scalloping can provide meaningful insight into your overall health.
If you notice persistent teeth marks on your tongue, discussing them with your dentist is a simple and valuable step. Often, the smallest details can reveal the most important information about your wellbeing.
