Tongue abnormalities in children: Case series and review of literature

Abstract

Our oral cavity reflects the inside of our body, i.e., a healthy mouth is directly associated with healthy body. Tongue is a muscular organ present in the floor of the oral cavity; involved in speech, chewing, carrying taste sensations, and deglutition. Tongue also plays a major role in identifying and diagnosing underlying systemic diseases. Therefore, a complete information regarding the examination, diagnosis, and management of tongue abnormalities become important. Tongue abnormalities can be seen at any age and therefore classified as developmental and acquired (inflammatory, infective, traumatic, environmental, autoimmune, and benign and malignant tumors). However, some common abnormalities of tongue in the case of children have not been described in literature yet. Hence, the present review will focus on the abnormities of tongue and their management in children along with presentation of some of the cases reported to the department.