Fissured tongue (lingua plicata, scrotal tongue) is one of the most common benign developmental anomalies of the tongue characterized by multiple grooves and fissures located predominantly on the dorsal surface. Despite the benign nature of the condition, fissured tongue may be associated with burning sensation, halitosis, food retention, secondary inflammation, and several systemic disorders. The prevalence varies widely from 2% to 30% depending on geographic region, age, and diagnostic criteria. The condition is frequently associated with geographic tongue, psoriasis, Down syndrome, Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and nutritional deficiencies. Modern literature demonstrates increasing interest in the relationship between fissured tongue and systemic diseases, immunological disorders, and oral microbiome changes. This review summarizes contemporary data regarding epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, classification, and especially the clinical manifestations of fissured tongue. Particular attention is paid to differential diagnosis and modern approaches to management and prevention.

Fissured tongue, lingua plicata, oral mucosa

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