--- title: "Scalloped Tongue: Causes and Treatment" description: A scalloped tongue usually isn't a reason to worry, but understanding its potential causes can help identify oral health problems and treat them early. image: https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD-Scalloped-Tongue-Causes-and-Treatment-Blog-01.27.2210.21.21%20(1).jpg --- [![Golden State](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD_October2018/images/header.png?t=1541073636630)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/) - [Home](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com) - [About](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/about) - [Our Team](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/our-team) - [Office Tour](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/office-tour) - [Careers](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/careers) - [Our Services](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/services) - [General Dentistry](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/services-general-dentistry) - [Cosmetic Dentistry](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/services-cosmetic-dentistry) - [Emergency Care](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/services-emergency-care) - [Your Visit](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/your-visit) - [Payment Plans](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/cherry-payment-plans) - [Technology](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/technology) - [Blog](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/contact) # Scalloped Tongue: Causes and Treatment January 27, 2022 ![GSD-Scalloped-Tongue-Causes-and-Treatment-Blog-01.27.2210.21.21 (1)-1](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Scalloped-Tongue-Causes-and-Treatment-Blog-01.27.2210.21.21%20(1)-1.jpg?width=339&height=225&name=GSD-Scalloped-Tongue-Causes-and-Treatment-Blog-01.27.2210.21.21%20(1)-1.jpg) Scalloped tongue gets its name from wavy or rippled edges that appear along the sides of a person's tongue. A scalloped tongue usually isn't a reason to worry, but its potential causes can lead to further complications and additional symptoms that can affect your dental health, if not treated. The presence of a scalloped tongue may also help diagnose certain medical conditions and identify bad oral habits. ## Causes Dehydration. Dehydration can lead to swelling in your body, including your tongue. The swollen tongue can then push against your teeth and create scalloped edges over time. Anxiety. [High levels of stress and anxiety](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/the-effects-of-stress-on-dental-health) can express itself in a multitude of ways in the body. This includes jaw clenching, [teeth grinding](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/symptoms-of-teeth-grinding-or-bruxism), and pressing your tongue against your teeth. Over a period of time, the pressure on the tongue will lead to indentations.  # Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders. The hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull can become stuck and misaligned. This may put extra pressure on the tongue and result in a scalloped indentation pattern along the sides of the tongue. Sleep Disorders. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, bruxism, and teeth clenching and grinding may cause pressure on the tongue. For example, sleep apnea may cause you to press your tongue down against your teeth to open up the airways. This can lead to a scalloped tongue. Nutritional Deficiencies. A scalloped tongue can occur when the body is not getting enough of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B, iron, niacin, and riboflavin.  Smoking. Smoking does not only increase inflammation in the body, but also increases the risk of dehydration. These two factors influence the likelihood of developing a scalloped tongue. Other causes of scalloped tongue may include hypothyroidism, genetic conditions or birth defects (e.g. down syndrome), and amyloidosis (buildup of proteins in organs). Each of these conditions have unique symptoms, but a common one is tongue swelling, which may lead to a scalloped tongue. ## Treatment Before treatment can begin, a proper diagnosis needs to be made. Treatment will depend on the root cause of the problem. For example, for genetic conditions that cause a swollen tongue, surgery is an option to reduce the size of the tongue. If your scalloped tongue is caused by health conditions, like hypothyroidism, prescription medication may help.  If you have a sleep disorder, devices such as a continuous positive airway pressure machine for sleep apnea, and a [mouth guard for bruxism](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/7-ways-to-treat-teeth-grinding-bruxism) may help reduce pressure in the mouth that causes a scalloped tongue. [Therapeutic Botox](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/instant-jaw-pain-relief-with-botox-what-you-need-to-know) is also available to treat a scalloped tongue caused by jaw clenching and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.   In addition to the above treatments, there are steps you can take at home to reduce bad habits in your mouth. [Drink plenty of water](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/benefits-of-water-for-dental-health) to not only keep yourself hydrated, but to displace bacteria in the mouth and encourage saliva production for better oral health. In addition, eat a healthy, balanced diet to ensure you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your mouth healthy. You should also avoid harmful habits, like [smoking](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/effects-of-tobacco-use-on-oral-health). Finally, it is important to manage your anxiety and stress through yoga, medication, and exercise to prevent bad habits like teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Your Walnut Creek dentist can identify bad oral habits that contribute to a scalloped tongue. In addition, the presence of a scalloped tongue may help with the diagnosis of other medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism.  If you think you need bite correction or a mouth guard due to a scalloped tongue, call our Walnut Creek, CA office to book an appointment (925) 705-7093, or request an appointment online. [![Schedule an appointment](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4845087/8d3f000a-f8ef-4206-a1fa-9bdb47144fd3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4845087/8d3f000a-f8ef-4206-a1fa-9bdb47144fd3) Tags: [oral health](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/oral-health) [night guard](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/night-guard) [teeth grinding](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/teeth-grinding) [TMJ](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/tmj) [dental health](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/dental-health) [anxiety](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/anxiety) [smoking](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/smoking) [healthydiet](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/healthydiet) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fscalloped-tongue-causes-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fscalloped-tongue-causes-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528304.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/twitter-color.png?width=24&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fscalloped-tongue-causes-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fscalloped-tongue-causes-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on pinterest](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/pinterest-color.png?width=24&name=pinterest-color.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fscalloped-tongue-causes-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on email](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fscalloped-tongue-causes-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goldenstatedentistry.com%2Fblog%2Fscalloped-tongue-causes-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Featured Posts ## [![Scalloped Tongue: Causes and Treatment](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Scalloped-Tongue-Causes-and-Treatment-Blog-01.27.2210.21.21%20(1).jpg?width=712&name=GSD-Scalloped-Tongue-Causes-and-Treatment-Blog-01.27.2210.21.21%20(1).jpg) Scalloped Tongue: Causes and Treatment January 27, 2022](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/scalloped-tongue-causes-treatment) ## [![A Bruised Tooth: What is It and What to Do About It?](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Bruised-Sprained-Tooth-Blog-12.19.23-2.jpeg?width=712&name=GSD-Bruised-Sprained-Tooth-Blog-12.19.23-2.jpeg) A Bruised Tooth: What is It and What to Do About It? December 19, 2023](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/a-bruised-tooth-what-is-it-and-what-to-do-about-it) ## [![White Spots on Teeth - Causes, Treatment, and Prevention](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-BLOG-White-Spots-On-Teeth-Causes-Treatment-Prevention-07.29.21-1.jpg?width=712&name=GSD-BLOG-White-Spots-On-Teeth-Causes-Treatment-Prevention-07.29.21-1.jpg) White Spots on Teeth - Causes, Treatment, and Prevention July 29, 2021](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/white-spots-on-teeth-causes-treatment-and-prevention) ### Recent Posts [![Save Your Tooth or Opt for an Implant? Key Considerations for Patients](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-BLOG-Save-Tooth-or-Extract-Dental-Implant-09.25.26.png?width=425&name=GSD-BLOG-Save-Tooth-or-Extract-Dental-Implant-09.25.26.png "Save Your Tooth or Opt for an Implant? Key Considerations for Patients")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/save-your-tooth-or-opt-for-an-implant-key-considerations-for-patients) ## [Save Your Tooth or Opt for an Implant? Key Considerations for Patients](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/save-your-tooth-or-opt-for-an-implant-key-considerations-for-patients) September 25, 2026 [![10 Strange Dental Symptoms and What They Mean](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-BLOG-Strange-Dental-Symptoms-08.06.26.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-BLOG-Strange-Dental-Symptoms-08.06.26.jpeg "10 Strange Dental Symptoms and What They Mean")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/10-strange-dental-symptoms-and-what-they-mean) ## [10 Strange Dental Symptoms and What They Mean](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/10-strange-dental-symptoms-and-what-they-mean) August 26, 2026 [![Why Fluoride Is Important for a Healthy Smile](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-BLOG-Fluoride-for-Dental-Health-08.03.26.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-BLOG-Fluoride-for-Dental-Health-08.03.26.jpeg "Why Fluoride Is Important for a Healthy Smile")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/why-fluoride-is-important-for-a-healthy-smile) ## [Why Fluoride Is Important for a Healthy Smile](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/why-fluoride-is-important-for-a-healthy-smile) August 3, 2026 [![Curodont™: A Drill-Free Way to Treat Early Cavities](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-BLOG-Curodont-Drill-Free-Cavity-Treatment-07.31.26.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-BLOG-Curodont-Drill-Free-Cavity-Treatment-07.31.26.jpeg "Curodont™: A Drill-Free Way to Treat Early Cavities")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/curodont-a-drill-free-way-to-treat-early-cavities) ## [Curodont™: A Drill-Free Way to Treat Early Cavities](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/curodont-a-drill-free-way-to-treat-early-cavities) July 31, 2026 [![What to Expect at Your First Dental Visit (Step-by-Step Guide)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-What-To-Expect-First-Dental-Visit-Walnut-Creek-BLOG-06.10.25.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-What-To-Expect-First-Dental-Visit-Walnut-Creek-BLOG-06.10.25.jpeg "What to Expect at Your First Dental Visit (Step-by-Step Guide)")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/what-to-expect-at-your-first-dental-visit-step-by-step-guide) ## [What to Expect at Your First Dental Visit (Step-by-Step Guide)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/what-to-expect-at-your-first-dental-visit-step-by-step-guide) June 10, 2025 [![7 Signs It's Time to See a Dentist (Even If Nothing Hurts)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Signs-To-See-Dentist-Blog-04.16.25-3.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-Signs-To-See-Dentist-Blog-04.16.25-3.jpeg "7 Signs It's Time to See a Dentist (Even If Nothing Hurts)")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/7-signs-its-time-to-see-a-dentist-even-if-nothing-hurts) ## [7 Signs It's Time to See a Dentist (Even If Nothing Hurts)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/7-signs-its-time-to-see-a-dentist-even-if-nothing-hurts) April 16, 2025 [![Canker Sores: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Canker-Sores-Symptoms-Blog-03.26.25-3.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-Canker-Sores-Symptoms-Blog-03.26.25-3.jpeg "Canker Sores: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/canker-sores-causes-treatment-and-prevention) ## [Canker Sores: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/canker-sores-causes-treatment-and-prevention) March 26, 2025 [![Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Dry-Mouth-Causes-Symptoms-Treatment-Blog-03.18.25-2.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-Dry-Mouth-Causes-Symptoms-Treatment-Blog-03.18.25-2.jpeg "Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/dry-mouth-causes-symptoms-and-treatment) ## [Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/dry-mouth-causes-symptoms-and-treatment) March 18, 2025 [![The Surprising Connection Between Gum Disease and Your Overall Health](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Periodontal-Gum-Disease-Everything-to-Know-02.10.25-2-1.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-Periodontal-Gum-Disease-Everything-to-Know-02.10.25-2-1.jpeg "The Surprising Connection Between Gum Disease and Your Overall Health")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/the-surprising-connection-between-gum-disease-and-your-overall-health) ## [The Surprising Connection Between Gum Disease and Your Overall Health](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/the-surprising-connection-between-gum-disease-and-your-overall-health) February 20, 2025 [![Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): Everything You Need to Know](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GSD-Periodontal-Gum-Disease-Everything-to-Know-02.10.25-2.jpeg?width=425&name=GSD-Periodontal-Gum-Disease-Everything-to-Know-02.10.25-2.jpeg "Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): Everything You Need to Know")](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/periodontal-disease-gum-disease-everything-you-need-to-know) ## [Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): Everything You Need to Know](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/periodontal-disease-gum-disease-everything-you-need-to-know) February 10, 2025 ### Archive - [February 2019 (5)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/02) - [November 2018 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2018/11) - [January 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/01) - [March 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/03) - [April 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/04) - [May 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/05) - [June 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/06) - [July 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/07) - [August 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/08) - [September 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/09) - [October 2019 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2019/10) - [October 2024 (3)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2024/10) - [September 2015 (2)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2015/09) - [February 2021 (2)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2021/02) - [March 2021 (2)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/archive/2021/03) ### Search By Tags - [oral health (53)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/oral-health) - [dental health (47)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/dental-health) - [dental hygiene (25)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/dental-hygiene) - [dental treatment (25)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/dental-treatment) - [periodontal disease (20)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/periodontal-disease) - [brushing (19)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/brushing) - [gum disease (19)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/gum-disease) - [teeth whitening (15)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/teeth-whitening) - [tips (15)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/tips) - [cosmetic dentistry (14)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/cosmetic-dentistry) - [plaque (14)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/plaque) - [restorative services (13)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/restorative-services) - [tooth sensitivity (13)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/tooth-sensitivity) - [bad breath (12)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/bad-breath) - [diet (11)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/diet) - [teeth grinding (11)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/teeth-grinding) - [bruxism (10)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/bruxism) - [dry mouth (10)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/dry-mouth) - [tooth stains (10)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/tooth-stains) - [TMJ (9)](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/tag/tmj) ### Subscribe To Our Blog ## Call and schedule an appointment! (925) 705-7093 2161 Ygnacio Valley Rd Suite 101, Walnut Creek Tuesday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm ## Connect with us - [![Facebook](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD_October2018/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-State-Dentistry/964036773606457?fref=ts) - [![Instagram](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD_October2018/images/instagram.png)](https://www.instagram.com/goldenstatedentistry) - [![Twitter](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD_October2018/images/twitter-1.png)](https://twitter.com/G_S_Dentistry) - [![Linkedin](https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD_October2018/images/linkedin-1.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/golden-state-dentistry) © 2015 by Golden State Dentistry All Rights Reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Galina Y", "url" : "https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/author/galina-y" }, "dateModified" : "2024-10-11T19:16:11.614Z", "datePublished" : "2022-01-27T19:36:27.000Z", "headline" : "Scalloped Tongue: Causes and Treatment", "image" : [ "https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD-Scalloped-Tongue-Causes-and-Treatment-Blog-01.27.2210.21.21%20(1).jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/scalloped-tongue-causes-treatment", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD%20Final%20Logo%202022_Updated_%20Not%20Outlined%20Text.jpg" }, "name" : "Golden State Dentistry" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Galina Y", "url" : "https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/author/galina-y" }, "dateModified" : "2024-07-17", "datePublished" : "2022-01-27", "description" : "A scalloped tongue usually isn't a reason to worry, but understanding its potential causes can help identify oral health problems and treat them early.", "headline" : "Scalloped Tongue: Causes and Treatment", "image" : "https://4845087.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4845087/GSD-Scalloped-Tongue-Causes-and-Treatment-Blog-01.27.2210.21.21%20%281%29.jpg", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/scalloped-tongue-causes-treatment", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : "60", "url" : "https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/hubfs/GSD_October2018/images/header.png?t=1541073636630", "width" : "60" }, "name" : "Golden State Dentistry" }, "url" : "https://www.goldenstatedentistry.com/blog/scalloped-tongue-causes-treatment" } ```