Prevalence and Factors Associated with Tongue Lesions Among Children Attending a University Dental Hospital in the Western Mediterranean Region of Türkiye.

purposeTongue lesions in children are often overlooked during routine dental examinations despite their clinical relevance. This study evaluated the prevalence of tongue lesions among children attending a university dental hospital from the Western Mediterranean Region of Türkiye and explored their associations with demographic variables, systemic conditions, and oral hygiene-related factors. MATERIALS AND

methodsIn this cross-sectional, clinic-based study, a total of 1097 children aged 2-13 years attending a pediatric dental clinic were included. Participants were categorized into two age groups (2-5 and 6-13 years). Tongue lesions were assessed through standardized oral examinations, and data on demographic characteristics, medical conditions, and oral hygiene practices were collected using a structured questionnaire. Associations between tongue lesions and these variables were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.

resultsTongue lesions were detected in 6.2% of participants, with geographic tongue representing the most common lesion. Fissured tongue was more frequent in males overall (p=0.019) and in older children, while geographic tongue predominated in younger children. No statistically significant differences in tongue lesions were observed according to age groups or sex within age groups (p>0.05). Fissured tongue was associated with allergies in older children (p=0.039), whereas tongue lesions were more common in younger children with asthma (p=0.034). A positive family history of tongue lesions was statistically significantly more common among older and younger children with fissured tongue (p=0.001 and p=0.003, respectively), as well as among those with geographic tongue in both age groups (p=0.001 for both groups). Although tongue brushing was more common among older children (p=0.016), moderate and severe levels of tongue plaque were also higher in this group (p=0.040 and p=0.002, respectively). Tongue lesions (older children: DMFS, p=0.004 and DMFT, p=0.009; younger children: dfs, p=0.044 and dft, p=0.012), and higher plaque levels (older children: DMFS, p=0.020 and DMFT, p=0.022) were associated with increased caries indices, whereas mouthwash use was associated with lower caries indices (older children: DMFS, p=0.009 and DMFT, p=0.001).

conclusionTongue lesions may provide clinically relevant information regarding oral hygiene, caries experience, and systemic conditions, highlighting the importance of routine tongue examination in pediatric dental assessments.