I had a partial glossectomy on the right side of tongue almost one year ago. I still have small fisures on right side which get dry and irritated frequently. My ENT says its where the sutures came out before it was totally healed. Any ideals on how to keep it moist and nonirritated? I've found avoiding spicy foods helps. Does it improve over time?

Fissures should heal the body naturally will heal unless you have an underlying condition (diabetes?), if they aren't healing keep a very close eye on them particularly if you haven't had radiation because it could be a sign you still have a problem in the area. Take care,

Rinsing with a mixture of 16 oz warm water, 2 tsp baking soda and 2 tsp salt will help with healing. Rinse your mouth at least 4 times per day.

Good luck!!!

I have the same issue on both sides now. I have small pockets on each side where what's left is still attached. Small hard pieces of food, seed, nuts etc get in there and irritate tissues. I still don't eat spicy foods, vinegary foods though six years later. I haven't had any return of saliva though like some have.

I think the return of saliva has a lot to do with where the radiation was aimed. I'm 18 mos out of surgery and 16 out of treatment and I still score a happy 00 on my saliva test though I do have some. Acidic stuff, cooked tomatoes, vinegar, fizzy anything - pop or water... - or spice is highly unpleasant. But I can't complain I'm doing well. If you have fissures I'd buy a water pick, and use it on the lowest setting and maybe that will help clean your mouth and the problem areas -they have a tongue cleaner attachment that is more gentle than the gum cleaner and kind of just shoots the water into hidden places, I used it through it treatment and it's great. Food left in fissures can definately cause irritation. I pik after brushing twice a day.