National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Practice Exam

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What causes a crenated (scalloped) tongue?

  1. Dehydration

  2. Stress

  3. Infection

  4. Macroglossia

The correct answer is: Macroglossia

Crenation of the tongue, also known as crenulated or scalloped tongue, is caused by macroglossia. Macroglossia is the enlargement of the tongue due to swelling or an abnormal growth. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, such as genetics, certain medical conditions, or injury. Option A, dehydration, may lead to a dry, cracked tongue, but it is not directly linked to crenation. Option B, stress, can cause various physical symptoms including muscle tension, but it is not a known cause of crenated tongue. Option C, infection, can cause swelling of the tongue, but it is not a common cause of crenation. Therefore, option D, macroglossia, is the most probable cause of a crenated tongue.