The tongue can be damaged by various factors such as betel nut chewing, bad dentition, vitamin deficiency, anemia and so on. A physician may need to do tests and even a biopsy. Smoking cigarettes or bidis or using a pipe for smoking can cause damage or can lead to the development of cancer or leukoplakia which is a form of cancer. In most cases of tongue abnormalities it is probably best to give the tongue as much rest as possible and concentrate less on its use so as to optimise its function when it is exercised.