Medication
Many people with geographic tongue have no symptoms. Geographic tongue can continue for days, months or years. The problem often resolves on its own but may appear again at a later time. Geographic tongue is a minor — although sometimes uncomfortable — condition.
Nutrition
Geographic tongue is a benign condition. It doesn't pose a threat to your health, cause long-term complications or increase your risk of major health problems. However, anxiety about the condition is fairly common because: The appearance of the tongue may be embarrassing, depending on how visible the lesions are.
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The cause of geographic tongue is unknown, and there's no way to prevent the condition. There may be a link between geographic tongue and psoriasis and between geographic tongue and lichen planus.
Does geographic tongue go away on its own?
Geographic tongue 1 Overview. Geographic tongue results from the loss of tiny hairlike projections (papillae) on your tongue's surface. 2 Symptoms. Many people with geographic tongue have no symptoms. ... 3 Causes. The cause of geographic tongue is unknown, and there's no way to prevent the condition. ... 4 Risk factors. ... 5 Complications. ...
Is geographic tongue dangerous?
How can geographic tongue be prevented?
What do you need to know about geographic tongue?
Can you outgrow geographic tongue?
Geographic tongue tends to come and go it usually heals without treatment, but will recur again usually affecting a different area of the tongue. Most cases are not associated with any symptoms (asymptomatic) and the condition usually goes away without treatment.
Can pregnancy make your tongue look weird?
Pregnancy brings many physical changes, but we don't often think about what it means for the mouth. One under-discussed side effect of pregnancy is mouth ulcers - little welt-like spots sometimes referred to as canker sores. These appear on your tongue, lips or inner cheeks and can cause pain and irritation.
How long can geographic tongue last?
Geographic tongue is a minor — although sometimes uncomfortable — condition. However, lesions on the tongue may indicate other more-serious conditions of the tongue or diseases affecting the body in general. If you have lesions on the tongue that don't resolve within 10 days, see your doctor or dentist.Mar 6, 2018
Is geographic tongue permanent?
People with this condition have smooth, reddish patches surrounded by white borders on their tongues. The red areas are missing the tiny bumps (papillae) that naturally appear on the surface of the tongue. Geographic tongue is benign (harmless) and does not cause any long-term health problems.Sep 23, 2019
How do you get rid of geographic tongue fast?
Geographic tongue typically doesn't require any medical treatment....To manage discomfort or sensitivity, your doctor may recommend medications such as:Over-the-counter pain relievers.Mouth rinses with an anesthetic.Antihistamine mouth rinses.Corticosteroid ointments or rinses.Vitamin B supplementation, in some cases.Mar 6, 2018
Why do I get geographic tongue?
A: The cause of geographic tongue is unknown. Several factors have been proposed as possible causes such as emotional stress, psychological factors, habits, allergies, diabetes and hormonal disturbances. However, none of these factors have been conclusively linked to geographic tongue.
Why does geographic tongue flare up?
In general, geographic tongue may flare up if your body is stressed (such as if you catch the flu). You will notice more sensitivity at such times, especially if you eat acidic or spicy foods. Geographic tongue has never been shown to give rise to cancer.
Is geographic tongue autoimmune?
Conditions that have been frequently associated with geographic tongue. Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, is a benign chronic inflammatory condition of the tongue....Follow us:- Psoriasis- Reiter syndrome- Atopic dermatitis- Drugs: Oral contraceptives, lithium, antihypertensives4 more rows
Does salt Water Help geographic tongue?
Weak warm salt water rinses can be soothing. Some studies show that taking a B-complex and/or zinc supplement may be beneficial. Most cases of geographic tongue show no symptoms at all.
What does a geographic tongue look like?
The signs of geographic tongue are uneven red patches. They're usually on your tongue but can also be on your gums, on your cheeks, on the roof of your mouth, or under your tongue. These patches may: Have a white or light-colored border.Mar 23, 2020
Can low iron cause geographic tongue?
Iron and vitamin B12 deficiency also appears to affect filiform papillae of the tongue. Geographic tongue is a lesion that affects the lingual papillae. It has been shown that zinc sulfate can positively contribute to the treatment of geographic tongue.
How to tell if you have a geographic tongue?
While many people don’t notice any symptoms at all, the most recognizable sign of geographic tongue is the appearance of the pattern on the tongue. Symptoms can come and go, and may last a few weeks or years. They include: 1 Red spots on the tongue: The red patches on the tongue appear in an irregular map-like pattern and are often surrounded by white or gray borders. They appear anywhere on the top, sides and tip of the tongue. The patches may come and go, and can change size, shape and location over time. 2 Absence of papillae: The insides of the red patches are noticeably smoother because they do not have any papillae. Papillae are tiny bumps that coat and protect the entire tongue and help us chew food. Some papillae also have taste buds. 3 Burning sensation: Some people with geographic tongue feel a stinging, tingling or burning sensation on their tongue, especially when eating. Discomfort is usually mild and can come and go along with the red patches. 4 Patches in other areas of the mouth: Occasionally, similar red patches can form on the gums, the top of the mouth or inside the cheeks. These patches are called geographic stomatitis or erythema migrans. The patches are not the same as the erythema migrans rash that appears in the early stages of Lyme disease. Having these patches in your mouth does not mean that you have Lyme disease.
What is a geographical tongue?
Geographic tongue is a condition that causes a map-like pattern to appear on the tongue. People with this condition have smooth, reddish patches surrounded by white borders on their tongues. The red areas are missing the tiny bumps (papillae) that naturally appear on the surface of the tongue. Geographic tongue is benign (harmless) ...
What causes a tongue to be a geographic tongue?
Diabetes: Some doctors have found that people with diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, have a higher chance of developing geographic tongue. Allergies: People with eczema, hay fever and other allergies may have an increased chance of having the condition.
What vitamins are needed for geographic tongue?
Vitamin deficiencies: People who don’t have enough zinc, iron, folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 are more likely to have geographic tongue. Fissured tongue: Doctors think there might be a genetic link between geographic tongue and fissured tongue, a condition that causes deep grooves or wrinkles on the tongue.
Can you eat spicy food if your tongue hurts?
Because geographic tongue is a benign condition, treatment is not necessary. If you feel pain or discomfort, you should avoid eating anything that can irritate your tongue, such as spicy food. To relieve the stinging or burning sensation, your doctor may recommend:
Is geographic tongue more common in adults?
Geographic tongue (also called benign migratory glossitis) is slightly more common in young adults, though doctors aren’t sure why. People who have psoriasis (a condition that causes scaly patches on the skin) and reactive arthritis (Reiter's syndrome) are more likely than others to have geographic tongue.
Where are the red spots on the tongue?
They appear anywhere on the top, sides and tip of the tongue. The patches may come and go, and can change size, shape and location over time.
Can geographic tongue be brought on by pregnancy?
Unknown.: The cause this cause of this condition is unknown but may be associated with multiple factors, e.g. Hormones, stress, family history, tobacco smoking,... Read More
Will geographic tongue disappear after pregnancy?
Not really : Usually people with geographic tongue have that characteristic all their life.
Is geographic tongue permanent?
Some times Yes: Geographic is the result of loss of hair like papilla on the tongue , may look scary but harmless most of the time cause is unknown , or if it is du... Read More
Can geographic tongue come and go?
Yes: That is why it is referred to a geographic tongue it takes on a different ' geographic ' appearance routinely as the papillae of the tongue change.
Are there any possible causes of geographic tongue?
Unknown: The condition is just that : a condition , not a disease per se. In some cases it is associated with psoriasis of the skin.
What is geographic tongue and herpes?
Unrelated : Geographic tongue is a jagged loss of taste buds and not viral nor contagious. Maybe oral psoriasis. Heroes is a common contagious viral infection.
What causes geographic tongue? is it permanent?
Not really known...: There are several theories that have been proposed for the cause of benign migratory glossitis, aka geographic tongue. Because the condition looks mic... Read More
Did you know?
A Recent USDA study showed that only 4% of Americans are getting the minimum recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of their essential vitamins?
About the Author Tim McMahon
My name is Tim McMahon and I’ve been there! I suffered from Geographic Tongue and through a strange set of circumstances I learned how to get rid of it. You see, shortly after college I fought the battle of my life (literally).
How long does it take for a lesions on the tongue to go away?
If you have lesions on the tongue that don't resolve within 10 days, see your doctor or dentist.
What is Geographic tongue?
Geographic tongue is an inflammatory but harmless condition affecting the surface of your tongue.
What are the bumps on the tongue called?
The tongue is normally covered with tiny, pinkish-white bumps (papillae), which are actually short, fine, hairlike projections. With geographic tongue, patches on the surface of the tongue are missing papillae and appear as smooth, red "islands," often with slightly raised borders.
What does it mean when your tongue is red?
Smooth, red, irregularly shaped patches (lesions) on the top or side of your tongue. Frequent changes in the location, size and shape of lesions. Discomfort, pain or burning sensation in some cases, most often related to eating spicy or acidic foods. Many people with geographic tongue have no symptoms. Geographic tongue can continue ...
What are the factors that increase the risk of geographic tongue?
Factors that are likely associated with an increased risk include: Family history. Some people with geographic tongue have a family history of the disorder, so inherited genetic factors may increase risk.
Is it common to have anxiety about tongue lesions?
However, anxiety about the condition is fairly common because: The appearance of the tongue may be embarrassing, depending on how visible the lesions are. It may be difficult to be reassured that there is, in fact, nothing seriously wrong. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
Is geographic tongue a disease?
Although geographic tongue may look alarming, it doesn't cause health problems and isn't associated with infection or cancer. Geographic tongue can sometimes cause tongue discomfort and increased sensitivity to certain substances, such as spices, salt and even sweets.
How long does geographic tongue last?
This condition can last for anywhere from days to years and often disappear and reappears completely on its own. Important health reminders if you have geographic tongue: It does not indicate the presence of underlying conditions. It does not increase your risk of developing other health problems.
What are the symptoms of geographic tongue?
Symptoms of geographic tongue typically include: Smooth, asymmetrical, red patches ( or lesions) on your tongue. Patches often change in size, form, and position over time. Discomfort when eating, especially when consuming spicy, hot, or acidic items. Helpful note: Many who have geographic tongue will experience no symptoms.
Why is my tongue red?
Allergies or eczema. It can be challenging to find red patches on your tongue. Find comfort in the fact that dental and medical professionals are ready to help diagnose your problem. If you do experience geographic tongue, remember that it’s benign, requires no treatment, and doesn't lead to other health problems.
What is a geographical tongue?
Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, causes the surface of your tongue to have an irregular, patch-like appearance. This condition gets its distinct name from the fact the patches can look similar to a geographic map. If the look of this condition alarms you, first take a deep breath. ...
What is the name of the condition where the papillae are missing?
These patches will typically heal on their own and move to a new area of your tongue, which is why the condition is known as migratory glossitis. Symptoms of geographic tongue typically include:
How to avoid irritation from mouthwash?
The best mouthwash and oral care products are the ones you will use in your routine! Practice proper dental hygiene to avoid irritation, including using a flossing device once a day and brushing twice daily for two minutes.
How many people have geographic tongue?
Doctors estimate that 3% of people suffer from geographic tongue, according to the Cleveland Clinic. People of every age, gender, and ethnicity are susceptible. Geographic tongue often co-occurs in those with: Family history of the condition. Stress.
