Geographic

Geographic Tongue

Geographic tongue (pronounced: jee-oh-GRAPH-ik TUNG), also known as benign migratory glossitis, is a harmless yet somewhat discomforting condition affecting the surface of your tongue.

Etymology

The term "geographic tongue" is derived from the map-like appearance of the condition on the tongue. The word "geographic" comes from the Greek words "geōgraphia" which means "description of the Earth", and "tongue" is from the Old English "tunge".

Definition

Geographic tongue is a condition characterized by a map-like, or geographic, appearance on the tongue. It is caused by irregular patches on the tongue's surface that can change location, size, and shape.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of geographic tongue is the appearance of irregular, smooth, red patches on the tongue, surrounded by a slightly raised, white or light-colored border. These patches can change their location, size, and shape from day to day.

Causes

The exact cause of geographic tongue is unknown. However, it has been associated with several factors including genetic predisposition, stress, and certain vitamin deficiencies.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for geographic tongue as it is a benign condition. However, if the condition causes discomfort, treatments may include over-the-counter pain relievers, mouth rinses, and topical medications.

Related Terms

• Tongue
• Benign
• Glossitis
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Genetic predisposition

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Geographic
• Wikipedia's article - Geographic

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