Geographic tongue

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Geographic tongue
Geographic tongue
Synonyms	Benign migratory glossitis, erythema migrans
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Red patches on the tongue with white borders
Complications	Rarely, fissured tongue
Onset	Any age, often in childhood
Duration	Variable, can be chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown, possibly genetic
Risks	Family history, psoriasis
Diagnosis	Clinical examination
Differential diagnosis	Oral lichen planus, candidiasis, leukoplakia
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Usually none required, symptomatic relief if needed
Medication	Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common, affects 1-3% of the population
Deaths	N/A

Geographic Tongue

Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, is a benign inflammatory condition that affects the surface of the tongue. It is characterized by smooth, red patches surrounded by slightly raised, white or gray borders. The patches may change in size, shape, and location, giving the tongue's surface a map-like appearance, hence the name “geographic.”

Geographic tongue (cropped)

Causes

• The exact cause of geographic tongue is unknown. However, several factors are believed to be associated with the condition:
• Genetic predisposition
• Stress or psychological factors
• Hormonal changes
• Allergies or sensitivities to certain foods or substances
• Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B
• Geographic tongue has also been linked with other conditions such as psoriasis and fissured tongue.

Symptoms

• People with geographic tongue may experience the following:
• Smooth, red patches on the tongue with irregular shapes
• Slight discomfort or burning sensation, particularly when eating spicy or acidic foods
• Changes in the pattern, size, and location of patches over time
• Many individuals with geographic tongue may have no symptoms at all and the condition is often discovered during a routine dental exam.

Diagnosis

Geographic tongue is usually diagnosed based on clinical examination. A healthcare provider or dentist will examine the tongue and inquire about symptoms. In most cases, no further testing is necessary. However, in cases where a diagnosis is uncertain, a biopsy may be performed.

Treatment

• Geographic tongue is a benign condition and often does not require treatment. However, for individuals who experience discomfort or sensitivity, the following measures may be recommended:
• Avoiding foods or substances that seem to worsen symptoms, such as spicy foods, tobacco, or alcohol
• Using a mild toothpaste that does not contain strong flavors or irritants
• Rinsing the mouth with a mild saltwater solution
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers or mouth rinses as needed
• In severe cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

Prognosis

Geographic tongue is a chronic condition that may persist for months or years. However, it is not harmful or associated with an increased risk of more serious conditions. The appearance of the tongue may fluctuate over time and symptoms may come and go.

See Also

• Oral mucosa
• Tongue disease

References

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