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
If you have tongue pain and smooth, red spots on your tongue in a map-like pattern, you could have geographic tongue. While geographic tongue is harmless, you should see your doctor to rule out other medical conditions. What are the treatments for geographic tongue? Because geographic tongue is a benign condition, treatment is not necessary.
Specialist To Consult
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.
Does geographic tongue go away on its own?
If you do experience geographic tongue, remember that it’s benign, requires no treatment, and doesn't lead to other health problems. You're now prepared to care for your geographic tongue by avoiding spicy foods and focusing on reducing your anxiety. Want more tips and offers sent directly to your inbox?
How do I know if I have geographic tongue?
Is geographic tongue dangerous?
How should I care for my geographic tongue?
How do you get rid of geographic tongue while pregnant?
Geographic tongue does not have a treatment or cure. Most lesions and symptoms will disappear in a few days or weeks.
Will I have geographic tongue forever?
Geographic tongue can continue for days, months or years. The problem often resolves on its own but may appear again at a later time.
Can geographic tongue be caused by hormones?
Hormonal surges: Women who are taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) have developed geographic tongue, possibly due to the female hormones in the pills. Vitamin deficiencies: People who don't have enough zinc, iron, folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 are more likely to have geographic tongue.
How do you get rid of geographic tongue forever?
Geographic tongue typically doesn't require any medical treatment. Although geographic tongue can sometimes cause tongue discomfort, it's otherwise a harmless condition.
Does vitamin b12 help geographic tongue?
The results showed that patients with geographic tongue had lower levels of salivary zinc, compared to the control group. Although iron and vitamin B12 affect the lingual papillae, their serum and salivary levels did not change.
Does anxiety cause 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.
What percent of people have a geographic tongue?
Affected Populations The prevalence of geographic tongue is unknown, but it is estimated to occur in approximately 1-3 percent of the general population.
Does Magic Mouthwash help geographic tongue?
Even though there's no magic mouthwash for geographic tongue, consider rinsing with ordinary mouthwash. Avoid any items that cause discomfort.
What does geographic tongue look like?
The patches on the tongue are caused by an absence of papillae or tiny bumps in the affected area. The patches are smooth and red. In some cases, the edges may appear to be slightly raised. Geographic tongue is not a common condition and tends to affect adults approaching midlife.
Does diet affect geographic tongue?
Geographic tongue is a harmless condition that appears on the top and sides of the tongue, forming small, map-like red areas. Foods that may trigger geographic tongue include hot foods and beverages, alcohol, and spicy foods.
Can you brush geographic tongue?
Taking Care of Your Geographic Tongue Meticulous oral hygiene is always recommended, but pay special attention to your oral health if you have geographic tongue. This means brushing your teeth and tongue twice a day. And don't forget to floss daily.
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. If your tongue isn't bothering you, there is no treatment needed.
What triggers geographic tongue?
Geographic Tongue Causes and Risk Factors However, because geographic tongue tends to run in families, it might have something to do with your genes. Geographic tongue is also more common in people who have psoriasis or cracks and grooves on the top and sides of their tongue (fissured tongue).
Can toothpaste cause geographic tongue?
Alcohol, tobacco and some types of toothpaste can aggravate the symptoms of geographic tongue. Because of the asymptomatic nature of this condition, many patients are usually unaware of the lesions and the condition is usually found during a routine oral examination.
Does Magic Mouthwash help geographic tongue?
Even though there's no magic mouthwash for geographic tongue, consider rinsing with ordinary mouthwash. Avoid any items that cause discomfort.
What does dehydrated tongue look like?
When someone is dehydrated, the tongue appears dry and typically has a white or white-to-yellowish coating. In some cases, the tongue can appear patchy or splotchy. If your tongue commonly sticks to the roof of your mouth, you are dehydrated!
Why does my pregnant mother have a geographic tongue?
Pregnant women go through a lot of hormonal changes, and the growing fetus saps a lot of nutrients from the mother’s body. This can make a mother vitamin deficient, and she may experience symptoms like a geographic tongue.
How long does geographic tongue last?
Symptoms may appear for a few days and then disappear for several months. Likewise, the map-like appearance may be present for several months and then disappear for years.
What are the tiny extensions on your tongue called?
On a healthy tongue, tiny, finger-like extensions called papillae stick up and help you eat, swallow, and taste. If you have geographic tongue, those papillae disappear, leaving behind patches of your tongue that are bald, smooth, and red. Geographic tongue is also known as erythema migrans tongue.
What are the symptoms of geographic tongue?
The symptoms of geographic tongue include: irregular, island-shaped red lesions that are smooth and possibly sensitive. white or light-colored borders that may be slightly raised around the edges of the lesions. patches or lesions of varying sizes and shapes. patches or lesions that appear to “migrate” or move from one area ...
What causes tongue lesions?
Geographic tongue causes island-shaped lesions that give your tongue a map-like appearance. The lesions can appear on the upper surface and sides of the tongue. They look ragged and uneven, and sometimes have white borders or edges.
What does it mean when you have a map on your tongue?
If the map-like spots begin appearing in other parts of your mouth, such as under your tongue or on the soft palate, you may have another condition called stomatitis erythema migrans. It has the same symptoms and signs of classic geographic tongue, but the lesions have spread beyond the tongue.
How long does a fissured tongue last?
mild discomfort or burning sensations on the tongue or in the mouth. Symptoms can last as long as a year, and they may return at another point. Some people who experience a geographic tongue will also develop a fissured tongue. These two conditions occur together frequently.
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.
Do people with geographic tongues have that characteristic all their life?
Not really : Usually people with geographic tongue have that characteristic all their life.
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/reasons for geographic tongue?
None known: It is really still a mystery why some people develop geographic tongue. There are some suspicions that a vitamin b deficiency may contribute, but sti... Read More
Does Geographic tongue disappear?
No: Geographic tongue will not disappear, but don't worry about it. It is a totally benign condition and needs no treatment.
Is glossitis a nuisance?
Usually yes: It is also called benign migratory glossitis and is a nuisance, but other than that, not much to worry about. You may find which foods to avoid to ke... Read More
Is there an association between geographic tongue and atopy?
Possibly: A german study published in 1979 suggested an association between geographic tongue and atopy.
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 does it mean when your tongue is red?
If you have tongue pain and smooth, red spots on your tongue in a map-like pattern, you could have geographic tongue. While geographic tongue is harmless, you should see your doctor to rule out other medical conditions.
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.
What does it feel like to have a burning sensation on your tongue?
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.
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.
Why do pregnant women have tongue problems?
You see, research reveals that 80 to 90% of pregnant women are deficient in one or more critical nutrients. As their body’s demand for nutrients increases they just aren’t getting them. Not only can this result in Geographic Tongue but also in an increased risk of things like Spina-Bifida. (See Alison’s comment below).
Do you need to eat for two while pregnant?
Pregnancy is a time of high nutritional need, after all you are “eating for two” now. Not that you need twice the calories but you do need twice the nutrition to build healthy bones and bodies. But in today’s world it is difficult to get the proper nutrition for one let alone enough for two.
Does vitamin therapy help with tongue pain?
I have been super cautious about my diet simply because I DO NOT want my tongue to hurt that bad again, but the vitamin therapy seems to help a lot. THANK YOU!
Can you have a geographic tongue while pregnant?
So there is hope if you have Geographic Tongue and are pregnant or nursing. Get the proper nutrition and it will make a big difference not only for you but for your baby.
How long does a Geographic tongue last?
Geographic tongue can continue for days, months or years. The problem often resolves on its own but may appear again at a later time.
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 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 is Geographic tongue?
Geographic tongue is an inflammatory but harmless condition affecting the surface of your tongue.
What is a fissured tongue?
Fissured tongue. People with geographic tongue often have another disorder called fissured tongue, which has the appearance of deep grooves (fissures) on the surface of the tongue.
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.
Why is my tongue a geographic tongue?
This condition may be linked to psoriasis and lichen planus, though the connection is not well understood.
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.
What causes geographic tongue
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. But more research is needed to better understand possible connections.
Geographic tongue diagnosis
Your physician or dentist can usually make a diagnosis of geographic tongue based on an examination of your tongue and your signs and symptoms.
Geographic tongue treatment
No treatment necessary, because geographic tongue is a benign (harmless) condition that usually resolves itself without causing any problems for the patient so most people do not require treatment. There is no known cure. If there are associated medical conditions, treatment of these may improve the appearance of the tongue.