Geographic Tongue: A Generally Harmless Condition With An Odd Name

[LoShiNi]

Geographic tongue (also called benign migratory glossitis) is a condition in which lesions appear on the surface of your tongue, giving it a map-like look, hence the name. Despite its unsightly appearance, geographic tongue is harmless and isn’t a sign of a serious medical problem. It can last from a few days to years. Doctors still don’t know what causes it, and there is no standard treatment for the condition, but your doctor may prescribe you medicines if the condition is causing you discomfort.

The symptoms are quite obvious, which makes it easy for your doctor to make the diagnosis. They include:

- smooth, red patches (lesions) of different shape and size on your tongue;

- sometimes, lesions can also appear on other areas in your oral cavity;

- lesions tend to “migrate” – disappear from one area and move to another;

- in rare cases, pain and burning sensation when you eat irritating foods.

Experts think that the following factors may make you more likely to develop geographic tongue:

- family history;

- psoriasis;

- fissured tongue;

- lichen planus.

- vitamin B deficiency;




- pregnancy (related to hormonal changes and possible vitamin deficiency).


Go to the doctor if:

- the lesions on your tongue don’t go away after 10 days;

- your tongue hurts a lot;

- it’s hard for you to breathe, eat, and speak.

If your inflamed tongue is causing you much trouble, it might be a sign of a more serious condition than geographic tongue.




All you can do to relieve the discomfort of geographic tongue (if it causes you any) is take medicines if your doctor prescribed them and avoid substances that can make symptoms worse, including:

- spicy, acidic, and salty foods and foods that are too sweet;

- tobacco;

- alcohol;

- flavored toothpastes and toothpastes with whitening agents and additives.