Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Benign migratory glossitis, also called geographic tongue, is a harmless benign inflammatory condition affecting the tongue's mucous membrane. It causes discolored bald patches on the tongue's surface that often appear in an "island-like" distribution, making the tongue's surface look like a map.
While the appearance of geographic tongue is unusual and may be alarming if someone has not experienced it before, the condition is completely benign. This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
People who experience geographic tongue often have periods of remission when they don't have any lesions at all. When lesions are present on the tongue, they may come and go at random, change size or shape, change location, change color usually they appear as white, yellow, pink, or red.
They may affect only one area of the tongue or several areas. Changes to the lesions associated with geographic tongue often take place over the course of several days. For most people, the condition is painless. While people often worry that the lesions associated with geographic tongue may predispose them to more serious health issues, there is no evidence that the condition increases a person's risk for more serious diseases, such as oral cancer.
While the changes in appearance caused by the condition may come and go, they do not cause permanent damage to the tongue and the condition is not believed to have any long-term health consequences. The exact cause of geographic tongue is unknown. However, there are many proposed theories and potential associations that have been explored. Many people with the condition have reported that it seems to appear during times of stress.
Others have noted that the condition may occasionally appear in families, implying there may be certain genetic or environmental components. One study exploring the possible connection with psoriasis identified a gene variant in interleukin-1 beta IL-1B as a predisposing factor for developing geographic tongue. In some cases, certain parafunctional habits such as teeth grinding have been linked to the development of geographic tongue.
Additionally, people who have a condition known as fissured tongue also appear to be more likely to have geographic tongue. While many theories are being explored, current research has yet to establish a definitive cause for geographic tongue, and links to certain conditions such as psoriasis remain speculative. Geographic tongue affects both men and women of all ages and racial backgrounds. It appears to occur more frequently in children.
Geographic tongue is often diagnosed incidentally; a doctor or dentist may notice the condition during a routine exam. However, sometimes people may specifically seek medical care when they notice the condition because they are worried it is a sign of a serious health problem, such as an infection or cancer. A diagnosis of geographic tongue is usually made after a doctor visually examines the mouth and asks questions, such as when the lesions appeared and if they are causing pain.
There are a few other conditions that may look similar to geographic tongue that a doctor may want to rule out, including:. As the condition is harmless and usually painless, doctors usually do not order any specific tests to diagnose the condition. If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, or if a doctor wants to rule out another condition with a similar appearance, they may take a tissue sample from the tongue for biopsy. However, in most cases, the characteristic appearance of geographic tongue lesions are adequate to make a confident diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Geographic tongue does not require any treatment because it is benign, resolves on its own, and usually doesn't cause pain. If someone with the condition notices sensitivity to certain foods, drinks, or substances such as tobacco or toothpaste they may want to take note of what irritates the lesions and avoid them during times when the condition is present or flaring up. These people typically have a disease or condition that increases their risk. This common skin condition causes a build-up of skin cells on the surface of the skin.
The overabundance of skin cells can turn into thick scaly patches that are frequently itchy and uncomfortable. People with psoriasis are more likely to develop geographic tongue, and some experts think geographic tongue is an oral form of psoriasis. This inflammatory condition causes bumps and lesions on the surface of the skin or inside the mouth.
A geographic tongue may be the oral form of this condition. Having too little vitamin B can cause inflammation, swelling, and other symptoms on the tongue. People who are vitamin B deficient are more likely to have bald areas on the tongue. These areas are where the papillae have disappeared. People who do not have enough vitamin B may also develop geographic tongue.
This can make a mother vitamin deficient, and she may experience symptoms like a geographic tongue. If you notice unusual lesions on your tongue and you begin experiencing breathing problems, difficulty speaking, or an inability to swallow or chew, seek emergency medical attention.
You may be experiencing a more serious condition that is not geographic tongue. If you notice the telltale signs of the condition or begin developing irritation or pain, make an appointment to see your doctor. Most cases of geographic tongue will go away without treatment in a few days. 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.
A geographic tongue is not a sign of a more serious condition, so you do not have to worry about it developing into something else. Geographic tongue is very distinct, so your doctor may only need to see your tongue to make a diagnosis. Still, your doctor may decide to rule out other possible conditions to make sure the lesions are not the result of another disease or problem.
To do this, your doctor may use blood tests to look for markers of inflammation, infection, or nutritional deficiencies. They may also use a lighted instrument to inspect the mouth, throat, and tongue for signs of other conditions. Rarely, a biopsy of skin may be necessary if the condition does not resolve in a few weeks. Geographic tongue does not have a treatment or cure. Most lesions and symptoms will disappear in a few days or weeks. Still, some treatments may help reduce symptoms:.
A healthy tongue will have a bright pink color and a smooth texture. A green tongue can be a sign of several serious medical conditions. Our Commitment Our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program brings oral health education to more than half a billion children around the world. Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Geographic Tongue: Causes, Symptoms, and Care. Top Articles.
Geographic Tongue: Causes and Symptoms Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, causes the surface of your tongue to have an irregular, patch-like appearance. 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.
Top tips when caring for your geographic tongue: Avoid spicy, hot, or acidic food and beverages if they cause pain. Even though there's no magic mouthwash for geographic tongue, consider rinsing with ordinary mouthwash. Avoid any items that cause discomfort. 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. Take steps to manage your stress and increase your self-image.
It may help to remind yourself that the condition is harmless and is not associated with other health concerns. Use over-the-counter solutions as recommended by your doctor. These could include pain relievers, anesthetic or antihistamine mouthrinse, steroid ointments, or vitamin B supplements. Was this article helpful? Like Neutral. You also might like. Coupons Shop Now Our Mission. Have questions about your smile?
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