what is geographic tongue treatment

Medication

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: Mouthwash with an antihistamine (medication to relieve allergic reaction).

Nutrition

Mar 23, 2020 · Geographic Tongue Treatment Any pain or discomfort will probably get better on its own. But if you have severe, constant pain, medication can help. Your doctor or …

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Nov 16, 2021 · 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: OTC medication. Any pain or...

How do you cure geographic tongue?

Sep 10, 2017 · In part due to the unknown causes, there is no known prevention for geographic tongue. Treatment Anesthetic and antihistamine mouthwash may be recommended as treatments for geographic tongue. Left...

Is there a cure for geographic tongue?

Mar 07, 2021 · Managing the Pain with Medication 1. Try a salt water rinse to help ease your pain. ... Dissolve 1 teaspoon (6 g) of sea salt into 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of... 2. Apply a topical analgesic to numb your tongue. If you still feel discomfort after taking pain relievers, or you... 3. Use an antihistamine ...

What really causes geographic tongue?

How can I prevent geographic tongue?

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Apr 21, 2019 · Other treatments for geographic tongue include: anaesthetic and antihistamine mouthwash oral pain relievers corticosteroid rinses.

Can a geographic tongue go away?

What causes a person to have a geographic tongue?

What foods trigger geographic tongue?

How do you get rid of geographic tongue fast?

Is geographic tongue serious?

Does salt Water Help geographic tongue?

What mouthwash is best for geographic tongue?

What vitamin deficiency causes geographic tongue?

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 map-like pattern on the 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.

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 is the red rash on the top of the mouth called?

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.

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:

Why do people have geographic tongue?

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). Geographic tongue affects about 1% to 3% of people. It can happen at any age, but it’s more ...

How common is geographic tongue?

Geographic tongue affects about 1% to 3% of people. It can happen at any age, but it’s more likely in young adults. It’s more common in women than in men.

How does Geographic Tongue get its name?

Geographic tongue is a condition that gets its name from patches that look like a map on the top and sides of your tongue. You can also have it in other areas of your mouth. Doctors sometimes call it benign migratory glossitis or erythema migrans. The patches can come and go or change very quickly over days, weeks, or months.

How to treat a swollen tongue?

Any pain or discomfort will probably get better on its own. But if you have severe, constant pain, medication can help. Your doctor or dentist may prescribe: 1 Over-the-counter pain relievers 2 Anti-inflammatories 3 Mouth rinses with anesthetic 4 Corticosteroids that you put on your tongue 5 Zinc supplements

Where are the patches on your tongue?

They’re usually on your tongue but can also be on your gums, on your cheeks, on the roof of your mouth, or under your tongue. These patches may: Have a white or light-colored border. Vary in size, shape, and color. Start in one area and then move to another. Not have the small bumps (papillae) that usually cover your tongue.

Is Geographic tongue contagious?

Geographic tongue is benign, which means it’s harmless. It isn't linked to an infection or cancer. It isn’t contagious, so you can’t catch it from or pass it to someone else.

Why do people have geographic tongues?

Researchers do not know exactly why geographic tongue develops, but certain people may be more likely to develop it than others. These people typically have a disease or condition that increases their risk.

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 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 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.

How long does it take for a geographic tongue to go away?

Most cases of geographic tongue will go away without treatment in a few days.

What are the symptoms of a geographic tongue?

Signs and symptoms of geographic tongue may include: 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 ...

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.

What is the result of the loss of tiny hairlike projections (papillae) on your tongue's

Geographic tongue results from the loss of tiny hairlike projections (papillae) on your tongue's surface. This papillae loss appears as smooth, red patches of varying shapes and sizes.

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.

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 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 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.

What is a geographical tongue?

Geographic tongue is an often painless condition where spots or patches appear on the top and sides of the tongue. The irregular patches make the tongue resemble a map, which is where the condition gets its name. In some cases, geographic tongue spots can appear in other areas of the mouth.

How to diagnose geographic tongue?

A doctor or dentist may diagnose geographic tongue. This is most commonly done through a simple examination of the tongue and mouth. They may: 1 check for signs of illness, such as swollen glands, fever, or other symptoms 2 look at the tongue under a light 3 poke the tongue to check for unusual-feeling tissue or tenderness 4 ask someone to move their tongue to examine it better

What are the risk factors for geographic tongue?

Scientists have identified two potential risk factors for geographic tongue. One is fissured tongue, a condition where the tongue has grooves all along the surface. Another potential risk factor is genetics, as the condition may be passed down from one generation to the next.

How long do tongue patches last?

patches that develop, heal, and migrate to different parts of the tongue over time. patches that change in size over time. patches that last up to a year at a time. Additional symptoms may include some mild discomfort or pain. This often happens during contact with foods or other substances.

How long does it take for a tongue to go undetected?

Geographic tongue may go undetected for months or years. Often a dentist or doctor discovers the condition during a routine oral examination.

What to do if you have a red patch on your tongue?

If a person notices smooth, red patches on the tongue, they should seek a diagnosis from a doctor or dentist. Though geographic tongue may be benign with no associated complications, some more serious conditions may be mistaken for geographic tongue.

How to check for a swollen tongue?

check for signs of illness, such as swollen glands, fever, or other symptoms. look at the tongue under a light. poke the tongue to check for unusual-feeling tissue or tenderness. ask someone to move their tongue to examine it better.

How to get rid of tongue irritability?

2. Wait until your symptoms pass to drink alcohol or chew tobacco. Just like with spicy foods, alcohol and tobacco can irritate your symptoms when you’re experiencing geographic tongue. If you drink or use chewing tobacco, wait until your symptoms subside to use them.

How to treat a swollen tongue?

You can manage these symptoms with over the counter pain relievers. Use anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen or ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation on your tongue.

Why does my tongue get pink?

If you’ve noticed raised pink patches on your tongue that burn or itch, then you may be experiencing geographic tongue. This condition could be related to an allergy attack, vitamin deficiency, psoriasis, autoimmune conditions, inflammation, or other unknown causes. [1]

How to get rid of itchy tongue?

If your tongue is itchy, try rinsing with a mouthwash infused with antihistamines. These soothe the area and help reduce the itching.

How long does it take for a tongue to clear up?

Visit your dentist if the condition doesn’t improve in 10 days. In almost all cases, geographic tongue is minor and clears up on its own within a week. However, some cases are more severe and don’t clear up. In this case, make an appointment with your dentist and have your tongue examined.

How to numb your tongue after taking pain relievers?

Apply a topical analgesic to numb your tongue. If you still feel discomfort after taking pain relievers, or you prefer to numb your tongue directly, then a topical analgesic gel will also help you manage your symptoms. Squeeze a bit of gel onto a Q-tip and rub it onto the irritated parts of your mouth.

How to get rid of numbness in mouth?

Salt water can help numb oral pain and make your mouth less sensitive. [2] Dissolve 1 teaspoon (6 g) of sea salt into 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30–60 seconds so it coats your tongue completely.

How long does it take for a geographic tongue to go away?

Does geographic tongue go away? If your symptoms persist for more than 10 days , see your dental professional to rule out any potentially serious oral health conditions. Geographic tongue usually resolves without treatment after a few months and the tongue returns to a normal appearance.

What is the name of the bumps that cover the tongue?

Geographic tongue occurs when the papillae (the small bumps that cover the tongue) disappear from random areas of the tongue, leaving smooth, red patches of different sizes that create a map-like appearance. These patches may change in size and shape from day to day.

Can geographic tongue cause cancer?

Geographic Tongue Causes. Geographic Tongue Treatment. Many factors can cause infections in the mouth, but one of the oddest-looking oral conditions is not connected to an infection, nor is it a sign of oral cancer. In fact, most people with geographic tongue are otherwise healthy.

What is Geographic Tongue?

5. ( 1156) Geographic tongue is irregular patches that resemble a map on one’s tongue, that is why people called the condition that name. You may not feel pain at all in the area where the spot is located on your tongue. Also, the patches usually appear, on the top and sides of the tongue.

How to get rid of tongue disease?

Also, it helps get rid of bad breath. Apply the gel to your tongue or simply extract the liquid from the leaf and apply. Also, leave it for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

What are the risk factors for geographic tongue?

These include: One is a fissured tongue, a condition where the tongue has grooves all along the surface. Secondly, genetics, as the condition may be passed down from one generation to the next.

How to get rid of bacteria in mouth?

Gently scraping the tongue from back to front may also help reduce and remove the bacteria and debris that settle in the mouth.

What foods help with tongue?

Also, zinc promotes a proper and improved sense of taste and smell too. Some food that is high in zinc includes: like red meat. fish.

What vitamins help with geographic tongue?

Vitamin B and Zinc supplements for geographic tongue. The journal of dental medicine highlights that zinc effective in promoting healthy epithelial tissues and in the treatment of geographic tongue. That means that if you have Zinc deficiency you might as well end up with the geographic tongue and other oral problems.

How long does a patch on the top of your tongue last?

You may notice a smooth or red spot on the top and side of the tongue. Also, you may notice a patch that lasts up to a year at a time.

What is GT lesion?

Clinically, GT lesions present as multiple, well demarcated areas of erythema, surrounded by a white, serpiginous, hyperkeratotic elevated border. There is atrophy of the filiform papillae. 4 The characteristic pattern reported by patients is spontaneous resolution of the lesion in one area, with return of normal tongue architecture — followed by another lesion appearing in a different location on the tongue. This pattern of resolution and recurrence to a new location is what led to the migratory name. Lesions may change in terms of location, pattern and size, and also occur on other mucosal surfaces, including the floor of the mouth and buccal mucosa. 4,27 Lesions can last up to two weeks.

What is a Gt?

Geographic tongue (GT) is a benign oral mucosal lesion that usually affects the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the tongue. 1 This condition was first described by Rayer 2 in 1831 as a wandering rash of the tongue, and has since been known by various names, including benign migratory glossitis, erythema migrans and annulus migrans. 3 The disease is characterized by alternating activity, remission, and reactivation at various locations of the tongue. This article will review the condition’s clinical features, etiology and pathogenesis, treatment, and oral health considerations.

What are the causes of GT?

Psychological factors, such as stress and anxiety, may play a role in the etiology of GT. Ebrahimi et al 20 found an association between stress and GT, noting that reducing stress can promote lesion healing. Other studies that examined the relationship between anxiety and GT indicate that anxiety increases the risk for this condition. 21,22 Some studies have indicated that GT is less common in smokers. 9 This may be due to increased keratinization and decreased inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and IL-6 by macro­phages, which occur through the activation of nicotine receptors in these cells. 17

What is the role of IL-8 in GT?

23 More specifically, higher salivary levels of IL-8 were positively correlated with the severity of GT. Neutrophils were found in subepithelial GT lesions, suggesting that IL-8 was the pro-inflammatory cytokine in the pathogenesis of this condition. However, the papillary atrophy of GT and subsequent colonization of bacterial and fungal organisms might also contribute to the neutrophil recruitment. 23 Another possible role of IL-8 in GT is the involvement of IL-8 in angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form to facilitate healing. 23,24

What diseases are associated with GT?

This condition has also been associated with systemic diseases, including atopy, allergy, asthma, stress, eczema, psoriasis, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, and syndromes such as Reiter syndrome and Down syndrome. Another study showed that 25% of patients with GT had allergy concurrently. 9–11

Does salt water help with burning tongue?

In the past, the patient was advised to rinse with warm salt water to help with the burning tongue sensation, but because she said it only occasionally bothered her, no other recommendations were offered. For her current condition of GT, the patient was asymptomatic. She was advised to avoid spicy or acidic food and drink, as the patient self-reported that such foods exacerbated the burning tongue sensation. The patient was advised to return for further care if she became symptomatic.

Does a gt require treatment?

In most cases, GT is asymptomatic, and, because it is a benign condition, it does not require treatment. For symptomatic cases, use of topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, cyclosporine and vitamin A may provide some relief. Triggers that can intensify GT symptoms include alcohol, hot, spicy or sour foods, and acidic fruits or beverages. 3 However, according to a 2018 systematic review, specific recommendations are not available on how to effectively reduce GT symptoms. 32