Geographic Tongue

Geographic Tongue

1. Harmless condition

2. Affecting the tongue surface

3. Tongue

   • missing
     • papillae
       • Pinkish-white projections
   • Appear smooth red islands
   • Patches
     • On surface
     • Lesions
       • Migrate and change size
       • Give a map-like appearance
       • can persist for months or years.

4. Known as Benign Migratory Glossitis

   • Doesn't cause problems
   • May Increase sensitivity

5. Symptoms

   • Smooth
   • Red
   • Irregulary
   • Shaped
     • Patches on top or side of tongue
   • Discomfort, pain
   • burning sensation
     • eating hot, spicy, salty or acidic foods
   • May not present
   • fever

6. Causes

   • unknown

7. Tests and diagnosis

   • Tongue examination
     • lighted instrument
     • move your tongue around
     • palpate tongue
       • tenderness
       • tongue's texture or consistency

8. Treatments and drugs

   • doesn't require
   • May recommend
     • Mouth rinses
     • Antihistamine mouth rinses
     • Corticosteroid ointments or rinses
       • benefit uncertain