Geographic Tongue – Possible causes and common treatment options
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
Our tongue’s upper surface is covered with an infinite number of small, node-like bumps called papillae. It provides a rough texture to the tongue’s upper surfaces. Geographic tongue is a disorder that dissipates the tongue papillae and causes map-like patches with white borders on the tongue’s upper surfaces.
Such misshapen, island-like lesions appear on the tongue is a harmless condition and is not associated with any serious diseases. Meanwhile, it may be a symptom of any inflammatory condition or underlying syndrome affecting our body. People of all age ranges are susceptible to develop this oral problem.
What causes Geographic Tongue?
The primary cause of this problem is unknown. But dentists believe that various factors including genes are responsible for the bald areas and misshapen spots on the tongue.
- Vitamin B Deficiency – People who are deficient in Vitamin B are highly vulnerable to inflammatory disorders. Lack of Vitamins B6 and B12 might cause Geographic tongue. Likewise, people who do not have enough mineral compounds like zinc, iron, folic acid can also develop geographic tongue.
- Psoriasis – Dental experts believe that geographic tongue is the oral form of Psoriasis. The overabundance of dead cells over the skin causes light-colored patches. People who suffer from Psoriasis can easily be affected by this dental disorder.
- Diabetes – The increased sugar in the blood causes various oral problems including the dry tongue. It subsequently leads to developing patches or lesions over the upper surface and sides of our tongue. Type 1 Diabetes sufferers are more vulnerable to benign migratory glossitis (Geographic Tongue).
- Oral Lichen Planus – This is an inflammatory disorder that affects the mucous membranes inside our mouth and develops pink or purplish patches in various regions of our mouth.
- Allergies – It has been reported that geographic tongue can also be caused by health disorders like fever, eczema and others that have an allergic reaction to our body.
- Fissured Tongue – Fissures on the tongue can be defined as the deep grooves, cracks that cause wrinkles over the tongue surfaces. This condition is linked to various syndromes, vitamin deficiency or malnutrition.
Besides these, various psychological factors and hormonal disturbances also have connectivity to this inflammatory tongue disorder.
How long does the geographic tongue last?
As mentioned earlier, it is a benign condition. So you do not worry about its existence. In general, the irregular patches or lesions on the tongue go on their own within a few weeks or months. It lasts for years for some persons.
On the other hand, it moves to other regions of the tongue. If you encounter such abnormalities or difficulties like burning sensation, consult your Dentist for treatment.
Treatment Options to fix Geographic Tongue
Here are some of the common things recommended by Dentists to reduce or vanquish the misshaped patches on the tongue:
- Over the Counter medications
- Zinc Supplements
- Corticosteroids
- Anti-inflammatories
Meanwhile, some self-care actions like avoiding spicy foods, acidic drinks and beverages are also essential to fix the tongue’s map-like lesions.
