Geographic Tongue

Harmless condition
Affecting the tongue surface
Tongue
1. missing
  1. papillae
    1. Pinkish-white projections
2. Appear smooth red islands
3. Patches
  1. On surface
  2. Lesions
    1. Migrate and change size
    2. Give a map-like appearance
    3. can persist for months or years.
Known as Benign Migratory Glossitis
1. Doesn't cause problems
2. May Increase sensitivity
Symptoms
1. Smooth
2. Red
3. Irregulary
4. Shaped
  1. Patches on top or side of tongue
5. Discomfort, pain
6. burning sensation
  1. eating hot, spicy, salty or acidic foods
7. May not present
8. fever
Causes
1. unknown
Tests and diagnosis
1. Tongue examination
  1. lighted instrument
  2. move your tongue around
  3. palpate tongue
    1. tenderness
    2. tongue's texture or consistency
Treatments and drugs
1. doesn't require
2. May recommend
  1. Mouth rinses
  2. Antihistamine mouth rinses
  3. Corticosteroid ointments or rinses
    1. benefit uncertain

Resource summary

	Created by Jhesica G. Escob over 9 years ago