What does a geographic tongue look like?
What does a geographic tongue look like?
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.
What diseases cause geographic tongue?
In addition to fissured tongue, geographic tongue has been associated with many other conditions especially psoriasis. Psoriasis a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by dry, reddish (erythematous), thickened patches of skin that are covered with silvery-gray scales.
How long does geographic tongue last?
How long does geographic tongue last? 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.
Why should you not brush your tongue?
If you do not specifically concentrate on brushing your tongue, bacteria and germs will shelter in your papillae and remain in your mouth. These germs and bacteria can then lead to cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
What is tongue geographic?
Geographic Tongue. Geographic tongue (also known as benign migratory glossitis) is an inflammatory disorder that usually appears on the top and sides of the tongue. Typically, affected tongues have a bald, red area of varying sizes that is surrounded, at least in part, by an irregular white border (see Right).
What causes geographic tongues?
Geographic tongue occurs when parts of the tongue are missing layers of small bumps called papillae. They normally cover the entire upper layer of your tongue. Why do you lose these papillae with geographic tongue? Nobody knows for sure. However, because geographic tongue tends to run in families, genetics may be a common link.
What are the symptoms of geographic tongue?
Symptoms of Geographic Tongue. The telltale signs of geographic tongue are irregular, smooth, red patches on parts of the tongue.
What is the treatment for geographic tongue?
anesthetic and antihistamine mouthwash
