{"id":20653,"date":"2023-07-16T12:57:43","date_gmt":"2023-07-16T17:57:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20653"},"modified":"2023-09-06T07:24:45","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T12:24:45","slug":"what-is-a-geographic-tongue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/what-is-a-geographic-tongue\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Geographic Tongue?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Geographic Tongue: Understanding How Your Skin Can Affect Your Tongue<\/span><\/h2>\n

As described by Medical News Today, <\/span>geographic tongue<\/span><\/a> is a condition in which patches of the tongue\u2019s surface are smoother, creating red \u201cislands.\u201d Further, these islands may be separated by lesions that intersect the tongue.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s an oral condition affecting only <\/span>3% of the general population<\/span><\/a> that can significantly impact daily life. Some folks may have lingering questions about geographic tongue because of how few people receive the diagnosis and little knowledge of its causes. Throughout this guide, you\u2019ll learn about the symptoms to watch for, the diagnosis process, causes of geographic tongue and treatment tips.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Signs and symptoms of geographic tongue<\/span><\/h2>\n

While some folks may be asymptomatic, others see noticeable symptoms if diagnosed with geographic tongue. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms. The severity of each symptom will vary with each diagnosis, as well. Let\u2019s take a look at the most common signs of geographic tongue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bald patches<\/span><\/p>\n

Papillae<\/span><\/a> are little bumps on the tongue\u2019s surface used to grip your food while you eat and are home to thousands of tastebuds. Someone with a geographic tongue may experience loss of papillae in sporadic areas, leaving behind smooth red patches that give off a bald-like appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

While bald patches may look severe, they\u2019re a rather harmless symptom resulting in an increased sensitivity to different tastes like sour or spicy flavors. Having multiple bald patches next to one another gives off the appearance of a rough texture, despite the lack of papillae.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tongue discoloration<\/span><\/p>\n

A healthy tongue is pink in color, ranging in shades from light to dark. If you notice red patches with a light-colored border, then you may be experiencing symptoms of geographic tongue. Be sure to contact a <\/span>medical professional with experience in tongue discoloration<\/span><\/a> to determine whether or not this symptom is a sign of concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sudden sensitivity to foods, beverages and oral care products<\/span><\/p>\n

As mentioned above, papillae are home to your taste buds \u2014 without them, you\u2019re bound to encounter some sensitivity to foods, beverages and oral care products. Even those with damaged papillae, like an inflamed tastebud, may experience a sudden onset of sensitivities. It\u2019s difficult to predict the exact sensitivities you\u2019ll personally experience with a geographic tongue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be mindful of any sudden sensitivities to sweet, spicy or salty foods \u2014 for it could be an indicator of geographic tongue. You may experience increased sensitivities to oral hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash, as well. Be sure to stop consuming\/using anything that\u2019s giving you discomfort and talk to a doctor as soon as possible to figure out what\u2019s causing the sudden oral sensitivities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mild discomfort or burning sensations<\/span><\/p>\n

People with prominent signs of a geographic tongue often experience some discomfort, like mild burning sensations, when consuming certain foods or using oral care products. This is to be expected because of the lack of papillae on your tongue’s surface. Stop eating\/using whatever it is immediately and rinse your mouth using a mouthwash with an antihistamine to avoid experiencing any further discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral health concerns that share similar symptoms<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to note that the above symptoms aren\u2019t only signs of geographic tongue. They could be indicators of other oral health concerns, too. Here are a few oral issues that share the symptoms above.<\/span><\/p>\n