GEOGRAPHIC TONGUE

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE A GEOGRAPHIC TONGUE?

Have you ever had a map-like design on your tongue? Is it sore, or have you been wondering if it could be anything serious?Visit us in London for a check-up. Call 020 71830755 to book an appointment now.

Geographic tongue is now a very rampant condition, and it is seen to appear at the sides and top of the tongue and sometimes, underneath the surface. This usually causes some parts of the tongue to become red, irregular and smooth with white lines surrounding the red patches. These changes make the mouth have an outline of a map. This is why it is called geographic tongue.

After a few weeks or months, these red patches alongside the white lines may change to a different position.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF GEOGRAPHIC TONGUE?

Geographic tongue occurs when the old surface of the tongue tries to replace itself. This replacement of the new skin layer of the tongue with the old one does not occur evenly— some parts get replaced before the others. The parts that get replaced early appear to be red and sore looking like a patch. The other parts may take too long to get replaced, and this makes them have a white look.

Most of the time, the new red area can feel sore. This is because they are tender and thin and can be easily infected with candida, also known as thrush. Thrush is a very common infection in the mouth.

WHAT COULD WORSEN THE CASE?

The case could be worsened by eating acidic substances like citrus fruit or foods with much spice, mostly chillies. This is because the red patches are tender and raw and having foods like these come in contact with them can make the soreness feel worse. However, the case itself does not literally become worse; it is the discomfort that gets worse when foods that are not suitable with the condition are eaten.

ARE SPECIAL TESTS NEEDED TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION?

No, you do not need any special test to diagnose the condition. All you need is to have your dentist or dental team in London take a look at your tongue. A visual appraisal is all it takes to get it diagnosed.

You can visit our dental clinic in London, for your check-up. Book an appointment with us now.

HOW CAN THIS CONDITION BE TREATED?

It is quite unfortunate, but there is no treatment for this condition. However, when the red patches are infected with thrush, the discomforts can be eased by applying some medications for thrush (e.g. miconazole gel) on the patches. These medications can easily be gotten from the pharmacist.

There is no tendency for the geographic tongue to be cancerous. You will have to learn how to live peaceably with it. Adjusting to foods that do not worsen them may be all you need to do to feel better.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IT HAPPENS TO GET WORSE?

If this condition, unfortunately, gets worse, alert your dentist so that he can refer you to the hospital for adequate care.

If you need more information, feel free to call our dental helpline on 020 71830755. You can also visit our clinic in Londonto meet with our dentist. Book an appointment with us now.