What is a Geographic Tongue?

Most do not know what a geographic tongue is.  Drs. Ogle, Schmitz, Hart, and Fickas would like to share the symptoms in case you are experiencing the symptoms of a geographic tongue .  The mouth can have odd looking symptoms that may be infections or oral cancer. A geographic tongue is not an infection and is not oral cancer.  A geographic tongue is when the tongue has spots missing of the papillae or bumps on the tongue.  The tongue appears red with patches of different sizes with the bumps missing.  The tongue looks like a map and therefore has the name of geographic tongue.  These patches may change in sizes and shapes from day to day.  This may not always be painful but some report a burning sensation when eating hot or spicy food.  The cause of this condition is unknown but seems to run in the family.  Some of the possible causes include stress, allergies, or hormone changes.  Also, smoking and alcohol can make this condition worse.  If your symptoms persist for 10 days, please contact Family Dentistry so that Dr. Ogle, Schmitz, Hart, and Fickas can evaluate for further treatment recommendations.  Geographic tongue should disappear over time and eliminating spicy foods, tobacco, and alcohol will assist in the healing process.