by Ruth Kongaika

Created on: October 27, 2009   Last Updated: October 28, 2009

A geographic tongue can be alarming, but usually is a harmless condition. It looks as though you have a map on your tongue. There is a loss of some papillae or small bumps that cover your tongue's surface. There is also at times a distinct color contrast between different areas of the tongue. This pattern seems to move from one area of the tongue to the other. You may also have deep grooves or fissures that form on the surface of the tongue.

This condition runs in families, but the exact cause is not certain. People who are unusually sensitive to the environment, such as those with asthma, allergies, and eczema seem more prone to get geographic tongue. Studies have shown that eating a diet high in sugar or eating foods that have been processed may increase the occurrence. Also geographic tongue may be contributed to deficiencies in vitamins, hormonal changes and certain allergies. Stress exacerbates this malady, and there is a link between psoriasis and geographic tongue.

Geographic tongue is more common in women, but can occur at any age. It affects only about one to three percent of the population.

According to the Mayo Clinic, geographic tongue is a benign (harmless) condition and it is usually painless. Certain foods or substances may cause some tongue discomfort. There are some home-style remedies that have been used to reduce the discomfort. They include ibuprofen or Tylenol, mouth rinses, zinc supplements and anti-inflammatory substances. If the discomfort becomes unbearable, a trip to the doctor or dentist is advised.

If you decide to see a doctor or dentist about your geographic tongue, questions that might be asked include:

When did it first appear?

Does it come and go, or is it continuous?

Is it more uncomfortable when you eat certain foods?

Do you have other allergies or physical conditions?

Are you presently under a lot of stress?

Geographic tongue usually resolves on its own but has been known to last as long as a year or more. It may also return after seemingly disappearing. You may be asked to try different treatments to find the one that works for you. Because of the nature of geographic tongue, it may be difficult to find one specific treatment that works for you.

If you are anxious about your tongues appearance, just be aware that it is not a serious condition and will probably resolve on its own.

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