Geographic tongue is the name of a condition that gets its name from its map-like appearance on the upper surface and sides of the tongue. It may occur in other areas of your mouth, as well

You’ll be relieved to know that geographic tongue is a harmless, benign condition that isn’t linked to any infection or cancer. Two other names for geographic tongue are benign migratory glossitis and erythema migrans

Affecting about 1% to 3% of people, geographic tongue can show up at any age. However, it tends to affect middle-aged or older adults more often. It appears to be more common in women than in men

Symptoms of Geographic Tongue

The telltale signs of geographic tongue are irregular, smooth, red patches on parts of the tongue. These patches may

Have a white or light-colored border

Vary in size, shape, and color

Appear one area, and then move to another area

Come and go or change very quickly in days, weeks, or months

Last up to a year

You may be unaware that you have geographic tongue until your dentist or other health care provider diagnoses it during an oral exam

About one in 10 people with geographic tongue may have mild discomfort or a burning or painful sensation. This is often from sensitivity to substances such as

Hot, spicy, or acidic foods

Cigarette smoke

Toothpaste

Causes and Risk Factors

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

Geographic tongue has also been seen more frequently in people with psoriasis and in those with fissured tongue. In fissured tongue, cracks and grooves appear on the tops and sides of the tongue

Treatment or Self-Care for Geographic Tongue

Seeing a dentist or doctor is the best way to rule out a more serious problem. In most cases, he or she can diagnose geographic tongue from a description of your symptoms and from examining your mouth and tongue. You may need tests to rule out other medical conditions

In most cases, any pain or discomfort will get better without treatment. But if you have severe, ongoing pain, medication can help. These are examples of what your doctor or dentist may prescribe

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Anti-inflammatories

Mouth rinses with anesthetic

Corticosteroids applied directly on the tongue

Zinc supplements

If you’re wondering about steps you can take to hasten the relief of symptoms, try limiting these substances or avoid them altogether

Tobacco

Hot, spicy, or acidic foods or dried, salty nuts

Toothpaste with additives, whitening agents, or heavy flavoring (toothpaste for sensitive teeth is a better choice)

Geographic tongue Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of geographic tongue may include

Smooth, red, irregularly shaped patches (lesions) on the top or side of your tongue

Frequent changes in the location, size and shape of lesions

Discomfort, pain or burning sensation in some cases, most often related to eating hot, spicy, salty or acidic foods

Many people with geographic tongue have no symptoms

Geographic tongue can persist for months or years. The problem often resolves on its own but may appear again at a later time

When to see a doctor

Geographic tongue is a minor — although sometimes uncomfortable — condition. However, lesions on the tongue may indicate other more serious conditions of the tongue or diseases affecting the body in general. If you have lesions on the tongue that don’t resolve within seven to 10 days, see your doctor or dentist