What causes a person to have a geographic tongue?
What causes a person to have a geographic tongue?
A: The cause of geographic tongue is unknown. Several factors have been proposed as possible causes such as emotional stress, psychological factors, habits, allergies, diabetes and hormonal disturbances. However, none of these factors have been conclusively linked to geographic tongue.
What is glossitis of the tongue?
Glossitis is a problem in which the tongue is swollen and inflamed. This often makes the surface of the tongue appear smooth. Geographic tongue is a type of glossitis.
What does a beefy tongue mean?
Nutritional deficiencies include iron, folate and vitamin B12 deficiency. B12 deficiency will also make the tongue sore and beefy-red in color. Glossitis, by causing swelling of the tongue, may also cause the tongue to appear smooth. Among women, low-estrogen states may cause a “menopausal glossitis”.
What is the cause of glossitis?
Glossitis is often caused by an infection. Other causes include injury, irritation from tobacco or spicy foods, or a poor diet. Glossitis can make it hard for you to talk, chew, or swallow, especially if you get sores on your tongue. Treatment for glossitis depends on the cause.
Can geographic tongue go away?
Geographic tongue tends to come and go it usually heals without treatment, but will recur again usually affecting a different area of the tongue. Most cases are not associated with any symptoms (asymptomatic) and the condition usually goes away without treatment.
What is the best treatment for geographic tongue?
Geographic tongue typically doesn’t require any medical treatment….Treatment
- Over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Mouth rinses with an anesthetic.
- Antihistamine mouth rinses.
- Corticosteroid ointments or rinses.
- Vitamin B supplementation, in some cases.
How can I treat glossitis at home?
Treatment may include:
- Good oral care. Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
- Antibiotics or other medicines to treat infection.
- Diet changes and supplements to treat nutrition problems.
- Avoiding irritants (such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco) to ease discomfort.
What vitamin deficiency causes geographic tongue?
Vitamin deficiencies: People who don’t have enough zinc, iron, folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 are more likely to have geographic tongue. Fissured tongue: Doctors think there might be a genetic link between geographic tongue and fissured tongue, a condition that causes deep grooves or wrinkles on the tongue.