Geographic tongue...?

Question

I have geographic tongue, but i've only had it for about a week now. It continues to get bigger, but my doctor said i shouldn't worry about it unless it starts to get painful or i start having symptoms. Yet is there anything i can do to get it somewhat better, even temporarily get rid of it?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Geographic tongue or benign migratory glossitis is a condition that some people get for unknown reasons. Many people have it all of their lives and generally gives no symptoms, others have flair-ups periodically and these people may have some symptoms. So if it is this, there is nothing to worry about.

One disease for which this is a symptom and of which most doctors and dentist are not aware is cytomegalovirus. You can be checked for this with a simple blood test. It is rare to have this condition but it is a possibility and it causes symptoms of tiredness, generally not feeling well. Many people have the disease and have it pass without any problems or even knowing if they are sick.

So...what do you have? Only your doctor can tell you for sure.

Answer 2

Many people have geographic tongue from birth and are never told about it b/c it usually flares up around puberty/ teenage years. Hormones can trigger significant flare ups. Avoid citrus/acidic foods and spicy foods. Rarely, some people will suddenly get geographic tongue associated with an illness. This still can be a very minimal case that all the sudden flares. Some people have such minor cases to begin with that they don't ever notice they have it until it flares up. Nothing to worry about. If it burns you just avoid those foods. B vitamin deficiencies can be associated with.  

Answer 3

I've had one for years and it has never caused me a problem.

"While there is no known cure or commonly prescribed treatment for geographic tongue, there are several ways to suppress the condition, including avoiding foods which exacerbate the problem. Some people affected by geographic tongue also report that taking Vitamin B supplements causes the condition to go away temporarily. Some groups mention using antiinflammatory steroids applied topically clears the patches. Burning may also be reduced by taking antihistamines. The condition is usually asymptomatic and insignificant; persisting pain is rare. Geographic tongue is not associated with any known systemic diseases."

Answer 4

no there is nothing that can be done. it just isn't pretty to look at. but its usually harmless