Geographic tongue is a disorder that gets its name from red patches on tongue that resemble a map-like structure on the surface. It is also called benign migratory glossitis.
While a normal tongue has small hair-like bumps (papillae) on the tongue, a geographic tongue does not have papillae and appears to have smooth, red dots on tongue. These painful bumps on tongue can heal in one area, and migrate to another part of the tongue.
While it isn’t a significant cause for concern, a patchy tongue can cause discomfort/ pain on side of the tongue. It can also increase your sensitivity to certain substances, such as sweets, salt, spices, etc.
Geographic tongue symptoms:
Common geographic tongue symptoms include:
- Red patchy tongue with white borders and painful bumps on tongue (top or side of the tongue)
- Frequent changes in shape, location, and size of red rash on tongue
- Discomfort/ pain on the tongue due to contact with certain substances, such as sweets, salt, spices, etc.
If left untreated, geographic tongue symptoms can persist for several days or months. Most often, it can go away on its own, but it can reappear on the tongue. While a geographic tongue is not a serious condition, it is still crucial to get any red rash on tongue/ pain on side of tongue diagnosed by a dentist. It’s understandable to be alarmed when you notice small red bumps on tongue. Try not to worry as it can be managed with suitable geographic tongue treatment plans.
In some cases, lesions on the tongue may indicate a serious underlying condition that needs to be addressed immediately. If painful bumps on tongue do not go away in 10 days, consult a dentist right away to get an accurate diagnosis. In any case, it is crucial to seek out proper medical care for painful bumps on tongue. Consulting a dentist can help you identify your underlying geographic tongue causes. Besides, performing a full-body health checkup regularly can help gain better understanding of your well-being. You can have an online consultation with a specialized medical expert on MFine, or you can book a comprehensive health package or a specific condition-based health package based on your lifestyle, diet, and existing conditions.
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