What is geographic tongue can it be cured?

Geographic what now? Yes, you read that right. We’re talking about geographical features on your tongue. No, we’re not suggesting you pack a suitcase and embark on a tongue-travel adventure (although that would be something). We mean geographic tongue, also known as erythema migrans.

So what exactly is geographic tongue? Is it contagious or just plain weird-looking? Can it be cured or are you stuck with an atlas of patterns in your mouth forever? Fear not my fellow curious creatures, for we will attempt to answer all these questions and more in this article!

The Basics: What is Geographic Tongue?

Alright so picture this: You open your mouth wide to show off those pearly whites but instead, the person next to you sees an irregular map-like pattern resembling islands with red borders spread out across the top of your tongue. Intrigued much?

Well folks, that’s pretty much what geographic tongue looks like – it’s characterized by “patches” on the surface and sides of one’s tongue looking like continents creating gaps where taste buds have disappeared (glossitis) which can lead to altered taste sensation.

This condition has nothing to do with licking maps or taking geography lessons orally; rather than being a product of classroom antics and olfactory forgetfulness involved neurotransmitters deficiencies. In fact recent studies suggest many genes related pathways such as HLA gene polymorphism connected immune system response (1) hinting at how unique everyone’s tongues truly are.

To Scare Or Not To Scare

There are quite a few myths surrounding geographic tongue floating around out there so let’s dispel some rumors first shall we?

  • Myth #1 – Your lackluster hygiene skills caused it:
    Not true! Although experts don’t have solid evidence for why people get geographic tongues they think genetics might play a factor (2).

  • Myth #2 – You got it from kissing someone who had it:
    Nah uh! Unless they accidentally contaminated your tongue with a little bit of their saliva and you suddenly developed this condition, geography isn’t contagious (3).

Interestingly enough geographical tendencies also contribute to gut microbiota differences that require further research.

What Are The Symptoms?

Geographic tongue is usually painless which can be useful because let’s face it – the mouth already hurts often times. However in some cases there’s burning sensation or unpleasant taste perception (hypogeusia) when consuming foodstuffs interacted directly to taste receptor deficiency (dysgeugia).

Although the exact cause for geographic tongue still remains unknown; but stress can perpetuate the painful aspect of oral cavity bacterial/lactic acid imbalances along several other factors such as acidic fruits, alcohol consumption, spicy or hot foods leading irritation quite common when consuming these foods.

Here are some things you might notice if you have geographic tongue:

  1. Areas on your tongue that are light colored and smooth indicating loss of papillae
  2. Red patches with slightly elevated borders creating indentation affecting gustation
  3. Geographic appearance resembling masses spilled onto map due to migration yet recessing during periods
  4. Burning sensation on certain parts of your tongue.
    5.Losing more than one patch at once may alter speech as well around 90% population experience it at least ones throughout lifetime.

It’s important to remember that just because you have the symptoms listed above doesn’t mean you automatically have geographic tongue! If your experiencing loss in taste function its recommended by doctors seeking medical advice especially if yellow/white coating accumulates.

Is Treatment Necessary? Can It Be Cured?

So here’s what we know so far: Geographic Tongue is an irregular map-like asymmetrical pattern distributed across our tongues resulting indifferent colours formation, sometimes accompanied by sensations like burning and or even foul taste perceptions.

So what do we do about this?
To be honest, most cases of geographic tongue don’t require any treatment at all! 4 Often times, it might just disappear on its own along with bacteria equilibrium from oral microbiome environment stabilization.

However in severe cases reducing tobacco consumption(5) utilizing mouthwash after each meal to maintain hygiene sulfuric bacterial checks; utilization also herb administration where likes of vitamins B complex forms offer potential benefits recommended by doctors (6).

Furthermore eliminating dietary triggers can help alleviate symptom than treating the condition itself as known hot irritants like citrus fruits tend to trigger symptoms onset. Though if the sensitivity arises likely allergic rather than erythema migrans.(7)

Unfortunately there’s no real cure for geographic tongue – you either have it or you don’t but lifestyle changes can reduce severity once onset occurs leading reduced papillae losses alongside further developments in medicines available throughout ongoing studies.

What Should You Do Next?

If you’ve been staring at your tongue wondering if those map-like patterns mean something, know that geographical tendencies isn’t exactly a cause for alarm unless impacts quality of life then warranting doctor advice especially when experiencing rough patches loss without warning color changes sore throat persistently including white sores which indicated candidiasis (thrush) instead (8).

You want to keep an eye out for more unusual symptoms (like sudden loss of taste) and talk to your healthcare provider whenever concerned about strangeness developing throughout bodily functions not only limited orally advises international teams researching possible outcomes in depth. Additionally more research needs carried-out understand whether hereditary factors come into play meanwhile focus shifted towards diet restrictions supplementation offerings alleviating discomfort albeit temporarily though possibly recovery facilitations too (9)!

Conclusion

Whew! That was enough location scouting for one day, wasn’t it? Now that you know some extra information on Geographic Tongue, you can rest easy knowing that it’s usually just another aspect of your tongue’s unique identity even for the irregular mapping audience.

Most people with geographic tongue won’t experience any pain or unpleasant side effects due to genetics yet some should consider changes in lifestyle choices including avoiding smoking & drinking caffeine/alcohol maintaining oral hygiene increasing herb/vitamins leverage which might help reduce severity as well following doctor recommendations does not blame oneself but admire one’s own individuality.

It is important to note however if strange symptoms persist throughout ones bodily functions, medical assistance would be beneficial along discussions involving possible triggers ultimately leading recovery and/or adaptation starting NOW!

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