What triggers geographic tongue?

What triggers geographic tongue?

Q: What causes 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.

Is geographic tongue cancerous?

Although geographic tongue may look alarming, it doesn't cause health problems and isn't associated with infection or cancer. Geographic tongue can sometimes cause tongue discomfort and increased sensitivity to certain substances, such as spices, salt and even sweets.

Is geographic tongue bad?

Is it dangerous? Despite its appearance, geographic tongue is a benign condition. There are no illnesses or cancers associated with it. Though some people may experience discomfort, pain, or burning these sensations are almost exclusively the result of contacting spicy or acidic foods.

Is geographic tongue a fungus?

Geographic tongue is also known as benign migratory glossitis. Although geographic tongue may look alarming, it doesn't cause health problems and isn't associated with infection or cancer.

Can geographic tongue affect roof of mouth?

Geographic Tongue Symptoms. The signs of geographic tongue are uneven red patches. They're usually on your tongue but can also be on your gums, on your cheeks, on the roof of your mouth, or under your tongue.

Is a geographic tongue bad?

Geographic tongue is a benign condition. It doesn't pose a threat to your health, cause long-term complications or increase your risk of major health problems. However, anxiety about the condition is fairly common because: The appearance of the tongue may be embarrassing, depending on how visible the lesions are.

Why does my geographic tongue hurt?

Pain typically arises from acidic foods that burn the lesions. Avoiding acidic drinks and foods will help alleviate the discomfort. When these lesions affect areas in the mouth other than the tongue, the condition may be referred to as another name such as erythema migrans or geographic stomatitis.

Why do kids get geographic tongue?

However, because geographic tongue tends to run in families, it might have something to do with your genes. Geographic tongue is also more common in people who have psoriasis or cracks and grooves on the top and sides of their tongue (fissured tongue).

Is geographic tongue a genetic trait?

What does geographic tongue look like?

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 spicy or acidic foods.