A Common but Harmless Condition
Geographic tongue is a harmless condition affecting the tongue’smucous membrane.
This condition is also called benignmigratory glossitis.
This article explains what geographic tongue is and how to tell if you have it.
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It explains how geographic tongue is diagnosed and what you’re free to do to manage symptoms.
Symptoms
Geographic tongue is fairly common, though you may be alarmed by how your tongue appears.
For most people, this harmless condition is painless.
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This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
The exact cause of geographic tongue isn’t known.
However, there are many theories associated with the disorder.
Theres no test for geographic tongue.
There are no long-term health consequences associated with geographic tongue.
While there are theories about why people develop geographic tongue, none have been proven.
Your doctor can diagnose the condition based on symptoms.
National Organization of Rare Disorders.Geographic tongue.
American Academy of Oral Medicine.Geographic tongue.
2016;91(4):410-21. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20164288
The American Academy of Oral Medicine.Geographic tongue.
