This article will describe a normal tongue versus one with oral thrush.
It can also be due to certain medications that suppress the immune system.
They can appear anywhere on the top, sides, and tip of the tongue.
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Geographic tongue does not cause any long-term health problems, and it is not contagious.
Most people have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, It is considered a cosmetic concern.
Symptoms include:
The patches may come and go and change in size, shape, and location.
Treatment for geographic tongue isn’t necessary.
It can also affect other areas of the skin andmucous membranes.
Almost half of all people with oral lichen planus also havecutaneous (skin) lichen planus.
Oral lichen planus is not contagious.
The cause of oral lichen planus is unclear.
Others associate it with conditions that cause the excessive production of the stress hormonecortisol.
While anyone can get oral lichen planus, it occurs twice as often in females than in males.
Oral lichen planus mostly affects adults 50 and older.
The white lesion because of both can be scraped off, leaving a raw, red surface underneath.
While rare, approximately 1% to 3% of people with oral lichen planus eventually develop oral cancer.
People with erosive lichen planus should be routinely monitored by their healthcare providers every three to six months.
Some cases of oral lichen planus resolve on their own without treatment.
Severe cases may be treated with topical and oral medications, including:
Occasional flare-ups are common.
Oral Leukoplakia
Oral leukoplakiainvolves white patches on the tongue and inside the mouth.
While leukoplakia isn’t dangerous in and of itself, it can eventually turn into oral cancer.
Leukoplakia occurs most often in males between the ages of 50 and 70.
The oral lesions cannot be scraped off and are typically not painful.
Treatment for oral leukoplakia is usually centered on preventing it frombecoming cancerous.
The efficacy of treatment can vary.
The lesions may be removed, but they often return.
Canker sores typically occur in people between the ages of 10 and 20, but anyone can get them.
Papillae are composed of keratin.
Most people with coated tongue have no symptoms other than a cosmetic concern.
Some people experience mouth dryness or an unpleasant, stale, or abnormal taste in their mouths.
Milk tongue only affects the tongue, develops right after feeding, and is easily wiped away.
It is not painful.
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