A Simple Overview of Geographical Tongue

Geographical tongue is a benign but irritating condition affecting the outer surface of the tongue

The outer surface is usually covered with small, pink-white bumps (palatine glands, submandibular gland), which are in fact short, fine, hair-like projections. In addition to their whiteness, these papillae also have a tendency to fall out, making them look like little islands.

Geographical tongue is not a true condition. Instead, it is the result of an allergic reaction to food substances and saliva secretions and can be quite bothersome. In some cases, the condition will clear up on its own, but if the symptoms persist you should contact a physician. If left untreated, geographical tongue can lead to an infection of the mouth. In severe cases, the condition can even lead to perforation of the mouth and infection of other parts of the body such as the lungs, heart, and esophagus.

Geographical tongue can be difficult to recognize, since its appearance can be similar to those caused by allergies to food and saliva. In some cases, the condition can also be mistaken for oral cancer. However, the condition itself is harmless and is caused by the presence of excessive plaque that tends to build up inside the tongue. This build-up can become extremely difficult to remove, and so can result in the condition. When plaque becomes too large, it can cause irritation, bleeding, and soreness and it can also cause inflammation of the gums and the surrounding tissue.

Geographical tongue can also cause bleeding in the mouth. However, if this bleeding is caused by the presence of too much plaque, then it is probably caused by more than one thing. Some people may experience redness of the area around the bleeding, while others may notice white blood cells surrounding it. Others may experience a thickening of the mucus.

Geographical tongue can be very uncomfortable

The area around the bleeding will become tender and swollen. If you have a cold or fever, your throat will be itchy, you may experience pain in the cheeks, tongue, or inside of your mouth, and your lips will feel dry and itchy. You will typically experience burning or stinging in the areas around the bleeding as well.

If you have a bad case of geographic tongue and it doesn't respond to over the counter medications, you may need to take a prescription for local anesthesia, such as erythromycin, or other medications prescribed by a doctor. If the condition is serious, you may need to see a specialist such as a pediatrician.

There are several treatment options available for geographic tongue that can be found in your doctor's office, including antibiotics, antifungal creams, and oral pills. These medications may work well if the condition is minor, but they can also be painful and expensive.

Another way to treat geographic tongue is through surgery. If your condition is severe, you may need to see a periodontist to perform procedures such as root canals, which help loosen the plaque build up and reduce the amount of plaque that can get through. into the oral cavity and cause the area around the bleeding to recede. There are also some oral devices that can be used to help remove the plaque from the inside of the mouth, such as the Gingko Biloba Oral Cleanse System or the Profect Dental Device.

Oral supplements are also available to help relieve symptoms and promote healing. A product called Geelax oral rinse is effective at soothing the tongue and mouth after brushing and flossing, and it helps prevent the bacteria that cause geographic tongue from sticking around on your tongue by neutralizing the taste of your food and saliva. A mouthwash that contains zinc is also useful because it helps fight off bacteria on the surface of the tongue.

Oral pills are another option, though they should not be used to prevent gum disease. Most oral medicines are not good for treating geographical tongue. However, some oral medicines are effective at reducing the symptoms of this condition and promoting healing.

It is a good idea to consult a dentist or periodontist before using any medications or treatments for your geographic tongue. There are many products available that may not be appropriate for your particular condition. You should talk to your doctor about whether or not a course of oral antibiotics or a course of antibiotics will be appropriate for you. Talk to your physician about all the options that are available, and do your homework to find the best treatment.