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Dental Health (Expert Forum)
Does this sound like geographic tongue?
Answered by
Matthew Baron, D.M.D. - Dental
Questions in the Dental Health forum are answered by Dr. Jerome Tsang and Dr. Jerome Bogin. Topics covered include bridges, cavities, crowns, and x-rays.
Does this sound like geographic tongue?
by mandabanana, Feb 28, 2006 12:00AM
A few years ago I happen to look in the mirror and I noticed this red spot on the tip of my tongue. It was a perfect circle. It didn't look like an ulcer or anything. It actually looked like ringworm or something....just a perfect outline of a circle. I was like "What in the world?" There was no pain associated with it. It went away several days later. Then a similar looking spot showed back up next to where the other had been. It went through the same cycle. This kept happening. Now they are red circles outlined in white. Sometimes there is one, sometimes two, sometimes three....and they're always near the tip of my tongue. This is absolutely driving me crazy! Both a dentist and oral surgeon said it is geographic tongue. Is this something you can just suddenly develop? Is it caused from another medical condition that I might have? I have done lots of research on the internet and it's scary. There are a lot of hiv assocations with geographic tongue. I've become obsessed with trying to figure out what is going on. Please, any comments will be greatly appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Matthew Baron, D.M.D., Feb 28, 2006 12:00AM
, Feb 28, 2006 12:00AM
Geographic tongue is completely normal, or a variation of normal. It is a congenital condition (from birth) of thickened epithelium that does not require treatment. Nothing to worry about.
Member Comments (3)
by mandabanana, Feb 28, 2006 12:00AM
But my tongue has never looked like this until a few years ago. I haven't had it since birth. It just appeared out of the blue. I've read that it is genetic (which I know of nobody in my family with it), and I know my tongue hasn't always looked like this. Is it possible to just one day develop?
by Matthew Baron, D.M.D., Feb 28, 2006 12:00AM
, Feb 28, 2006 12:00AM
It is possible for it to develop, you are born with the traits necessary for it to develop.
by deltadave66, May 06, 2008 11:27AM
A related discussion, Geographic Tongue was started.
