Geographic tongue questions

[mrproblemface]

For anyone else who has geographic tongue, does it always move around, or can geographic tongue stay in the same place for a while? An oral surgeon said what I have looks like geographic tongue, I had two fungal swabs and both were negative so no candida. The thing is, it doesn't move around, it appears in generally the same place, disappears by the afternoon or after I have eaten something, and then slowly reappears as the day goes on. I can rub it off with a tongue brush too, but it leaves my tongue sore, no bleeding, but sore. Anyone else experience this?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
In geographical tongue, the whitish/yellow discoloration of the tongue is frequently due to a yeast infection which can be scrapped off. Geographical tongue presents as red, irregularly shaped patches and there may be changes in the location, size and shape of lesions.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[mrproblemface]

Thanks, what I have definitely "looks" like geographic tongue. My question really is, can you use a tongue brush to remove geographic tongue? I can do this and want to confirm that this is a characteristic of this condition.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Geographic tongue is characterized by irregularly shaped red, map-like smooth swollen patches on the tongue. A white border sometimes surrounds them. It is also known as benign migratory glossitis because the appearance is constantly changing. Although geographic tongue is benign (harmless) it may persist for months or longer, and often recurs.

You can get a biopsy of the lesion done to confirm the diagnosis.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.