Geographic Tongue

[tt140]

How long does geographic tongue typically last? Does it usually go away? Does it come and go throught your life? Or is it always persistent?

[tt140]

thank your for the reply! I have been diagnosed with it by my dentist, but they didn't know much about it. So what your saying is it usually eventually goes away with most people?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Geographic tongue is characterised by irregularly shaped red, map-like smooth swollen patches on the tongue. The cause of geographic tongue is unknown but it tends to run in families and is associated with several different genes.
Geographic tongue is a benign condition that usually resolves itself without causing any problems for the patient so most people do not require treatment but it may recur and be chronic and last for a long time.  It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.