Being among an elite class can engender a sense of pride.
An Elite Condition
Only 4 percent of the population is 6' 2" (1.88 meters) or taller. Just 3 percent of the population have an IQ over 126. A scant 2 percent of people have a geographic tongue. Congratulations if you are a member of either category.
“Geographic tongue is… a condition that gets its name from its map-like appearance on the upper surface and sides of the tongue. It may occur in other areas of your mouth, as well.”
It happens when there’s a loss of tongue papillae, the tiny hair-like projections on the surface of the tongue. It differs from but may coexist with tongue fissures. There is a long list of medical-sounding names doctors may use:
- Benign migratory glossitis
- Erythema migrans
- Erythema migrans lingualis
- Glossitis areata exfoliativa
- Glossitis areata migrans
- Lingua geographica
- Psoriasiform mucositis
- Stomatitis areata migrans
- Wandering rash of the tongue
- Transitory benign plaques of the tongue
How Do I Get This Out of My Mouth?
People with long tongues can’t seem to keep them in their mouths, exposing their oddity and often a lack of hygiene. On the other hand, those with geographic tongues may want to get the discoloration, not their tongues out of their mouths. Indeed, it has the appearance of a contagious disease.
The odd thing about geographic tongue (other than its appearance) is that it often comes and goes within months, weeks, or even hours. Frequent use of a tongue scraper can lessen contrasting appearance.
The disagreements among experts over a cause place psoriasiform mucositis in the category of a rare but benign disease. In even rarer cases, it can be painful. For severe, ongoing pain, medication may help. These are examples of what your primary physician, otolaryngologist, or dentist may prescribe:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Anti-inflammatories
- Mouth rinses with anesthetic
- Corticosteroids applied directly on the tongue
- Zinc supplements
Some have put forth the notion that nutritional imbalance may trigger the condition in those with a predisposition. It is suggested that sufficient vitamin B, in particular, may be lacking in the patient’s diet. Dehydration can also be a factor. Caffeinated beverages are diuretics.
Wouldn’t it be nice if the cure was simply to eliminate colas and coffee while drinking more water? It may help. Cosmetic remedies include brushing teeth more frequently, using a clean, blunt tongue scraper, and rinsing with mouthwash.
A medical doctor should evaluate other causes for irregular tongue patterns. Take comfort in the fact that geographic tongue lesions are not cancerous nor contagious. With good hygiene and nutrition, you can feel healthier. Just try not to go all Miley Cyrus at people when gloating.
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To support the writing of useful articles about individual, ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may sponsor specific articles or remit a small donation.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about individual. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may remit a small donation.
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