Geographic tongue is a condition that is characterized by dry, cracked and bleeding lips and a rough, bumpy tongue. It is a common condition in which the cells in the tongue become inflamed and/or swollen due to poor oral hygiene. This condition is a result of a change in the pH levels of the mouth due to poor oral hygiene. This can happen when bacteria in the mouth that are anaerobic (don’t need oxygen) release acids, which are known to irritate the tongue. It is important to keep the pH levels of your mouth at a healthy level, but this can be difficult to do when someone’s oral hygiene is poor. This can lead to geographic tongue.
1. What causes geographic tongue?
Geographic tongue is a condition that affects the tongue's surface and the back of the throat. The condition is caused by a change in the type of cells that line the tongue and throat. It can be a cause of difficulty in swallowing, speech, and taste. Two possible risk factors for geographic tongue have been found by researchers. One is a fissured tongue, which has grooves along the length of its surface. Genetics might also be a risk factor since the illness could be handed down from one generation to the next. Additionally, geographic tongue can be caused by certain medications and usually appears after you eat a lot of spicy foods.
2. How to prevent geographic tongue
Geographic tongue has no recognised preventative measures, in part because of the unidentified causes. Most cases of geographic tongue resolve on their own without medical intervention when left untreated. People who are unaware of their condition may never receive treatment and have no negative consequences.
However, it is known that maintaining good oral hygiene, such as regular tooth brushing and the use of mouthwash, can help prevent geographic tongue. Another oral hygiene technique is tongue scraping, which involves using a small piece of metal or plastic to scrape away bacteria, food particles, and dead cells that have accumulated on the tongue's surface and are responsible for bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and overall poor oral health. Regular tongue scraping can also assist in avoiding these issues. In fact, some researchers believe that routine tongue scraping might reduce cavities, improve taste, reduce bad breath, and help prevent geographic tongue.
3. How to treat geographic tongue
Geographic tongue is an uncommon disorder, which can be caused by a number of things. It is characterized by a white, thick, and furry tongue that is often painful. If you notice that you have geographic tongue, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will likely want to do a physical exam and a blood test to determine the cause of the disorder. In order to treat geographic tongue, the doctor will likely recommend that you avoid spicy food and medications that could cause the disorder. If you notice that you have the disorder, you should also avoid drinking too much alcohol and smoking.
Additionally, a common treatment for geographic tongue is to use a topical corticosteroid cream to reduce the inflammation in the tongue and throat. This treatment does not cure geographic tongue, but it can help reduce the symptoms. Other treatments include a warm salt water gargle, gargling with a mixture of water and baking soda, and using a humidifier.
4. Conclusion.
What Causes Geographic Tongue? Geographic tongue is a condition where the tissue that covers the tongue becomes thick and inflamed, causing a bumpy and bumpy tongue. The condition is usually caused by a virus or a bacterial infection. What to Do? You should see a doctor if your geographic tongue is painful or if it is not improving. There are two main types of antibiotics that can be used to treat the condition. Antibiotics can be taken orally, or they can be applied to the inside of the cheek. How to Prevent Geographic Tongue? To prevent the condition, you should avoid the following: - Using tobacco products - Drinking alcohol - Using over-the-counter pain relievers - Using chemicals, including hair dyes - Using antibiotics without medical advice - Not washing your hands
References:
Geographic tongue: Causes, pictures, and treatment. (2017, September 10). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319342
Geographic tongue: Symptoms, causes, treatment & prevention. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 15 July 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21177-geographic-tongue
Geographic tongue – causes, symptoms & treatment—Smile clinic. (n.d.). Smile Clinic London. Retrieved 15 July 2022, from https://www.smileclinic.london/geographic-tongue/