Glossitis desquamative ("geographical" tongue) is an inflammatory-dystrophic disease of the mucous membrane of the tongue itself. The latter is normally covered with tiny pinkish-white bumps (papillae), which are actually short thin outgrowths that look like hairs. With desquamative glossitis, certain areas of the surface of the tongue lose their papillae and become smooth and red. In shape, they resemble peculiar islands with slightly elevated borders.
These areas, which are lesions, make the organ look like a geographical map. Smooth "islands" often heal on their own in one place and "pass" to another part of the tongue. Desquamative glossitis may also be referred to as benign, migratory, or exfoliative in some literature.
Although the similarity to a geographical map is often disturbing to patients, this effect does not cause any he alth problems and is not associated with infectious or oncological diseases. It rarely brings discomfort, but in some cases there is an increase in the sensitivity of the tongue toindividual substances.
Symptoms
Signs of a pathological condition may appear as follows:
- presence of irregularly shaped smooth red areas (foci) on the surface or side of the tongue;
- frequent changes in location, size and shape of lesions;
- discomfort, pain or burning sensation that develops only in some cases and follows the ingestion of hot, spicy, s alty or sour food.
Many patients diagnosed with desquamative glossitis have no symptoms at all.
This state can last for several months and even several years. The disease most often resolves on its own, although it can recur later.
When to see a doctor
Exfoliative glossitis is considered a non-serious - albeit occasionally uncomfortable - condition. Nevertheless, the presence of such lesions on the surface of the tongue may indicate dangerous diseases of the organ or the whole organism. If you notice lesions (the lesions described above) in yourself, and they do not go away after 7-10 days after the appearance, consult a general practitioner or dentist.
Reasons
The reason for the development of "geographic" language remains unknown to medical science, and at the moment there is no method to prevent the occurrence of this ailment. Scientists suggest that desquamative glossitis, the causes of which must be identified using narrowly targetedstudies, may be associated with psoriasis, a chronic skin disease, but the relationship of these ailments has yet to be established.
Risk factors
Although scientists have conducted many studies aimed at identifying risk factors for exfoliative glossitis, the results of scientific work have been mixed. Therefore, the circumstances that increase the likelihood of developing an ailment can only be called with a high degree of conventionality. This is:
- Family history. Since some patients have a family history of glossitis migratory, the researchers speculate that inherited genetic traits may predispose individuals to the condition.
- Folded tongue. The "geographical" effect often occurs in people with the so-called folded tongue - a pathology characterized by the appearance of deep folds or depressions on the surface of the organ.
Complications
Glossitis desquamative is benign. It does not pose a threat to he alth, does not entail serious complications and does not increase the risk of developing serious diseases. However, it often causes anxiety, psychological discomfort and other emotional disturbances, as:
- many patients are ashamed of the appearance of their tongue, especially when the "bald spots" are clearly visible;
- Despite doctors' assurances, most people continue to be suspicious of the condition.
Before visiting the doctor
If you are seriously concerned about how your mouth looks, or you have found a "geographic" tongue in a child, consult a dentist. Many clinics have doctors who specialize in the treatment of diseases of the teeth and oral cavity in children.
If the need to see a doctor is dictated by your personal psychological discomfort, prepare a list of questions for the dentist in advance. This list will help you navigate the topic directly at the medical consultation - and not lose sight of the really important information.
Typically, dentists are asked the following questions:
- What caused my illness? What prerequisites led to its development?
- Is this condition curable? Will glossitis desquamative go away on its own?
- Which treatments are suitable for me?
- What can you do at home to relieve discomfort and pain while eating certain foods?
- What to do if the pathology recurs? Do I need to contact you again?
What the doctor will say
Prepare answers to the dentist's most likely questions in advance:
- When did visible damage first appear on the surface of your tongue?
- Have the blades changed their shape or location?
- Have you ever had other injuries of this kind in your mouth?
- Does desquamative glossitis cause pain or just discomfort?
- Does pain get worse when eating spicy or acidic foods?
- Do you suffer from other diseases, even if outwardly not related to the "geographical" effect?
- Have you ever had a fever?
Diagnosis
"Geographical" language (photo) is easy enough to diagnose. It is usually enough for a qualified dentist to examine the organ and ask the patient what signs and symptoms have been observed recently.
During the check-up, the dentist:
- examines your tongue and mouth with a special illuminated instrument;
- will ask you to move your tongue in different directions;
- feel the tongue for sensitivity or unusual changes in its texture or consistency;
- check for signs of an infectious disease, which is characterized by swollen lymph nodes in the neck and fever.
Treatment
Geographic tongue in a child or adult usually does not require treatment. While this condition may cause discomfort, it is otherwise harmless and harmless.
To reduce discomfort or sensitivity, your doctor may recommend the following types of medications:
- OTC pain relievers;
- mouth rinses containing anesthetics;
- rinsesmouthwash with antihistamine properties;
- corticosteroid ointments or liquids.
Since scientists have not yet sufficiently studied the phenomenon of desquamative glossitis, treating its symptoms may be useless. In addition, it must be taken into account that the pathology usually resolves on its own and it is impossible to predict how the disease will proceed.
At home
You can reduce the discomfort associated with the "geographical" effect on your own. To do this, avoid or limit the use of substances that potentially irritate sensitive oral tissues. These include:
- hot, spicy, sour or s alty foods;
- tobacco industry products;
- Toothpaste containing strong flavorings, whitening agents, or anti-tartar additives.
Sugary-tasting foods and sweets high in flavors and flavor enhancers can also cause discomfort.
If you have a "geographic" tongue (photo), experts will recommend following the recommendations for fluid intake:
- drink more clean water throughout the day;
- you can suck on small ice cubes;
- drink iced herbal teas (like chamomile) or green tea;
- try to combat discomfort with smoothies, fruit or vegetable juices.
Folk remedies
If you are tired of desquamative glossitis, the history of the disease has several years of relapses, and instead of enjoying the taste of food you have to suffer from seemingly incurable discomfort, try the famous folk remedy - oil baths. To do this:
- put a tablespoon of cold-pressed organic coconut oil in your mouth;
- keep the substance in your mouth with occasional gargles for about ten minutes;
- spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm water;
- brush your teeth as usual;
- repeat this procedure every morning before meals.
Remember that the oil should not be swallowed. When used correctly, it will help cleanse the body of toxins and heal red "bald spots" on the tongue.
If you have been diagnosed with desquamative glossitis, you can treat this condition with the help of the legendary and widely available plant - aloe vera. To treat lesions, it is enough to squeeze out a little gel-like juice from an aloe leaf and grease the surface of the tongue with it. The juice is left in the mouth for ten minutes, after which the mouth is rinsed with water at room temperature. This procedure is repeated every day several times.
