Geographic tongue, also called benign migratory glossitis, is an inflammatory condition in which red patches appear on your tongue resembling continents on a globe.
The patches can appear on the top and sides of your tongue and sometimes other parts of your mouth. The shape and location of the patches can change day to day, but in general, these patches can last up to a year.
Geographic tongue is harmless, poses no health risk, and heals on its own. It isn’t contagious either, so it cannot be passed from one person to another.
The red patches come from the absence of the tiny bumps on your tongue called “papillae” that normally cover the entire surface of the tongue. These patches may:
- Change in size, shape, color, and location
- Appear and disappear over the course of up to a year
- Have a border that is often white or light-colored
Though most cases are symptom-free, some symptoms may include a burning sensation or pain in your mouth, in which case it might be best to:
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods, or dry, salted nuts
- Avoid cigarette smoke and alcohol
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, without intense flavors or whitening additives
Though the cause is unknown, geographic tongue is thought to be associated with a vitamin B deficiency.
If you are experiencing persistent and severe discomfort, your doctor may recommend:
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
- Zinc supplement
- Mouthwash with anesthetic
- Corticosteroids for the tongue

Oral Health
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Geographic tongue, also called benign migratory glossitis, is an inflammatory condition in which red patches appear on your tongue resembling continents on a globe.
The patches can appear on the top and sides of your tongue and sometimes other parts of your mouth. The shape and location of the patches can change day to day, but in general, these patches can last up to a year.
Geographic tongue is harmless, poses no health risk, and heals on its own. It isn’t contagious either, so it cannot be passed from one person to another.
The red patches come from the absence of the tiny bumps on your tongue called “papillae” that normally cover the entire surface of the tongue. These patches may:
- Change in size, shape, color, and location
- Appear and disappear over the course of up to a year
- Have a border that is often white or light-colored
Though most cases are symptom-free, some symptoms may include a burning sensation or pain in your mouth, in which case it might be best to:
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods, or dry, salted nuts
- Avoid cigarette smoke and alcohol
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, without intense flavors or whitening additives
Though the cause is unknown, geographic tongue is thought to be associated with a vitamin B deficiency.
If you are experiencing persistent and severe discomfort, your doctor may recommend:
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
- Zinc supplement
- Mouthwash with anesthetic
- Corticosteroids for the tongue
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Geographic tongue, also called benign migratory glossitis, is an inflammatory condition in which red patches appear on your tongue resembling continents on a globe.
The patches can appear on the top and sides of your tongue and sometimes other parts of your mouth. The shape and location of the patches can […]
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Geographic tongue, also called benign migratory glossitis, is an inflammatory condition in which red patches appear on your tongue resembling continents on a globe.
The patches can appear on the top and sides of your tongue and sometimes other parts of your mouth. The shape and location of the patches can change day to day, but in general, these patches can last up to a year.
Geographic tongue is harmless, poses no health risk, and heals on its own. It isn’t contagious either, so it cannot be passed from one person to another.
The red patches come from the absence of the tiny bumps on your tongue called “papillae” that normally cover the entire surface of the tongue. These patches may:
- Change in size, shape, color, and location
- Appear and disappear over the course of up to a year
- Have a border that is often white or light-colored
Though most cases are symptom-free, some symptoms may include a burning sensation or pain in your mouth, in which case it might be best to:
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods, or dry, salted nuts
- Avoid cigarette smoke and alcohol
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, without intense flavors or whitening additives
Though the cause is unknown, geographic tongue is thought to be associated with a vitamin B deficiency.
If you are experiencing persistent and severe discomfort, your doctor may recommend:
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
- Zinc supplement
- Mouthwash with anesthetic
- Corticosteroids for the tongue
Oral Health
Related Articles
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is important for diabetics, as they have an increased risk of developing oral infection and periodontal disease.
Diabetes is a health condition that makes it difficult to manage blood sugar levels, and as a result, can lead to high levels of sugar in the blood and saliva. […]
What is Halitosis?
Halitosis, also known as chronic bad breath, is often the result of improper care of your oral health. When you eat, food particles gather throughout your mouth, sticking to the surfaces of your tongue, in between your teeth, and on your gum tissue. Your oral bacteria break down […]