Have you ever noticed fancy designs on you or your child’s tongue? If so, you may have a very common, benign condition called Geographic Tongue. In most cases, people with geographic tongue have a family history, but the cause is unknown and flares are not preventable.  Geographic tongue gets its name from the splotch pattern on the tongue, which looks similar to a world map.

                                                            What triggers geographic tongue?

Foods that commonly cause irritation include hot, spicy, acidic, salty and/or sweet foods (for example, ketchup, tomato sauce, citrusy fruits and/or French fries). Toothpastes or mouth rinses that are highly flavored or have added astringent ingredients may also irritate your tongue.

                                                                      Is treatment necessary?

Geographic tongue tends to come and go, and heals without treatment. Although most cases are asymptomatic, it can recur again if triggered by the foods or flavors mentioned above. Avoiding these items can help decrease flare ups and possible irritation.