Geographical language

Geographic tongue is an inflammation of the tongue, usually benign and accompanied by peeling of the upper epithelial part (desquamation). It is more correct to call this disease desquamative glossitis (glossitis desquamativa) from the words "desquamation" - peeling and glōssa - tongue. The peeling spreads throughout the tongue and looks like variously shaped pinkish-red spots surrounded by a light rim. The tongue is covered with a specific pattern resembling a drawing of a geographic map. Geographic tongue is also cracks in the epithelial tissue caused by the penetration of infection into the desquamated area.

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What causes geographic tongue?

Despite the prevalence of desquamative inflammation, this disease has not yet been sufficiently studied and its etiology has not been fully clarified. Some doctors consider geographic tongue as a neurodystrophy of the epithelial membrane, others classify desquamative glossitis as inflammation, and there are those who consider tongue peeling a normal variant as a symptomatic manifestation of gastrointestinal diseases. The main difficulty is to clarify the reason for the disruption of tissue trophism. Among the most common causes of tongue desquamation are the following:

• Various pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Endocrine diseases.
• Vegetative disorders.
• Autoimmune diseases - rheumatism, collagenosis.
• Diseases of viral etiology.
• Hereditary factor.
• Worm infestation.
• Hypo or avitaminosis.
• Drug intoxication.
• Hormonal changes, including pregnancy.
• Mechanical damage.

How does geographic tongue manifest itself?

Geographic tongue shows signs without any visible, explainable reasons. As a rule, the disease occurs unexpectedly, and the areas of peeling of the mucous membrane are also unpredictably located. The person does not feel pain, so signs of desquamation are discovered by chance, often during brushing teeth or when you need to look in the mirror. The first alarm signal may be a white coating on the surface and small focal redness on it. Gradually, the coating begins to peel off, the areas from which the coating comes off acquire a bizarre shape, reminiscent of the contours of the continents on a map. Developing, desquamative glossitis can cause the following sensations:

• A slight burning sensation in the tongue, most often in areas where plaque is coming off;
• Irritation of the tongue when eating hot, too cold, spicy or salty food;
• Tongue enlargement;
• Pain when eating;
• Difficulty with diction when communicating.

Peeling can last for months, except for a slight burning sensation and temporary discomfort, there are usually no other manifestations. Geographic tongue can be accompanied by cracks, usually this happens with intense desquamation or due to mechanical damage to the tongue by hard food. The crack itself is not a medical disease, but an infection can get into it, then the person's taste (taste) sensations are impaired, periodic headaches may appear and the lymph nodes may become inflamed.

How is geographic tongue treated?

Even if desquamative glossitis does not cause severe discomfort, it must be treated to avoid cracks and further infection. It should be noted that there are cases of self-healing, this is due to possible targeted treatment of the underlying disease that provoked glossitis. Desquamative glossitis is treated by a gastroenterologist, it is also necessary to visit a dentist for a complete sanitation of the mouth, to eliminate all dental problems - caries, periodontosis. If cracks in the tongue are diagnosed, local anesthetics for pain relief and drugs with an antibacterial effect are indicated. Applications to damaged areas with a mixture of novocaine, an oil solution of vitamin E have a good effect, an oil solution of retinol (vitamin A) has the same keratoplastic effect. Calcium pantothenate is prescribed as a drug that activates regeneration (2 tablets three times a day for 1.5 months). Calcium pantothenate, breaking down in the intestines, releases pantothenic acid, which in turn activates the process of formation of corticosteroids, enhancing regenerative processes in the body.

For independent elimination of desquamation, hygienic, antiseptic dental products may be suitable - Sensitive, Oxygenol, Lacalut Antiplaqu, Stomatidin, Lizoplak, containing chlorhexidine. Also effective is the use of Imudon - an immunomodulator produced in the form of lozenges. Imudon has an active anti-inflammatory effect, causes the production of lysozyme, which in turn increases the concentration of immunoglobulin A. In addition to complex local treatment, you should adhere to a gentle diet: avoid eating too hot or cold food, exclude from the diet all irritating dishes (salty, smoked, pickled, spicy dishes).

Geographic tongue can also be treated with folk remedies - decoctions that you need to rinse your mouth with at least 4-5 times a day.

• Oak bark decoction. 1 tablespoon of dry oak bark is poured with half a liter of boiling water and boiled over low heat or in a water bath for about 30 minutes. The decoction is filtered and rinsed in the mouth 4-5 times a day for 2-3 minutes.
• Calendula flower decoction. Prepared in the same way as oak bark, but boiled for less than 1-15 minutes. Rinsing with this decoction helps restore the epithelium of the tongue.
• A mixture of sage, chamomile and oak bark. Take a teaspoon of each ingredient, pour a liter of hot water, boil for 10-15 minutes. Strain, cool to room temperature, rinse your mouth 4-5 times a day for 2-3 minutes.