In the Know for You to Know

You’re having a regular day and while talking with your child you notice their tongue looks strange.

As you look closer you ask them if anything is bothering them. Your child says no but you’re starring at their tongue.

When they stick out their tongue it looks like there’s a map stamped on their tongue. Now you’re thinking, what’s this?

Today, we’re breaking down the basics on a tongue appearance variation called geographic tongue.

What Is Geographic Tongue?

Geographic tongue goes by a few other very technical and official sounding names like benign migratory glossitis and erythema migrans.

Our tongues are not smooth. Feel your own tongue. They are bumpy, and these bumps are due to our tastebuds. We have 3 different types of tastebuds that cover all the surfaces of our tongue in different arrangements.

Depending on the set-up of certain tastebuds on the top and/or sides of the tongue you will see different patterns.

These patterns are called geographic tongue, and make the tongue look like a map.

How Many Tastebuds Do We Have?

On average 10,000 tastebuds. That’s a lot of tastebuds! and children can have more.

What Does Geographic Tongue Look Like?

Geographic tongue can be seen on the top and/or on the sides of the tongue. This appears as smooth tongue colored (or reddish looking) areas surrounded by a white (or off white) border.

Does Geographic Tongue Always Look The Same?

It doesn’t. The pattern on the tongue is random. How and when the appearance changes is based on the tastebuds.

How Long Does Geographic Tongue Last?

Geographic tongue can last a few days to weeks to months. It can last years without changing. These patterns don’t cause tongue scarring.

What Causes Geographic Tongue?

While there is no known exact cause for geographic tongue, it is known to run in families.

Is Geographic Tongue Painful?

No. Geographic tongue generally doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort.

How Do You Treat Geographic Tongue?

Since there is no pain or discomfort there is no recommended treatment.

How Did My Child Get Geographic Tongue?

Anyone can develop geographic tongue, from babies to toddlers to school age children to adolescents to adults; and it can also run in families.

A Pediatric Dentist’s Experience With Geographic Tongue

I recently had a new family join my practice family. This was their first visit to my office. While the parents and I were going over their children’s medical, dental and family histories, Dad said “I dare you to find what’s unique about my child’s mouth.”

After ensuring there wasn’t anything of concern or urgent, the Dad said “tell me what you see.”

Well, can you guess what I saw? Yes, you guessed it! One of the children has geographic tongue.

Then before I could ask, Mom asked if I had any questions. Sure I had questions, and the first one I asked was “Did Mom or did Dad have geographic tongue?”

Can you guess which parent has geographic tongue? It’s Mom, Mom has geographic tongue, and so does Mom’s Mom.

What To Remember

As a parent, it can be surprising to see unusual patterns on your child’s tongue. However, it’s important to know that while geographic tongue may look different it is not serious or contagious, and does not pose any health risks. In most cases, no treatment is necessary.

Have you seen geographic tongue? Have you been told your child has geographic tongue? Does geographic tongue run in your family? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@kidstoothhotline Chat with Us and Like Us on Facebook

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