CHECK-UP:The causes of geographic tongue are unknown, but it does not usually require treatment
MY TONGUE is not something I usually take much notice of, but recently when I examined it I found it doesn't look the same as it used to. Instead of being flat and all the same colour, some patches are now white and rough while others are red and smooth. Why is this?
The tongue is an organ primarily composed of muscle covered with a mucous membrane. Papillae - small nodules of tissue - cover the surface of the tongue. The taste buds lie between the papillae, giving us our sense of taste.
The tongue itself is an important organ, assisting in speech, swallowing and chewing.
What you describe sounds like something called geographic tongue.
The symptoms can include a map-like appearance of the surface of the tongue; patches that change shape and location from day to day; smooth, red patches or lesions on some areas of the tongue and, in some people, soreness or a burning pain.
Graphic tongue can persist for some time. Usually painless, it is a harmless condition that does not usually require treatment.
What causes it to change?
The changing patterns on the tongue occur when there is a loss of the papillae, the finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue, making some areas look flat. Although the specific cause of the condition is unknown, it may be caused by irritation from hot, spicy foods or alcohol. Vitamin B deficiency may also be involved in its development.
Surprisingly, it seems to be less common in those who smoke - but that's not a reason to take up the habit!
So there's no need for me to bother my doctor with this?
Any persistent changes in appearance, colour or taste should be monitored and reported to your doctor or dentist for investigation. If your tongue becomes swollen, you experience problems with breathing or swallowing or you have mouth ulcers that do not respond to over-the-counter treatments, then you need to seek medical advice.
Other conditions such as burning mouth syndrome, anaemia or vitamin deficiencies can cause changes in the appearance of the tongue as can dehydration, thrush, upper respiratory conditions and scarlet fever.
If the diagnosis of geographic tongue is confirmed, you would be advised to avoid spicy or hot food and stay away from alcohol.