Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Menu
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Offices
    • Burlington Office
    • Jericho Office
  • Services
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Crowns And Bridges
    • Teeth Cleanings
    • Root Canal Treatment
    • Veneers
    • Dental Implants
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Smile Gallery
  • Patient Education
    • Educational Videos
    • Cosmetic & General Dentistry
    • Emergency Care
    • Endodontics
    • Implant Dentistry
    • Oral Health
    • Oral Hygiene
    • Oral Surgery
    • Orthodontics
    • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Periodontal Therapy
    • Technology

Dunkling & Penney Dentistry

Dentistry in Jericho and Burlington, VT

Burlington Office

52 N. Prospect St

Burlington, VT 05401

(802) 863-3479

Jericho Office

22 Raceway Rd

Jericho, VT 05465

(802) 899-3973

Our Locations
  • Welcome! >
  • Articles >
  • Oral Health >
  • Geographic Tongue

Geographic Tongue

  • Created in Oral Health

Geographic Tongue.Geographic tongue is characterized by harmless lesions, or patches, that can suddenly materialize on the tongue's top surface. The condition gets its name from the physical appearance of the lesions, which resemble smooth, red islands, possibly rimmed with white. Their smoothness comes from the absence of the tiny bumps or “papillae” that normally cover the entire surface of the tongue. These variations in color and texture give the whole tongue a map-like appearance.

The pattern on the tongue can change daily as the lesions appear to move or migrate, healing in one spot only to reappear in another. That's why the medical term for this condition is benign migratory glossitis. It's scary looking, but does not compromise a person's health.

Discomfort from the condition can sometimes be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers; mouthrinses containing anesthetics, antihistamines, or steroids; and by avoiding certain irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, and foods that are spicy, salty or acidic.

No one knows exactly what causes geographic tongue. Some factors that may play a role include vitamin B deficiency, irritation from alcohol or spicy foods, and genetics.

This condition can be diagnosed simply by examining your tongue; laboratory tests are usually not necessary. Geographic tongue normally resolves on its own, but a dental professional should be consulted if you notice any changes in your tongue's appearance.

  • Educational Videos
  • Cosmetic & General Dentistry
  • Emergency Care
  • Endodontics
  • Implant Dentistry
  • Oral Health
  • Oral Hygiene
  • Oral Surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Periodontal Therapy
  • Technology

Contact Us

Send Us an Email

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Burlington Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Jericho Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map