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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffGeographic tongue is a benign condition. It doesn't pose any threat to your health, cause long-term complications or increase your risk of major health problems.
However, anxiety about the condition is fairly common because:
- The appearance of the tongue may be embarrassing, depending on how visible the lesions are
- It may be difficult to be reassured that there is, in fact, nothing seriously wrong
References
- Assimakopoulos D, et al. Benign migratory glossitis or geographic tongue: An enigmatic oral lesion. American Journal of Medicine. 2002;113:751.
- Byrd JA, et al. Glossitis and other tongue disorders. Dermatologic Clinics. 2003;21:123.
- Reamy BV, et al. Common tongue conditions in primary care. American Family Physician. 2010;81:627.
- Shulman JD, et al. Prevalence and risk factors associated with geographic tongue among US adults. Oral Diseases. 2006;12:381.
- Carr AB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 23, 2010.
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