Geographic tongue

3 imperatives to transform health care in America. You're invited to watch it live

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Geographic 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
  1. Assimakopoulos D, et al. Benign migratory glossitis or geographic tongue: An enigmatic oral lesion. American Journal of Medicine. 2002;113:751.
  2. Byrd JA, et al. Glossitis and other tongue disorders. Dermatologic Clinics. 2003;21:123.
  3. Reamy BV, et al. Common tongue conditions in primary care. American Family Physician. 2010;81:627.
  4. Shulman JD, et al. Prevalence and risk factors associated with geographic tongue among US adults. Oral Diseases. 2006;12:381.
  5. Carr AB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 23, 2010.
DS00819 Oct. 23, 2010

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print
  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger