There are different diseases or disorders that affect the tongue. Among the main ones are geographic tongue or benign migratory glossitis and cleft tongue.
What is geographic tongue or benign migratory glossitis?
Benign migratory glossitis, also known as geographic tongue, is a disorder that appears on the dorsum of the tongue, i.e. the upper surface of the tongue, and on the lateral edges of the tongue.
The signs of benign migratory glossitis
Benign migratory glossitis is characterized by the appearance of red spots, which are delimited by whiter areas. Over time, these spots move and change in shape, size and arrangement. For this reason, it is called migratory.
In most cases, this pathology does not produce symptoms. However, it sometimes produces a burning or stinging sensation that is closely related to the ingestion of certain foods (such as acidic, spicy, hot…).
This disorder, which has sometimes been linked to psoriasis, can occur at any age, but it typically appears in adolescence.
How can benign migratory glossitis be treated?
If it does not cause discomfort, this pathology does not require treatment. There are many health professionals who confuse geographic tongue with a fungal infectious process such as Candidiasis.
What is fissured tongue?
Fissured or scrotal tongue is a disorder characterized by the appearance of cracks, fissures and grooves of varying depth on the surface of the tongue.
It can appear at any time of life, although its frequency increases as the person gets older.
What causes fissured tongue?
At present, the causes of cleft tongue are unknown. However, there is a belief that it could have a genetic origin. In fact, it has been related to different disorders such as geographic tongue, Sjögren’s syndrome, Down syndrome, diabetes mellitus, vitamin B deficiency and some autoimmune diseases.
Generally, it does not produce symptoms unless the fissures or cracks are so deep that they can become superinfected by fungi such as Candidiasis.
What is the most appropriate treatment for fissured tongue?
The main treatment to cure fissured tongue is to follow a correct hygiene of the tongue. In addition, it is advisable to avoid certain foods and, in case of fungal superinfection, appropriate treatment should be carried out.