The geographical language is a change that causes the appearance of red, smooth and irregular spots on the tongue, forming an image that looks like a geographical map. This change has no cure because it is not a disease, but rather a characteristic that is usually more common within the same family.
Although the geographical language is a harmless alteration that does not need treatment, in some cases it can cause pain, burning and discomfort, especially after consuming hot, acidic or salty foods. In such cases, it is recommended to see a dentist to begin treatment, which may include:
- Analgesics and anti-inflammatories, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen: help relieve pain during seizures that may occur after eating more spicy foods;
- Mouthwash or anesthetic ointments, such as Lidocaine: quickly relieve pain and burning in the tongue;
- Steroid remedies, such as Prednisolone: help relieve inflammation and pain in the tongue, especially when painkillers do not work.
This treatment only helps to alleviate the symptoms by not curing the geographical language. This way, the symptoms can come back whenever the tissue of the tongue undergoes an irritation due to the type of feeding, for example.
Home Treatment to Avoid Symptoms
Since there is no definitive treatment for this language change, it is advised that people with a geographical language with frequent symptoms follow a home treatment that consists of avoiding foods that can damage the tissue of the tongue. This includes very hot, spicy, very spicy or salty foods, for example.
In addition, you should also avoid cigarette and do not use toothpaste containing addition of chemicals, as whitening substances, or with very intense flavors.
Why does the geographical language
The geographical language arises when the taste buds of some areas of the tongue begin to disappear, forming small red and irregular spots. However, the specific causes that lead to the disappearance of the papillae are not yet known.
Some of the factors that appear to be related to this change, and increase the chances of developing it, include the existence of other cases in the family and the presence of psoriasis in the body.
Although stains are caused by the disappearance of some taste buds, the taste of food does not change.