Risk Factors For Geographic Tongue

.Background: Geographic tongue is a benign inflammatory condition occurring most commonly on dorsal surface and lateral borders of the tongue characterized by multifocal, irregular yet well-demarcated erythematous lesions with slightly elevated whitish borders resulting from loss of filiform papillae. The lesions have tendency to regress and recur in other areas with variable morphological pattern and size hence the name benign migratory glossitis. The condition is usually asymptomatic, however discomfort ranging from sensation of a foreign body to severe pain and burning sensation that interfere with normal daily life, may occur. In this study I have assessed the risk factors for geographic tongue and it’s correlation with patients’ age, co-morbid diseases and conditions.
Method: In the period of November 2004 and May 2008, 93 patients (age ± SD: 46.64 ± 19.23, range 3-80) with geographic tongue lesions were investigated. The patients’ medical history, both past and present, was first noted. Subsequently, a thorough physical examination and laboratory analysis was conducted. The presence of co-morbid diseases was investigated and statistical analysis of data was performed.
Results: 93 patients were assessed in this study, 58 (62.4%) were females and 35 (37.6%) were males, out of which 65 (69.9) were referred to clinic with complaints. C-13 urea level was higher than 0.04% in 32 (34.8%) patient. The results of Candida culturing were positive for 18 (22.8%) patients. Candidal infection have a positive relationship with age, and C-13 urea test positivity. Complaints show relationship with deficiency of folic acid.
Discussion: The geographic tongue is a benign recurrent disease and its causes are still unknown, but we need to treat patients with complaints on geographic tongue. Previously the treatment was more symptomatic but the identification of the reason for the complaints may provide a choice for causative treatment.