Although Geographic Tongue is inflammation affecting the tongue surface, it is harmless. Let us learn more about it and natural cures to treat it.

What Is Geographic Tongue And Its Symptoms

In general, our tongue is covered with pinkish-white and tiny papillae. Geographic tongue or benign migratory glossitis is pink, red or white and smooth patches with slightly raised borders on the tongue surface with pronounced papillae. It may also affect the side of your tongue. One of the symptoms of geographic tongue is that the lesion frequently changes its shape, size and location. Also, there is burning or pain while eating acidic or spicy foods. However, in most of the people with geographic tongue, there is no symptom but sometimes it may be uncomfortable

What Causes Geographic Tongue

The cause of geographic tongue is not known, and so there is no way to prevent it. There may be a link between geographic tongue and lichen planus or psoriasis, but more research is to be done on this. Specific foods such as cheese may trigger it. Hormonal changes may also be a cause.

People with a family history of a geographical tongue and with other disorder of tongue such as fissured tongue are more at risk.

Anyone irrespective of sex and age may develop geographic tongue. It is not at all contagious and never turns into cancer, but the red areas may get infected by candida, and in rare cases, there are sores, bad breath and burning pain. To ease the mild irritation, you can try specific home remedies mentioned below.

Home Remedies To Cure Geographic Tongue Naturally

1. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient practice to treat geographic tongue. It eliminates the toxins from your mouth and promotes good oral health.

What To Do

Swish your mouth with a tablespoon of sesame oil or cold pressed coconut oil for 10 minutes and then spit it out. This is followed by rinsing your mouth with warm water. Do not swallow the oil. Repeat this in the morning before eating. Brush your teeth as usual.

2. Mint

The antibacterial property of mint checks the growth of bacteria. It prevents oral problems, freshens breath and eases burning.

What To Do

Steep a few leaves of mint in a cup of boiling water. Strain the concoction and refrigerate it for half an hour. Drink refrigerated mint tea a few times in a day.

3. Zinc

A few studies have shown a link between geographic tongue and zinc deficiency.

What To Do

Increase the intake of foods rich in zinc. Foods rich in zinc are fish, red meat, cheese, lentils, beans, milk, crab, oysters, nuts, cereals, yoghurt, green leafy vegetables and seeds.

For zinc supplements consult your doctor.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is well-known for its cooling, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It is used to treat lots of oral problems and skin issues. Also, it helps to get rid of bad breath.

What To Do

Extract gel of fresh aloe vera leaf and apply directly to your tongue. After 10-15 minutes rinse it off. Repeat this a few times in a day.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

If there is oral thrush or infection, apple cider vinegar will clear off the infection and bring back the pH balance of mouth.

ACV is acidic and sour so use it after diluting.

What To Do

To a glass of water add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and one-fourth teaspoon baking soda. Mix the ingredients and rinse your mouth with it a few times in a day.

6. Vegetable Glycerine

Vegetable glycerin is one of the most effective home remedies for geographic tongue. It promotes healing, keeps tongue moistened and also treats bad breath.

What To Do

Apply vegetable glycerine on your tongue with the help of a cotton ball. After 5 minutes with the help of a soft bristle toothbrush, brush your teeth and then rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat this two times in a day.

7. Foods Rich In Vitamin B

Vitamin B deficiency may be one of the causes of geographic tongue.

What To Do

• Eat foods rich in vitamin B for example cheese, oats, salmon, bran, banana, liver, avocado, eggs, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, turkey and eggs.
• For vitamin B supplements see your doctor.

8. Ice Cube

If you are experiencing burning in the red patches on the tongue you may rub ice for temporary relief.

Precautionary Measures To Be Taken:

• Practice proper oral hygiene. It is advised to brush your teeth two times daily and floss every day.
• Avoid scraping your tongue.
• Eat foods rich in fibre and drink lots of water to promote body cleansing.
• Practice yoga and meditation to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Avoid spicy foods
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid processed foods and flavoured candies

Lesions of the tongue may indicate some severe another disease. So If the lesions do not resolve in a week to 10 days consult your doctor.

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