Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, is a condition that affects the tongue. It is characterized by the appearance of irregularly shaped, smooth, red patches or areas on the tongue, which can change in location and size over time, giving the tongue a map-like appearance.

The exact cause of geographic tongue is not known, but it is believed to be related to inflammation or irritation of the tongue. Geographic tongue is a harmless condition that usually does not require treatment, although it can cause discomfort or sensitivity in some cases.

In some cases, a dentist or oral surgeon may recommend a biopsy to rule out other conditions. In rare cases, the geographic tongue may be associated with other medical conditions, such as psoriasis or lichen planus.

Although the geographic tongue is not a serious condition, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid irritating or spicy foods, which can exacerbate the symptoms. If you experience discomfort or sensitivity associated with geographic tongue, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or other treatments to help manage the symptoms.

The cause of geographic tongue is unknown, and there's no way to prevent the condition. There may be a link between geographic tongue and psoriasis and between geographic tongue and lichen planus. But more research is needed to better understand possible connections.

Geographic tongue typically doesn't require any medical treatment. Although geographic tongue can sometimes cause tongue discomfort, it's otherwise a harmless condition.

To manage discomfort or sensitivity, your doctor may recommend medications such as:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Mouth rinses with an anesthetic
• Antihistamine mouth rinses
• Corticosteroid ointments or rinses
• Vitamin B supplementation, in some cases

Because these treatments haven't been studied rigorously, their benefit is uncertain. Since the condition resolves on its own and has an unpredictable course, you may not be able to tell if the symptomatic treatments are actually working.