Brief Answer:
geographic tongue

Detailed Answer:
Hello, This is Geographic tongue , a condition that gets its name from its map-like appearance on the upper surface and sides of the tongue. It may occur in other areas of your mouth, as well.

You'll be relieved to know that geographic tongue is a harmless, benign condition that isn't linked to any infection or cancer. Two other names for geographic tongue are benign migratory glossitis and erythema migrans.

Affecting about 1% to 3% of people, geographic tongue can show up at any age. However, it tends to affect middle-aged or older adults more often. It appears to be more common in women than in men.

Symptoms of Geographic Tongue
The telltale signs of geographic tongue are irregular, smooth, red patches on parts of the tongue. These patches may:

Have a white or light-colored border
Vary in size, shape, and color
Appear one area, and then move to another area
Come and go or change very quickly in days, weeks, or months
Last up to a year
You may be unaware that you have geographic tongue until your dentist or other health care provider diagnoses it during an oral exam.

About one in 10 people with geographic tongue may have mild discomfort or a burning or painful sensation. This is often from sensitivity to substances such as:

Hot, spicy, or acidic foods
Cigarette smoke
Toothpaste
Causes and Risk Factors
Geographic tongue occurs when parts of the tongue are missing layers of small bumps called papillae. They normally cover the entire upper layer of your tongue. Why do you lose these papillae with geographic tongue? Nobody knows for sure. However, because geographic tongue tends to run in families, genetics may be a common link.

Geographic tongue has also been seen more frequently in people with psoriasis and in those with fissured tongue. In fissured tongue, cracks and grooves appear on the tops and sides of the tongue.

Treatment or Self-Care for Geographic Tongue
In most cases, any pain or discomfort will get better without treatment. But if you have severe, ongoing pain, medication can help. These are examples of what your doctor or dentist may prescribe:

Over-the-counter pain relievers
Anti-inflammatories
Mouth rinses with anesthetic
Corticosteroids applied directly on the tongue
Zinc supplements
If you're wondering about steps you can take to hasten the relief of symptoms, try limiting these substances or avoid them altogether:

Tobacco
Hot, spicy, or acidic foods or dried, salty nuts
Toothpaste with additives, whitening agents, or heavy flavoring (toothpaste for sensitive teeth is a better choice).
Regards

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