Geographic tongue or benign migratory glossitis affects the very best and sides of the tongue. Although it is a harmless condition, it may be pretty annoying and embarrassing. Worry not, we have for you the best home remedies for geographic tongue.
According to the The American Academy of Oral Medicine,
“Geographic tongue (also known as benign migratory glossitis) is an inflammatory disorder that usually appears on the top and sides from the tongue.
Typically, affected tongues have a bald, red area of varying sizes that is surrounded, at least in part, by an irregular white border (see Right). The look of the affected portion of the tongue results from loss of the finger-like and mushroom shaped projections (papilla) which normally cover the tongue's surface. Occasionally, similar appearing lesions occur on other oral sites, like the palate, cheeks, under the tongue, or on the gums. Such lesions are known as geographic stomatitis or erythema migrans.”
If you've got a geographic tongue, then your papillae will probably become white, which will make it more pronounced. Soon red, white and pink patches begin to form on the tongue.
Some people with a geographic tongue also experience sensitivity when eating hot or acidic food. Spicy meals are the worst on geographic tongue. The red patches around the tongue can get infected by bacteria or thrush like candida. Some the signs of geographic tongue apart from the patches around the tongue include burning pain, sores on the tongue and also bad breath.
The causes of this oral condition continues to be not known, but the risk factors which increase your likelihood of developing the geographic tongue include oral parafunctional habits, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, some kind of allergy and hormonal imbalances.
The American Academy of Oral Medicine further says,
The reason for geographic tongue is unknown. Several factors have been proposed as possible causes for example emotional stress, psychological factors, habits, allergies, diabetes and hormonal disturbances. However, none of these factors have been conclusively linked to geographic tongue. A relationship between geographic tongue and psoriasis (an epidermis disease) has been reported. Geographic tongue was found to be more frequent in patients with psoriasis. Some consider geographic tongue a dental form of psoriasis.
The geographic tongue though a common problem, is more common among people with psoriasis. Irrespective of age or sex, anyone can develop this oral condition. However, you need not worry about the condition being contagious or perhaps ever turning into oral condition.
The condition, if not treated, can persist for months or even years. And even if it gets treated by itself, then it will revive again.
You cannot cure a geographic tongue, but to deal with the mild pain and irritation the oral condition causes, try these home remedies and also include some lifestyle changes. For a proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment, you will have to consult a doctor. Furthermore, not getting treated, the condition might become something more serious.
Home remedies for geographic tongue
Here are the top 10 natural treatments for your geographic tongue.
1. Dietary Choices
The first remedy on our listing of treatments is making changes in your dietary choices. You'll have to avoid some foods and limit others to keep the sensitive tissues in the tongue from getting aggravated. These food irritants have a tendency to worsen the geographic tongue and then trying to treat it with remedies will be a complete failure.
You need to stay away from hot and spicy food for a while. Also avoid salty foods. You need to dodge tobacco products. Flavored candy too is not a very good choice. If you love acidic fruits and vegetables, then for a few months you need to avoid them. Highly sugary foods or perhaps processed foods might not be a good idea when you have a geographic tongue.
2. Fluid Intake
Keeping your body hydrated becomes essential when trying to treat geographic tongue. It also treats discomfort, which is a very common symptom of this oral condition. By hydrating the body, you will also be able to stimulate the saliva production in your mouth, which will improve your oral health.
Start by drinking a lot of water through the day. You can also suck
- Drink an ample amount of water during the day. You can also suck on small pieces of ice.
- Eat frozen chunks of water-based vegetables and fruit like watermelon and cucumber.
- Drink smoothies, fruit juice or vegetable juice.
- Drink 1 to 2 glasses of coconut water daily.
- Drink chilled herb teas like green or chamomile tea.
Avoid sugary drinks, and cut down on regular tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages.
3. Vegetable Glycerin
To treat geographic tongue, you can try vegetable glycerin. It keeps the tongue moistened, and this will speed up the healing process. For those who have bad breath, then vegetable glycerin will treat this too.
To apply the glycerin, use a cotton ball. Let it rest on for five minutes, and then using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your tongue. Wash with lukewarm water.
You have to repeat this two times a day for at least two weeks.
If all this is too much trouble, then you can also use a glycerin mouthwash.
4. Aloe Vera
The next remedy for geographical tongue is aloe vera, which treats not only this oral condition but many others. You can also get rid of your foul breath with this aloe vera.
Begin by scraping out the gel of an aloe vera leaf. Now gently apply it on your tongue. Leave it on for Ten minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
You need to repeat the remedy 2 times every day, for at least a month.
You may also rinse your mouth with natural aloe-vera juice for its benefits
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Try apple cider vinegar treatment to treat the signs of infection. If you feel you are developing an oral thrush, then rinsing your mouth with diluted with apple cider vinegar treatment can help. The vinegar will balance the acid-base level in your mouth. This will fight the infection too.
Apple cider vinegar is sour and thus might cause some burning sensation. Worry not, because your condition will improve soon.
First mix a tablespoon of the vinegar and a quarter of the teaspoon of baking soda. Now add this to some glass of water, and use the mix as a mouthwash twice or thrice a day.
6. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an old ayurvedic practice that treats the red and pink patches associated with geographic tongue. Oil pulling will even help you get rid of the toxins from the tongue, the mouth and your body. To maintain oral health too, oil pulling is the best natural treatment.
For the remedy, start by putting two teaspoons of organic coconut oil, or cold-pressed sesame oil in your mouth and swish it around for about 10 to 15 minutes. After that, goes the oil and wash your mouth with lukewarm water.
In case you had been worried, while using oil pulling, you can brush your teeth as usual. You should make sure you use the remedy early in the morning, before you eat anything. Also, you have to make sure that you do not swallow the oil.
7. Mint
To inhibit the development of bacteria in your mouth, try mint leaves. It helps with several oral problems, as well as prevents the burning and irritating sensation that's likely in your tongue if you have geographic tongue.
Mint, as we all know, also freshens up the breath.
For the remedy, you are able to prepare a cup of mint tea, stronger the taste the better. Now chill the tea in the fridge for half an hour approximately. Now drink it. You need to repeat the remedy at least three times a day until the condition is completely treated.
You can also chew some fresh mint leaves or gnaw on a mint gum every day.
8. Vitamin B
The last remedy on our list is vitamin b complex, because geographic tongue is seen to be associated with vitamin B deficiency. When you eat foods that are rich sources of vitamin B, eating more of those will treat and also prevent the occurrence of this oral condition.
Vitamin B also treats the red patches that develop around the tongue due to this condition.
Start taking whole grains, milk, cheese, eggs, oats, salmon and avocados because they are rich in vitamin B. Other foods that are also good sources of this vitamin are bananas, turkey, and liver.
You might also take vitamin B supplements, but consult a doctor first for the right dosage.
That is we have on today's post on natural home remedies for geographic tongue. Was this beneficial? Will you be recommending it to other people too? If you have some remedies that you would like to share with us, then please do so in the comment section below.
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