Geographic Tongue Treatment Vitamin B

What Are Some Current Issues And Controversies About Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 and the nervous system

Vitamin B6 is needed for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are required for normal nerve cell communication. Researchers have been investigating the relationship between vitamin B6 status and a wide variety of neurologic conditions such as seizures, chronic pain, depression, headache, and Parkinsons disease.

Lower levels of serotonin have been found in individuals suffering from depression and migraine headaches. So far, however, vitamin B6 supplements have not proved effective for relieving these symptoms. One study found that a sugar pill was just as likely as vitamin B6 to relieve headaches and depression associated with low dose oral contraceptives.

Alcohol abuse can result in neuropathy, abnormal nerve sensations in the arms and legs. A poor dietary intake contributes to this neuropathy and dietary supplements that include vitamin B6 may prevent or decrease its incidence.

Vitamin B6 and carpal tunnel syndrome

Vitamin B6 and premenstrual syndrome

Vitamin B6 and interactions with medications

How Long Does A Geographic Tongue Last

The symptoms and appearance of geographic tongue can last a few days to several months or years. Often, geographic tongue resolves spontaneously on its own in one area only to have another lesion appear in a different location. The lesions may disappear for some time before reoccurring later.

Theres no way to predict how long an episode of geographic tongue will last or what causes it. It is a lifelong condition with periodic flare-ups for most people.

Oral Manifestations In Patients With Covid

Many articles including case reports, case-series and cross-sectional studies have been done since the recent outbreak of COVID-19, causing a global pandemic. These studies have shown that approximately 20% of patients with COVID-19 can present with mucosal manifestations in their oral cavities, including geographic tongue. Geographic tongue is also thought to appear alongside the onset of the regular symptoms of COVID-19.

Interleukin-6 is known to be an important biomarker in patients with COVID-19 in relation to a cytokine storm where too many inflammatory cells which have a detrimental effect on organ systems throughout the body. Geographic tongue is associated with elevated levels of IL-6, which possibly helps explain it’s presentation on confirmed COVID-19 patients. This evidence is minimal and requires more studies and research to confirm these claims.

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Taking Care Of Your Geographic Tongue

Visit your doctor or dentist if your tongue is especially painful. For mild tenderness issues, spicy and acidic foods are best avoided until the episode passes, says Dental Health Services Victoria.

Good oral hygiene is always recommended, this means brushing your teeth and tongue twice a day, so long as your tongue is not sensitive or sore. And don’t forget to floss daily.

What Is The Recommended Dietary Allowance For Vitamin B6 For Adults

The Recommended Dietary Allowance is the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all healthy individuals in each life-stage and gender group.

The 1998 RDAs for vitamin B6 for adults, in milligrams, are:

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Tongue Fissures: Possible Causes And Treatments

A fissured tongue is when it is cracked. The cracks or grooves appear only on the dorsum and sides, not the bottom. They have different patterns and shapes and vary in depth.

It is a normal condition that may begin in childhood. It may, however, occur in adults. They also worsen with age. It is common enough with 11% prevalence in children and 40% in adults of the population aged over 40.

There is no evidence that suggests this condition affects any particular age, geographic location of the race. It is random and can affect anybody.

Vitamin B And Zinc Supplements For Geographic Tongue

The journal of dental medicine highlights that zinc effective in promoting healthy epithelial tissues and in the treatment of geographic tongue.

That means that if you have Zinc deficiency you might as well end up with the geographic tongue and other oral problems.

As from today start taking a zinc supplement or eat more zinc-rich foods to get rid of the geographic tongue for life. Also, zinc promotes a proper and improved sense of taste and smell too.

Some food that is high in zinc includes:

• like red meat
• seeds
• yoghurt, kefir, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables.

Also, Zinc supplements come in several forms that are available online: tablets, capsules, and lozenges. Get in touch with your health care provider in your area to prescribe the right dosage for you.

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What In The World Is Geographic Tongue

posted: Aug. 14, 2014.

Picture this: Youre feeling some mild irritation in your mouth, which seems to be coming from the area near your tongue. You go to the mirror, open wide and notice a series of red patches on the tongues surface, which are surrounded by whitish borders. Should you drop what youre doing and rush to get medical help right away?

Sure, a visit to the dentist might be a good idea to rule out more serious problems but first, sit down and relax for a moment. Chances are what youre experiencing is an essentially harmless condition called benign migratory glossitis, which is also known by its common name geographic tongue. While it may look unusual, geographic tongue isnt a serious condition: Its not cancerous or contagious, and it doesnt generally lead to more severe health problems. However, it can make your tongue feel a bit more sensitive, and may occasionally lead to mild sensations of burning, stinging or numbness.

The appearance of reddish patches on the tongue results from the temporary loss of structures called papillae: tiny bumps which normally cover the tongues surface. These patches may appear or disappear over the course of days or even hours and sometimes appear to change their shape or location.

If you would like more information about geographic tongue, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article Geographic Tongue.

How To Get Rid Of Geographic Tongue

There is no cure for geographic tongue. Certain treatments can decrease any discomfort or inflammation that results from the condition. These treatments include:

• Antihistamine gels
• A numbing agent, such as viscous lidocaine or Benadryl
• Steroid mouth rinses
• Vitamin A
• Zinc supplements

You may also wish to avoid spicy or acidic foods and alcohol if these exacerbate your discomfort. Good oral hygiene can also help.

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The Following Are Also Known To Worsen The Condition

Trauma

Too much friction on the tongue can cause the cracks and fissures to worsen. This friction is caused by brushing too vigorously or any other form of intrusion.

Tobacco and alcohol

These substances irritate it and can cause cracks over time. Chewing tobacco may also cause cracks along with black and hairy tongue.

Dehydration

If you do not regularly drink water, the natural grooves in your tongue will dry up due to the lack of moisture.

What Are The Symptoms Of Geographic Tongue

While many people dont notice any symptoms at all, the most recognizable sign of geographic tongue is the appearance of the pattern on the tongue. Symptoms can come and go, and may last a few weeks or years. They include:

• Red spots on the tongue: The red patches on the tongue appear in an irregular map-like pattern and are often surrounded by white or gray borders. They appear anywhere on the top, sides and tip of the tongue. The patches may come and go, and can change size, shape and location over time.
• Absence of papillae: The insides of the red patches are noticeably smoother because they do not have any papillae. Papillae are tiny bumps that coat and protect the entire tongue and help us chew food. Some papillae also have taste buds.
• Burning sensation: Some people with geographic tongue feel a stinging, tingling or burning sensation on their tongue, especially when eating. Discomfort is usually mild and can come and go along with the red patches.
• Patches in other areas of the mouth: Occasionally, similar red patches can form on the gums, the top of the mouth or inside the cheeks. These patches are called geographic stomatitis or erythema migrans. The patches are not the same as the erythema migrans rash that appears in the early stages of Lyme disease. Having these patches in your mouth does not mean that you have Lyme disease.

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What Are The Treatments For Geographic Tongue

Because geographic tongue is a benign condition, treatment is not necessary. If you feel pain or discomfort, you should avoid eating anything that can irritate your tongue, such as spicy food. To relieve the stinging or burning sensation, your doctor may recommend:

• Mouthwash with an antihistamine .
• Topical analgesics that you can apply directly to your tongue.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .

Vitamin B: What Is It

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in three major chemical forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. It performs a wide variety of functions in your body and is essential for your good health. For example, vitamin B6 is needed for more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is also essential for red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need vitamin B6 to function efficiently, and it is also needed for the conversion of tryptophan to niacin .

Hemoglobin within red blood cells carries oxygen to tissues. Your body needs vitamin B6 to make hemoglobin. Vitamin B6 also helps increase the amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin. A vitamin B6 deficiency can result in a form of anemia that is similar to iron deficiency anemia.

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Causes Of Geographic Tongue

Theres not much known about what causes geographic tongue, but there is some suspicion that it is associated with vitamin deficiencies, says Arbeitman. Harris adds that factors like emotional stress, hormonal changes, and allergies may also play a role, and Donley notes genetics or psoriasis may play a part. More research is needed in this area to know for sure, he says.

What Are Symptoms Of Geographic Tongue

Geographic tongue is characterized by island-shaped lesions that give the tongue an appearance similar to that of a map. These lesions can manifest themselves on the top and sides of the tongue. They have a jagged and uneven appearance, and there is occasionally a white border or edge around them.

Lesions may be painless and generally do not pose any risks. They are not a sign of cancer, infection, or any other significant medical condition. Instead, the irregularly shaped dots are an indication that inflammation is damaging the surface of your tongue.

The following are some possible signs and symptoms of a geographic tongue:

• Lesions that are velvety smooth, bright red, and have an unusual form and location on the top or side of the tongue
• Frequent changes in the position, size, and contour of lesions
• Discomfort, pain, or burning when eating acidic or spicy foods

If symptoms do occur, they may last for many days, months, or even years. Geographic tongue will often go away on its own but may recur in the future.

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When To See A Doctor

Some people may find geographic tongue uncomfortable. Consult your doctor if you experience pain or discomfort.

Also, contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Breathing issues
• Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing
• Tongue sores that wont heal

These indicate a more severe problem that needs evaluation.

Treatment And Home Remedies

Water

Hydrate your mouth to prevent dryness and increase moisture in your tongue. Drink a few glasses a day as recommended.

Dietary changes

If your tongue is cracked, avoid eating food that may irritate it to prevent the burn. Eat less spicy, acidic or salty food until the cracks resolve.

In the case of vitamin deficiency, eat food high in biotin and iron. This includes mushrooms, chicken, eggs, spinach, beans, mushroom, cheese, cauliflower, almonds and all the other nutrient-rich foods. Search and research other foods that may fall into either category.

Just as well, avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or tobacco. These irritate it and may cause staining.

Dental hygiene

Regular brushing of your teeth is necessary to fight bacteria, food particles and microorganisms that hide in the gaps of your mouth and the cracks in your tongue. Use a tongue cleaner for extra help

Use a soft toothbrush to reduce friction and brush in gentle motions. You may also consider switching to a milder toothpaste.

Medication

This is only where the medical conditions mentioned above may apply. Visit your doctor first and do not self- medicate.

Depending on the condition, the doctor may offer an antibiotic or topical pain relievers.

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Is Geographic Tongue Serious

Geographic tongue is a benign condition with no serious implications. It most often affects the appearance but not the health of the tongue. Occasionally, geographic tongue can result in a burning sensation.

There are no known reports of geographic tongue causing cancer. Geographic tongue is also not contagious, so you cant spread it to other people.

Treatment Strategies For Geographic Tongue

Dental professionals should be aware of the etiology and pathogenesis, treatment, and oral health considerations for this pathosis.

This course was published in the August 2021 issue and expires August 2024. The authors have no commercial conflicts of interest to disclose. This 2 credit hour self-study activity is electronically mediated.

After reading this course, the participant should be able to:

Geographic tongue is a benign oral mucosal lesion that usually affects the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the tongue.1 This condition was first described by Rayer2 in 1831 as a wandering rash of the tongue, and has since been known by various names, including benign migratory glossitis, erythema migrans and annulus migrans.3 The disease is characterized by alternating activity, remission, and reactivation at various locations of the tongue. This article will review the conditions clinical features, etiology and pathogenesis, treatment, and oral health considerations.

This condition has also been associated with systemic diseases, including atopy, allergy, asthma, stress, eczema, psoriasis, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, and syndromes such as Reiter syndrome and Down syndrome. Another study showed that 25% of patients with GT had allergy concurrently.911

FIGURE 1.

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Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

An interprofessional team that provides a holistic and integrated approach to diagnosing and treating geographic tongue can help achieve the best possible outcomes. Health care staff of primary care and emergency departments play a vital role in diagnosing and referring patients with tongue lesions to dermatology or otolaryngology that look like geographic tongue. This will aid in better patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Collaboration, shared decision making, and communication are key elements for a good outcome. The interprofessional care provided to the patient must use an integrated care pathway combined with an evidence-based approach to planning and evaluation of all joint activities. The earlier signs and symptoms of geographic tongue are identified the better is the patient outcome and satisfaction.

Prevalence Of Geographic Tongue In Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis

Oral manifestations of psoriatic disease can be divided into two types: the first involves change in mucosa histologically similar to psoriasis, parallel to skin lesions. The other type is more common and is constituted by nonspecific lesions, such as fissured tongue and geographic tongue .2828 Bruce AJ, Rogers RS, 3rd. Oral psoriasis. Dermatol Clin. 2003 21:99-104.

Figure 1A and B –

Geographic tongue is the most common oral lesions in psoriasis, with or without arthritis, presenting high prevalence in these patients, as well relation to the severity of the disease, leading some authors to consider the combination of these conditions.1818 Femiano F. Geographic tongue and psoriasis. Minerva Stomatol. 2001 50:213-7.,2121 Hernández-Pérez F1, Jaimes-Aveldañez A, Urquizo-Ruvalcaba Mde L, Díaz-Barcelot M, Irigoyen-Camacho ME, et al. Prevalence of oral lesions in patients with psoriasis. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2008 13:E703-8.,2828 Bruce AJ, Rogers RS, 3rd. Oral psoriasis. Dermatol Clin. 2003 21:99-104.

Table 1

Tomb et al showed an association between GT/FT and psoriasis, highlighting the increase of these lesions in pustular psoriasis.3232 Tomb R, Hajj H, Nehme E. Oral lesions in psoriasis. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2010 137:695-702.

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Geographic Tongue Causes And Risk Factors

Geographic tongue happens when parts of your tongue are missing layers of papillae. Doctors arenât sure exactly why you lose them. However, because geographic tongue tends to run in families, it might have something to do with your genes.

Geographic tongue is also more common in people who have psoriasis or cracks and grooves on the top and sides of their tongue .

Geographic tongue affects about 1% to 3% of people. It can happen at any age, but itâs more likely in young adults. Itâs more common in women than in men.

What Is The Relationship Between Vitamin B6 Homocysteine And Heart Disease

A deficiency of vitamin B6, folic acid, or vitamin B12 may increase your level of homocysteine, an amino acid normally found in your blood. There is evidence that an elevated homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The evidence suggests that high levels of homocysteine may damage coronary arteries or make it easier for blood clotting cells called platelets to clump together and form a clot. However, there is currently no evidence available to suggest that lowering homocysteine level with vitamins will reduce your risk of heart disease. Clinical intervention trials are needed to determine whether supplementation with vitamin B6, folic acid, or vitamin B12 can help protect you against developing coronary heart disease.

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