geographic tongue

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.