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Douglas Lambert, Sandra Houck, & Chase Seubert
6545 France Ave South Suite 585 Edina, MN 55435(952) 922-9119
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Conditions of the Tongue

Online Dental Education Library

Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

Conditions of the Tongue

Hairy Tongue

Hairy tongueHairy tongue is a benign change of the top surface of the tongue that is characterized by elongation of the many small nodules called papillae. It gets is name because the papillae resemble stubby hairs. The papillae can become stained from coffee, tea, colored soda, or bacteria. The cause is unknown but it is usually seen during antibiotic use, in smokers, in persons using stomach antacids, or in hospitalized and/or debilitated patients. Usually it is asymptomatic but may produce bad breath or cause a burning sensation. Treatment is to scrape the tongue, which will remove the papilla but the condition can recur.

Fissured Tongue

Fissured tongueFissured Tongue is a condition in which cracks or fissures are observed on the surface of the tongue. Food debris and some bacteria colonies may form in the fissures but this is almost always a condition with no symptoms. No treatment is necessary once it is properly diagnosed.

Geographic Tongue

Geographic tongueGeographic tongue gets its name from the map-like appearance on the surface or the tongue. This results from irregular, bare patches on its surface. The specific cause of geographic tongue is unknown, although it may occur due to irritation from hot or spicy foods, alcohol, or tobacco, or from allergies.

The pattern on the surface of your tongue may change very quickly. The pattern results from the loss of papillae. This gives areas of the tongue flat spots, and thus a geographic appearance. These areas of papillae loss are said to be denuded. The bare spots may last for more than a month but no treatment is usually necessary once it is properly diagnosed.


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(952) 922-9119

Southdale Medical Building
6545 France Ave South
Suite 585
Edina, MN 55435

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6545 France Ave South, Edina, MN 55435 Southdale Medical Building, Suite 585
Phone: 952.922.9119  |  Fax: 952.922.2628 | Email: [email protected]

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