Red Spots on Tongue
A hypothetical scenario: Help! My tongue is red and splotchy! Last week while brushing my teeth, I noticed strange red and shiny blotches on my tongue.
I thought they were from something I ate, but the splotches wouldn’t brush off. Days later, they’re still there, changing shape daily. I’m not in pain, but I’m starting to worry. What could be causing this?
Answer: Your problem is likely geographic tongue, a harmless condition that occurs when papillae (projections on the tongue’s surface) fall off in spots, giving areas a glossy appearance.
The pattern occurs because papillae regrow in “bald” spots but die in other areas. While it’s unclear what causes this condition, it doesn’t require treatment and often resolves itself within a few weeks.
Still, it’s smart to schedule a visit with your doctor or dentist to rule out other causes (like an oral yeast infection). [source: First]
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