Spots on Tongue

Have you faced this problem?

Have you noticed some patches on your tongue? After a certain time period, have you seen those patches in a different region of the tongue? If you would have noticed carefully, you might even have found those patches taking a different shape as well. For people who have not come across the things I am describing, you would be wondering what I am talking about. These bald patches on the tongue are called Geographic Tongue.

In some cases you might have noticed people having white spots. Some might have red spots also. Why do they occur? Are they like a mole? What are they?

Do you know the reason for the appearance of these spots and patches on the tongue?

These geographic patches are also termed “denuded” which means “papillae”. Papillae are any of the small protuberances on the upper surface of the tongue, often containing taste buds. The falling of the papillae causes those patches.  The falling and replacing of papillae makes one feel, as if there is a movement of the patches. Usually one fallen papillae gets replaced in around 7 to 10 days. Since the replacement processes of the papillae makes one feel as though the patches move around the tongue, this geographic tongue is technically called as Migratory Glossits.

The reason for the appearance of white spots on tongue are not known. However, tobacco is suspected to cause these white spots in adults, when chewed or smoked. Alcohol might also be the possible reason for these white spots and patches.

White spots may occur to infants and babies, which is called oral thrush. The state may also be referred as oral candidiasis, which is caused by fungal infection. In such a case, the infection might not only be on tongue, but also in different portions of the mouth like pharynx or gums.

Does spots on tongue cause side-effects?

There were not much study conducted on patches on the tongue. A statistic study shows that only around 3% of the total world population has geographic tongue. This is a rough figure. Also, women are prone to these than men, says the study. Some people with geographic tongue have a tingling and burning sensation. Doctors categorize this as “benign”, which means, it is not detrimental.

You should consult a doctor if you develop white patches on tongue. These may also be called as Leukoplakia. The affected tongue area thickens or hardens. You would find irregularity in the texture of tongue. These are also not harmful, but in some cases they act as early signs of cancer. Oral candidiasis might cause a mild fever in some cases.

What are the measures to prevent them?

Doctors say that geographical tongue might be caused due to the deficiency of certain nutrients. As these spots are found in people with less immunity and people suffering from asthma, eczema and allergies, it is good to have a good nutritive and well balanced diet. Note that sound sleep develops immunity. Exercises are a great way to boost one’s immunity.

Take an oath not to use tobacco in any form, to avoid Leukoplakia, as these white patches cannot be scraped off that easily. Also reduce the drinking quantity of alcohol and gradually stop drinking, once and for all.

Oral hygiene is a must to prevent oneself from bacterial and fungal infections

Are there treatments for them?

There are anti bacterial and anti fungal treatments given by doctors, if the spots are caused due to fungal and /or bacterial infections. Please note that, medication should be done, only under the guidelines of a physician. Self medication is not appreciated, as there are chances of inviting further complications. But, a simple home remedy could be suggested for spots on tongue and mouth caused by bacteria or fungal infections in adults, when the condition is in the very initial stage. You can take one teaspoon of turmeric powder with equal quantity of powdered pepper and table salt. Mix these three powders, dry. Water is not necessary. Gently apply a thin layer of this mix on all affected areas. When applying in the mouth, the secretion of saliva would be high. Allow it to stand for 5 minutes, keeping your mouth closed. Then you may spit the fluid and wash your mouth. This can be done twice daily, for 10 days. Fresh, ground Thulsi(Ocimum Tenuiflorum) leaf paste can also be applied on those infected areas, twice daily for 5 minutes and can be washed.

As in some cases, the spots are caused due to the deficiency of nutrients. In such a condition, doctors might prescribe a nutritional supplement for patients suffering from spots, caused by any deficiency. Make sure to have a diet with good amount of vitamins and minerals, in a natural form. No nutritional supplement can exactly compensate the nutrition available natural form.

Though there are not many treatments, it is good that we have a close watch to find out the causes of these patches and spots. Some might develop some allergic reactions towards certain food and circumstances. Mere observation might help detect the root cause of a problem; thereby giving an idea to avoid the ones those cause problems or allergies.