If you have noticed raised pink patches on your tongue, you may be experiencing geographic tongue.This could be related to an allergy attack or other unknown causes.Geographic tongue is harmless, noncontagious, and almost always clears up on its own within a week.While symptoms last, it can still cause some irritation.You can control the symptoms with some simple strategies.
Step 1: Try a salt water rinse.
Salt water can make your mouth less sensitive.Sea salt can be dissolved into a cup of warm water.If you wish the solution in your mouth, it should coat your tongue completely.When you are done using it, spit out the rinse.
Step 2: Apply a numbing agent to your tongue.
If you prefer to numb your tongue directly, or if you still feel pain after taking pain killers, then a gel will help you manage your symptoms.Rub the Q-tip onto the irritated parts of your mouth.The instructions say you can repeat the treatment.Do not use your finger to apply gels to your mouth.This can spread germs.There is an oral health section in your pharmacy.There are two brands that produce it.Make sure the product you use is designed for your mouth.You should only use the gels on your skin.
Step 3: If you have an itch in your tongue, use an anti-histamine.
In some cases, geographic tongue can be caused by an allergic reaction.If you have an itch on your tongue, try rinsing it with a mouthwash.These help soothe the area.The product label tells you to repeat the rinse.A lot of the major mouthwash manufacturers make antihistamine products.If the brand you normally use has one of these, you should use it.Do not swallow it.When you are done, spit it out.
Step 4: Take anti-Inflammatory Pain Relievers to relieve your pain.
Geographic tongue can still cause pain.Over the counter pain relief can be used to manage these symptoms.Naproxen and Ibuprofen can be used to reduce inflammation on your tongue.While your symptoms last, you can continue taking this medication daily.Dosage instructions for every product you use.If you take medication frequently, make sure there are no problems with the pain relief you use.Other pain killers, like aspirin, will work to reduce the pain.They will not cut down on the inflammation.
Step 5: If you have a deficiency, increase your intake of vitamins B and B.
A geographic tongue can be caused by a vitamin B deficiency.If you have had a deficiency in the past, you can boost your intake by taking vitamins.Fruits, peas, eggs, whole grains, milk, and fish are all high in vitamins B and C.If you are taking any drugs, make sure you check with your doctor before taking vitamins.If you already have a deficiency, this will not work.This probably won't help you with your symptoms.
Step 6: If the condition doesn't improve in 10 days you should visit the dentist.
Most of the time, the geographic tongue is minor and clears up on its own within a week.Some cases don't clear up and are more severe.Make an appointment with your dentist to have your tongue examined.Suggestions on the most effective next steps can be made by the dentist.A stronger gel may be prescribed by your dentist to help the condition heal and alleviate your pain.
Step 7: If you are showing symptoms, avoid spicy and hot foods.
Both of these foods can cause irritation to your tongue, make the pain worse, and increase inflammation while you are showing symptoms.Cut the amount of spices you use in your food until the symptoms go away.Don't eat your food and coffee if they are too hot because it will make your symptoms worse.Leave your food and drinks in the fridge for a few minutes to cool them down.They will not be hot enough to bother you.A geographic tongue flareup can be triggered by very spicy food.If you notice symptoms after eating certain foods, cut them from your diet.
Step 8: Wait for your symptoms to pass before drinking or chewing tobacco.
Alcohol and tobacco can cause irritation when you experience geographic tongue.If you use chewing tobacco, wait until your symptoms go away.There are health risks associated with chewing tobacco.It is best to quit if you chew tobacco frequently.You can wean yourself off of the habit by chewing gum.
Step 9: It's a good idea to switch to a sensitive toothpaste.
While you are showing symptoms, your regular toothpaste may irritate your tongue.It is possible to avoid burning your tongue with toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth.While your symptoms last, try to switch to one of the products.Your dentist can give you a recommendation on sensitive toothpaste.The brand Sensodyne is well-known.Colgate is one of the major manufacturers that makes sensitive types.