Geographic Tongue

brennarobbie

Hello all!

We had a great 6 month well check this week...thank goodness! I have a teeny tiny baby...he weighs 13lbs 9oz and is in the 1st %, but he has been there consistently for 3 months, so the doctor was happy with his growth (thank goodness!!!).   ...this was the first doctors visit that didn't result in anxiety for me afterwards.

 

Anyway, when she examined his mouth, she literally squealed and said "oh look! He has a geographic tongue!!!" She said it was exciting because it only affects like 2% of the population and she had only seen one like it before. She told us that it was no big deal...they don't know why it happens but that it won't affect him at all. It looks like a red circle in the taste buds on the tongue, and apparently the circles will move around from time to time.

 

However, when I looked it up to get some more info on it, I came across an open forum for people who have GT. Everyone there was trying to find ways to cure it because it was a huge problem. They got ulcers in their mouths, they couldn't eat anything acidic because it hurt too much...but they all said that the doctors say that it's no big deal and there's nothing they can do.

 

Needless to say, I'm a little concerned, but little man does not seem to be negatively affected by it yet, so I'm going to let it go unless it needs to be addressed.

 

So all of this to say....I'm curious - have you ever even heard of this? Know anyone who has this? Does your baby have this? 

mandm329

This is so funny... I almost never write on this board, but I love to lurk and saw this post.  I actually have what my mom always called "the map of the world" on my tongue.  I guess I didn't realize there's a term for it.  I just figured it was something I was born with, but I never knew so many other people have it too.  

As an adult, I can say that I don't like to eat things that are too sour, and now I'm wondering if it's because of the acid.  I don't remember getting ulcers in my mouth, but I may have from time to time.  Otherwise, I'd say it's never affected me negatively.  I just always thought it was unique and special!

trojas

My 5 year old niece has a geographic tongue and she is fine. From the little that I know, there is no treatment or cure for this. She eats everything and LOVES tomatoes. 

Amanda2011

The only food that bothers me is fresh pineapple. It can make my mouth burn a little bit. I have never had an other issues. I would not stress about it.  

mellymac

I never saw it or heard tell of it in my life, since having DS I have been cursed with this though, anything acidic kills my tongue, red wine makes my tongue look like and feel like it is covered in burn marks, haven't been able to eat pineapple since having him either

LyndseylovesHugh

I have this and have never had an ulcer nor does any food bother me. For me it is no big deal at all and unless I happen to look at my tongue in the mirror while I have one of the patches I would never know I had it.

brennarobbie

Thanks ladies!! This makes me feel much better!!! )

katieh1017

In June when I was getting my teeth cleaned the hygenist asked me if anyone ever told me I have a geographic tongue. I was like, wtf is that and no!? I looked it up and I read about the acidic foods issues which I have. Sour stuff and acidy foods bother me. I actually noticed it way more when I was pregnant. I wouldn't worry about it. 

IDreamInPink

I have for geographic tongue too! I was diagnosed as a child. I didn't really have many issues with it until I was an adult. Now, any time I eat tomatoes, pineapple... Okay we'll anything acidic, inimitable,editable have those sore circles on my tongue. Chocolate and walnuts do it to me too!! That being said, it isn't enough irritation for me to avoid those foods-I still eat them, but am just a little annoyed afterwards. 

ETA oh my DEAR lord... Bumping from my iPad and it clearly has a mind of its own!!!! Sorry for the terrible punctuation and grammar, and I meant  to say that I "Immediately have those sore circles".... Eesh!! Sorry!!