Benign Migratory Glossitis Prevalence and Its Association with Other Tongue Lesions and Systemic Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Population of Tripoli, Libya

Abstract

Background: Benign migratory glossitis (BMG) is an inflammatory disorder, usually asymptomatic, of unknown aetiology, which regularly happens at the dorsum of the tongue and may sometimes involve its lateral borders. BMG prevalence among adults ranges from 0.28% to 2.4%. It appears to become more females in the middle age group. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of BMG and evaluate the possible correlation between the occurrence of BMG with age, gender, burning symptoms and some systemic conditions. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dar Alfardous dental facility, Tripoli – Libya. A random sample of 577 patients attended the dental clinics over nine months. The patients were examined for the presence of BMG over one year. Statistical analysis: A chi-square test was done to assess the correlation of BMG with age, gender, burning sensation and some systemic conditions. Result: The prevalence of BMG among Tripoli city, Libya's population was as high as (10%). Fissured tongue (FT) (35.7%) revealed a high association with BMG followed by the hairy tongue (HT) (3.5%). Prevalence of BMG was found to be significantly higher in the < 20 (3-19) years old (13%) (P = 0.004). Conclusion: BMG among this study sample of the population showed a higher prevalence rate. BMG was more frequently observed in children and young adults and most prevalent in females. Based on our results, there was a significant association between BMG and FT.