Geographic tongue: What is this disease?

Abstract

Geographic tongue or benign migratory glossitis, is a unique and peculiar tongue condition, producing a map-like appearance with filiform papillae atrophy, on different parts of the tongue. The lesions change in shape with time. The exact etiology remains unknown, although it has been suggested relating the lingual microbiota of a patient. The association between geographictongue and psoriasis has long been pointed out, and histological similarities existed between both as well. Increasingly, recent findings suggest the involvement of certain oral bacteria. Here, we discuss these findings with an overview of the recent literature.