What Is Geographic Tongue?
Geographic Tongue refers to a benign condition of the tongue in which it develops patches that have a map like appearance. The patches are irregular and red in color. The patches are normally present on the upper surface and the sides of the tongue but may also be seen in other areas of the mouth.
Geographic Tongue causes the tongue to become hypersensitive to spicy or acidic foods. The red patches can get infected at times. The patient may have burning and pain in the tongue as well as bad breath due to Geographic Tongue. There are a host of home remedies which can be used to get rid of Geographic Tongue of which some have been reviewed below.
8 Amazing Home Remedies To Get Rid of Geographic Tongue
Before starting any home remedy for Geographic Tongue, it is important for the individual to make certain dietary and lifestyle changes.
Dietary & Lifestyle Changes: Making dietary and lifestyle changes is the best home remedy to expedite the process of healing of the patches formed by Geographic Tongue like:
- Avoid eating spicy and acidic foods.
- Abstain from smoking as long as possible
- Avoid flavored candy
- Avoid processed foods.
Increase Fluid Intake: Keep the body well hydrated by increasing fluid intake throughout the day. This causes increased production of saliva which is good for oral health. Some of the ways to keep hydrated during the healing process from Geographic Tongue are:
- Drinking significant amounts of water throughout the day
- Eat frozen chunks of watermelon and cucumber.
- Fruit juice or vegetable juice
- Drink at least a couple of glasses of coconut water everyday
- Drink chilled green or chamomile tea
- Avoid regular tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.
Vegetable Glycerin: This is quite an effective Home Remedy for Geographic Tongue. It is quite useful in keeping the tongue moist which hastens the healing process. It also prevents bad breath caused due to Geographic Tongue. You need to soak a cotton ball in vegetable glycerin and apply it on the tongue. Let it remain there for about five minutes and then brush the tongue with a soft toothbrush and rinse. Do this at least two times a day for about a week to 10 days for complete relief from Geographic Tongue.
Aloe Vera: This is also an effective Home Remedy for Geographic Tongue. Aloe Vera has antiinflammatory properties. It also helps in getting rid of bad breath caused by Geographic Tongue. You just have to rinse your mouth with Aloe Vera juice two to three times a day for a week to get relief from the symptoms of Geographic Tongue
Apple Cider Vinegar: This is an effective Home Remedy for many health problems and it can be useful to get rid of Geographic Tongue as well. Apple Cider Vinegar helps treat infections effectively. It also has antiinflammatory properties which is quite useful in getting rid of Geographic Tongue. You need to mix 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar with about 0.25 teaspoon of baking soda with water. You can use the solution as a mouthwash and rinse the mouth two to three times a day for a few days for optimal results.
Coconut Oil: This is an ancient way of treating oral infections like Geographic Tongue. All you need to do is sip a teaspoon of coconut oil and move it around the tongue for a few minutes. Spit the oil out and then rinse the mouth with warm water. Brush the teeth normally after that. This needs to be done every morning before brushing your teeth for a few days until the symptoms subside
Mint Leaves: Mint is a very good Home Remedy for Geographic Tongue. It prevents the growth of bacteria in the mouth and prevents oral infections. In addition, it prevents burning sensation in the tongue as a result of Geographic Tongue. You will have to prepare a hot cup of tea with mint leaves in it and drink it at least two to three times a day. You can also chew mint leaves or a mint gum.
Hydrogen Peroxide: This is yet another excellent Home Remedy to get rid of Geographic Tongue. This helps in getting rid of the red patches that are formed due to Geographic Tongue. It has antibacterial properties which prevents the mouth from getting any oral infections. Prepare a solution of hydrogen peroxide with the percentage of hydrogen peroxide not exceeding 3-4%. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and apply it on the tongue. Wait for a few seconds and then rinse the mouth with warm water. You need to do this a few times day for about a week for optimum relief.
In summary, Geographic Tongue is a harmless but annoying condition which does not necessarily require medical attention or a visit to the physician’s office for treatment. There are quite a few Home Remedies mentioned above that can be utilized to get rid of Geographic Tongue.
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