There is no treatment. Geographic tongue is a benign condition, but it can be persistent. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of geographic tongue persist for longer than 10 days. Call your health care provider if tongue swelling is severe and breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing difficulties are present. Blockage of the airway is an emergency situation that needs immediate attention.
Geographic tongue is a descriptive term for the map-like appearance of some people's tongues.
The borders may change fairly rapidly. The condition is harmless. The cause is not known. It is thought that this condition may be related to vitamin deficiency, stress, or heredity.