Therapy may be needed to improve speech and swallowing ability. Surgical division of the frenulum will release the tongue and relieve the problem. Glossitis and geographic tongue are treated by treating the cause of irritation or inflammation. Medications prescribed may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and antibiotics or antifungal medications. Other treatments may include treatment for anemia and other disorders, and removal of the source of irritation.
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. This condition is given its name because of the wrinkled appearance of the surface.