Red circles on the tongue, often found on children, are usually a sing of ‘geographic tongue’. This is a common ailment in children that is eventually self-limiting. You will typically see one or more irregular smooth red patches that appear on the upper surface of the tongue. Each of these red patches are usually surrounded by a grey-white raised serpiginous edge, the shape of which changes from day to day. The patches will usually last for a few days and make frequent recurrences. There is not actually a treatment for ‘geographical tongue’, mainly because there isn’t a need for one. It is unlikely that the circles will remain past early childhood and will treat themselves.
White circles on the tongue can be a symptom of a number of different diseases including Leukoplakia, oral thrush and oral lichen planus. Leukoplakia is a condition that causes cells in the mouth to grow excessively. The increased growth of these cells leads to the formation of white patches on the tongue. On its own Leukoplakia is not dangerous but it can be a symptom of something more serious like cancer. Oral thrush is a yeast infection that develops inside the mouth. It is most common in infants and the elderly and can occur after taking antibiotics. It can be cured with medications or by eating plain yoghurt with live and active bacteria. Oral lichen planus is recognisable by a network of raised white lines with a lace like appearance on your tongue. It often resolves itself and it is common that doctors will not be able to determine its cause. All of these diseases can be avoided by practicing proper dental hygiene, avoiding tobacco and limiting consumption of any foods that cause your mouth irritation. If you have any concerns about mouth symptoms then you should seek advice from your dentist or doctor.
White circles on the tongue can be a symptom of a number of different diseases including Leukoplakia, oral thrush and oral lichen planus. Leukoplakia is a condition that causes cells in the mouth to grow excessively. The increased growth of these cells leads to the formation of white patches on the tongue. On its own Leukoplakia is not dangerous but it can be a symptom of something more serious like cancer. Oral thrush is a yeast infection that develops inside the mouth. It is most common in infants and the elderly and can occur after taking antibiotics. It can be cured with medications or by eating plain yoghurt with live and active bacteria. Oral lichen planus is recognisable by a network of raised white lines with a lace like appearance on your tongue. It often resolves itself and it is common that doctors will not be able to determine its cause. All of these diseases can be avoided by practicing proper dental hygiene, avoiding tobacco and limiting consumption of any foods that cause your mouth irritation. If you have any concerns about mouth symptoms then you should seek advice from your dentist or doctor.
