Geographic tongue: What is this disease?

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Dermatology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Geographic tongue (benign migratory glossitis) is a common, benign oral condition characterized by a map-like appearance on the tongue due to filiform papillae atrophy.
• The etiology of geographic tongue is largely unknown, but associations with systemic conditions like psoriasis and the oral microbiome have been suggested.
• Histological similarities between geographic tongue and psoriasis lesions have been noted, prompting further investigation into shared underlying mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss recent findings regarding the potential involvement of oral bacteria in the etiology of geographic tongue.
• To explore the association between geographic tongue and psoriasis in light of emerging microbiological evidence.
• To provide an overview of the current literature on the role of lingual microbiota in benign migratory glossitis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies investigating the oral microbiome in patients with geographic tongue.
• Analysis of research exploring the connection between geographic tongue and psoriasis, focusing on histological and microbiological data.
• Synthesis of findings related to specific oral bacteria implicated in the pathogenesis of benign migratory glossitis.

Main Results:

• Emerging evidence points towards the involvement of specific oral bacteria in the development or exacerbation of geographic tongue.
• The previously observed association between geographic tongue and psoriasis is being re-examined through a microbiological lens.
• Studies indicate potential shared etiological factors, possibly microbial, between these two conditions.

Conclusions:

• Oral bacteria are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to the pathogenesis of geographic tongue.
• Further research into the lingual microbiota may elucidate the mechanisms underlying geographic tongue and its association with psoriasis.
• Understanding the role of oral bacteria could lead to novel diagnostic or therapeutic approaches for benign migratory glossitis.