Geographic Tongue - Cause

Cause

Its cause is uncertain, and can occur at any age though it tends to affect middle-aged to older adults and run in families and is associated with several different genes, though studies show family association may also be caused by similar diets. Geographic tongue is more commonly found in people or family history who are affected by environmental sensitivity, such as hay fever, pernicious anemia, eczema, and asthma. Lithium carbonate has been associated with the development of geographic tongue. There is a fourfold increase of geographic tongue with patients who have juvenile diabetes and this is possibly due to a increment of elevated amounts of HLA-B15 tissue type. Some think that it may be linked to stress or diets high in sugar or processed foods. Its prevalence also varies by nationality (0.6% of Americans, 4% of young Iraqis, 2% of young Finns) and gender (females are affected three times more than males). Causes vary, but may include zinc or vitamin B deficiencies, allergies, and hormonal changes. Geographic tongue is said to occur more often in women, especially folic acid deficiency during high hormonal times such as during ovulation or pregnancy, and while taking birth control (generally around the 17th day). Geographic tongue is commonly seen in children under the age of four but is not uncommon for older children.

Studies show there is a link between geographic tongue and psoriasis. Although geographic tongue is common in psoriasis, 90% of children who are diagnosed with geographic tongue do not contract psoriasis.

The New England Journal of Medicine reports a connection between Celiac Disease and geographic tongue and calls this association "very common." "Our report should alert physicians and dental practitioners to consider celiac disease in managing cases of idiopathic atrophic glossitis."