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16775 Yonge Street Suite 400 Newmarket, ON L3Y 8J4(905) 830-1230

info@simondental.com

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Conditions of the Tongue

Online Dental Education Library

Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

Conditions of the Tongue

Hairy Tongue

Hairy tongueHairy tongue is a benign change of the top surface of the tongue that is characterized by elongation of the many small nodules called papillae. It gets is name because the papillae resemble stubby hairs. The papillae can become stained from coffee, tea, colored soda, or bacteria. The cause is unknown but it is usually seen during antibiotic use, in smokers, in persons using stomach antacids, or in hospitalized and/or debilitated patients. Usually it is asymptomatic but may produce bad breath or cause a burning sensation. Treatment is to scrape the tongue, which will remove the papilla but the condition can recur.

Fissured Tongue

Fissured tongueFissured Tongue is a condition in which cracks or fissures are observed on the surface of the tongue. Food debris and some bacteria colonies may form in the fissures but this is almost always a condition with no symptoms. No treatment is necessary once it is properly diagnosed.

Geographic Tongue

Geographic tongueGeographic tongue gets its name from the map-like appearance on the surface or the tongue. This results from irregular, bare patches on its surface. The specific cause of geographic tongue is unknown, although it may occur due to irritation from hot or spicy foods, alcohol, or tobacco, or from allergies.

The pattern on the surface of your tongue may change very quickly. The pattern results from the loss of papillae. This gives areas of the tongue flat spots, and thus a geographic appearance. These areas of papillae loss are said to be denuded. The bare spots may last for more than a month but no treatment is usually necessary once it is properly diagnosed.


Patient Education

Patient Education Menu
  • Dental Services
    • Cleanings and Prevention
      • Bruxism and Mouthguards
      • Fluoride Treatments
      • Sealants
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Bonding
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Dentures
      • Fillings
      • Implants
        • Single Tooth
        • Multiple Teeth
        • All Teeth
      • Inlays and Onlays
      • Lumineers
        • Lumineers FAQ
        • Before and After
        • Perfect Smile
        • Lumismile
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Veneers
    • Gum and Bone
      • Bone Grafting
      • Cleanings and Prevention
      • Crown Lengthening
      • Frenectomy
      • Gum Tissue Graft
      • Perio Plastic Surgery
      • Ridge Augmentation
      • Scaling and Root Planing
      • Sinus Lift
    • Oral Surgery
      • Fractured Teeth
      • MDI Mini Dental Implants
      • Oral Cancer Exams and Biopsies
      • Pericoronitis
      • Wisdom Teeth
    • Orthodontics
      • ClearCorrect
      • Common Orthodontic Treatment
      • Craniofacial Orthodontics
      • Invisalign
      • Living with Braces
      • Myths and Fact About Orthodontics
      • Orthodontic FAQ
      • Orthodontic Glossary
      • Orthodontic Treatment for Children
      • Post Op Care of Extractions
      • Retainers
      • Six Month Smiles
        • Six Month Smiles FAQ
      • Space Maintainers
      • Surgical Orthodontics
      • Treatment for Adults
      • Treatment for Children
      • Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
      • Types of Appliances
      • Types of Braces
    • Pedodontics
      • Pulpotomy
      • Sealants
    • Root Canal
      • Knocked Out Tooth
      • Root Canal FAQ
      • Root Canal Surgery
      • Traumatic Injuries
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • TMJ
  • Patient Information
    • Dental Glossary
    • Development of the Teeth
    • FAQ
    • Fun Links for Kids
    • Patient Education
      • Acid Experiment
      • ANUG Trench Mouth
      • Bad Breath
      • Bruxism Tooth Grinding
      • Chemo and Your Mouth
      • Conditions of the Tongue
      • Dental X Rays
      • Denture Care
      • Dry Mouth
      • Fluoride Experiment
      • How to Brush
      • How to Floss
      • How to Read X Rays
      • Oncology Guide
      • Smokeless Tobacco
      • Tooth Anatomy
      • Tooth Sensitivity
      • Toothpaste Ingredients
    • Post Op Instructions
      • Crowns and Bridges Post Op
      • Dentures Post Op
      • Extractions Post Op
      • Fillings Post Op
      • Gum Surgery Post Op
      • Porcelain Veneers Post Op
      • Root Canal Post Op
      • Scaling and Root Planing Post Op
    • Teeth Trivia
    • Tips for Parents
    • Useful Dental Links
  • Smile Gallery
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Our Location

16775 Yonge Street Suite 400
Newmarket, ON L3Y 8J4
(905) 830-1230

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Office Hours
Monday:9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday:7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday:7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday:8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday:8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday:Closed
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