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What can be the reason for patches seen on the tongue?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have been having episodes of patchy tongue for the past three years. It is not painful. But it looks obnoxious. What could it be?

Kindly help.
Answered by Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray is a passionate Dentist specializing in Oral Medicine and Radiology, with expertise in diagnosing and managing complex oral diseases, jaw disorders, and oral lesions. He is skilled in advanced imaging techniques and non-surgical treatments for oral health issues. Dr. Parray is committed to delivering accurate diagnoses and personalized care, ensuring early detection, effective treatment, and long-term oral wellness for his patients.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

For better diagnosis, I need some more information.

1) Does the patch appear in the same region of the tongue, or does it migrate from one portion to another?

2) Do you feel any burning sensation with hot or spicy foods?

3) Do you have any habits like tobacco chewing or any underlying medical condition?

Kindly reply.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Yes, it migrates from one part of the tongue to other regions. There is no burning sensation. I do not use tobacco and have no underlying health conditions as such.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray is a passionate Dentist specializing in Oral Medicine and Radiology, with expertise in diagnosing and managing complex oral diseases, jaw disorders, and oral lesions. He is skilled in advanced imaging techniques and non-surgical treatments for oral health issues. Dr. Parray is committed to delivering accurate diagnoses and personalized care, ensuring early detection, effective treatment, and long-term oral wellness for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

As per your history and the lesion reflecting on the uploaded image (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), it can be migratory glossitis or geographic tongue. It is not an infection or any condition that needs medical management.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach out to me again in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have read it, but thought it was very rare. I developed it when I was 25 years old. Is it normal? It does change depending on my diet, too.

Answered by Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray is a passionate Dentist specializing in Oral Medicine and Radiology, with expertise in diagnosing and managing complex oral diseases, jaw disorders, and oral lesions. He is skilled in advanced imaging techniques and non-surgical treatments for oral health issues. Dr. Parray is committed to delivering accurate diagnoses and personalized care, ensuring early detection, effective treatment, and long-term oral wellness for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You need to maintain proper oral hygiene. Do not take any antibiotics or any anti-inflammatory medicine.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I maintain good oral hygiene. So I hope there is nothing I can do to clear this condition.

Answered by Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray is a passionate Dentist specializing in Oral Medicine and Radiology, with expertise in diagnosing and managing complex oral diseases, jaw disorders, and oral lesions. He is skilled in advanced imaging techniques and non-surgical treatments for oral health issues. Dr. Parray is committed to delivering accurate diagnoses and personalized care, ensuring early detection, effective treatment, and long-term oral wellness for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, it is normal. You do not need to worry. Avoid spicy and hot foods. I suggest you take Vitamin B12 tablets, in case they are there for too long; otherwise no need for any medication.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I am taking a Vitamin B12 tablet daily. It mainly aggravates when I drink alcohol.

Answered by Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray is a passionate Dentist specializing in Oral Medicine and Radiology, with expertise in diagnosing and managing complex oral diseases, jaw disorders, and oral lesions. He is skilled in advanced imaging techniques and non-surgical treatments for oral health issues. Dr. Parray is committed to delivering accurate diagnoses and personalized care, ensuring early detection, effective treatment, and long-term oral wellness for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Try to avoid late-night drinks and make sure you brush your teeth after drinking. Clean your tongue before going to bed.

Regards.

Medically reviewed by Dr. P. C. Pavithra Pattu
Published At December 18, 2021
Reviewed At March 6, 2026

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray is a passionate Dentist specializing in Oral Medicine and Radiology, with expertise in diagnosing and managing complex oral diseases, jaw disorders, and oral lesions. He is skilled in advanced imaging techniques and non-surgical treatments for oral health issues. Dr. Parray is committed to delivering accurate diagnoses and personalized care, ensuring early detection, effective treatment, and long-term oral wellness for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. P. C. Pavithra Pattu is a skilled Dental Surgeon with eight years of clinical experience. She obtained her BDS degree from Sree Mookambika Institute of Dental Sciences, Kulasekharam in 2015. Currently, she works at iCliniq.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray
Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Dentistry

Consult this doctor

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray is a passionate Dentist specializing in Oral Medicine and Radiology, with expertise in diagnosing and managing complex oral diseases, jaw disorders, and oral lesions. He is skilled in advanced imaging techniques and non-surgical treatments for oral health issues. Dr. Parray is committed to delivering accurate diagnoses and personalized care, ensuring early detection, effective treatment, and long-term oral wellness for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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