Healthy Tongue Secrets

By Lawrae B.

When I First Heard My Dentist Say, “You Have Geographic Tongue.”

Hello, Tim.

I’m 20 yrs old and I remember when I first heard my dentist say,

“Oh, you have a geographic tongue.”

I felt like an animal in a zoo.  He showed someone else and I felt like I was on exhibit.  I’m pretty sure I was around 12 or 13, but I think I had it before that.  Although it never was beautiful, as you will see from my photos, it has gotten worse.  I actually think it looks worse than any of the other pic’s you had on your site.  Except for the picture of severe geographic tongue and fissures.  I was so glad to find your site.  It was very informative and I did not feel so alone anymore.

A dentist or doctor telling me it’s no big deal, as you know, makes me want to yell- ”Yeah, not to you.  You don’t have to deal with it!”  I have felt so alone and lonely.  It has also affected me socially.  I’m a very playful person and I can’t remember ever feeling comfortable just sticking my tongue out at someone.  Now that I think of it, it would be great to be able to do that.

But, I’ve always tried to hide my tongue and have worried about people seeing it when I laugh.  You can tell by the look of revulsion on their faces.  Even my own mother is apologetically disgusted by it.  I have tried to keep the same friends I have had since grade school so that I don’t have uncomfortable, embarrassing and humiliating moments.  Guys also react to it differently, depending on how weird or understanding they are.  Continue reading →