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Health problems on the tongue are not only canker sores. The reason is, there are many other problems that you can experience. Some of the most common include oral thrush, tongue map, and oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL). At first glance, the three of them look the same so that it is difficult to distinguish. In order not to be mistaken, here are the different oral thrushes, tongue maps and OHL that are important for you to know.
Oral thrush
Oral thrush that occurs on the uvula
Oral thrush occurs when the fungus Candida albicans infects the inside of the mouth and tongue. Actually the Candida albicans fungus is indeed the body and develops naturally in the mouth, but in small amounts. When the fungus grows out of control, an infection will appear in the mouth.
One of the characteristic symptoms of this condition is the appearance of white, thick patches on the tongue, tonsils, uvula, gums, and roof of the mouth. Areas with white patches are usually painful and uncomfortable in the mouth. In certain cases, a bulge can also appear. If something is scratched or rubbed against, the bulge may bleed.
This condition most often affects infants or toddlers. In infants, oral thrush can be transmitted to the mother while breastfeeding. Users of dentures, smoking, and using too much mouthwash can also trigger the growth of Candida albicans fungi in the mouth.
Tongue map
Geographical tongue or better known as tongue map is an inflammatory condition that usually appears on the surface of the tongue. This condition makes the papillae (the tiny bumps on the tongue) look like a collection of islands on the map.
The tongue map can appear on the top, sides, and even below the surface of the tongue. This collection of islands usually looks irregular and sometimes has white borders on the edges that add to the shape of the grooves.
Even though it looks a little worrying, geographic tongue is actually not a dangerous condition. This condition is not associated with infection or cancer. But indeed, sometimes people who have a map tongue feel uncomfortable on their tongue, especially when eating certain foods with strong flavors, such as spices, salt, and even candy.
Geographical tongue can occur for days, months or even years. In many cases, this problem can go away on its own without treatment and can appear at a later time. Geographical tongue can be experienced by anyone, including children, adolescents, adults, and even the elderly.
Oral hairy leukoplakia
Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is a white patch on the tongue that is rough, choppy, and hairy. These white patches can appear on the tongue, floor of the mouth, or the roof of the mouth.
This condition is caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The virus can usually attack a person since childhood and can stay in the body for a long time without causing any symptoms.
OHL is most common in people with weakened immune systems due to HIV, leukemia, chemotherapy, or undergoing medical organ transplant procedures. However, it should be understood that not everyone who is sick with HIV will experience OHL.
If you have HIV and are exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus, then you are at greater risk of developing oral hairy leukoplakia. In addition, people with HIV who smoke are also at greater risk of developing this condition.
