Special Case Report of Geographic Tongue on the Dorsum of the Tongue of a 2.5-Year-Old Boy

Abstract

eographic tongue is a condition that involves the dorsal surface of the tongue. This condition is usually painless, but in some cases, it may be accompanied by pain. The cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to heredity, hormonal imbalance, and nutritional deficiencies. Case: A 2.5-year-old boy and his parents reported to the Department of Oral Medicine, Dental and Oral Hospital, Jember University with the chief complaints of red islands appearing on his tongue, and worse when he eats and drinks. The patient's mother admitted that her child's complaint had appeared 1 week ago and he had a fever when this condition appeared. The patient's mother also admitted that a similar condition often appeared, almost once a month, but the location was different. The patient's mother never took any action regarding her complaint. Management: Supportive therapy, which was 60 ml of Caviplex syrup 3 times a day and 1 teaspoon after eating. Discussion: Malnutrition in toddlers can lead to disruption of physical growth and health. Indirectly, malnutrition can cause children under the age of 5 years to experience nutritional deficiencies which affect children's health, children's growth, infectious diseases, and children's intelligence, as well as attacks by certain diseases. Nutrient deficiencies inhibit epithelial cell growth. As a result, the differentiation process into stratum corneum epithelium does not occur and the oral mucosa becomes thinner due to loss of normal keratinization. Apart from causing papillary atrophy, substance deficiency can also cause inflammation, pain, and a burning sensation on the geographic tongue. Conclusion: Nutritional deficiencies can trigger geographic tongue due to decreased body resistance. Multivitamins are given as supportive therapy to increase endurance and increase appetite.