Question 1

what's smooth tongue from?

Accepted Answer

Several causes: The technical term is atrophic glossitis or bald tongue. It is caused by the absence of papilla which are the small bumps that cover the tongue. 
Diabetes, anemia, celiac disease and certain nutritional deficiencies are common causes as are anti-cancer drugs. It can also be caused by an inherited nerve disorder called riley-day syndrome.

Question 2

i just want a normal smooth tongue like everyone else.  what can i do?

Accepted Answer

What is normal?: Tongues have various types of taste buds scattered about which change the architecture.   If you have concerns about yours, perhaps visit a dentist and get a consultation b.

Question 3

i have a smooth tongue at the back but, its green and pappillae are present at the front. at the smooth patch there is also small bumbs?

Accepted Answer

Green tongue: As with any pathology or deviation from the normal, i suggest that you have your tongue evaluated by an oral maxillofacial surgeon or by an oral pathologist.  You did not mention whether you had pain, but if so, i urge you to not delay for an evaluation.

Question 4

i need help red smooth patch on tongue, what is this?

Accepted Answer

Likely glossitis. : Most likely a 'red circle' on the tongue is a variant of normal anatomy, a benign inflammatory condition called glossitis, or an inflammatory lesion called geographic tongue. It happens in response to trauma, viral or bacterial infection, or irritation (some spices). Either way, you should seek a consult to be sure. Until then, treat it as an std and be responsible to your sexual partners.

Question 5

there is a smooth area on the tongue. what could it be?

Accepted Answer

Variant of normal: It's not uncommon to have these bald or smooth areas on your tongue.  It may be in one spot or several and may even vary from time to time.  One such condition is called geographic tongue.  It is completely benign and nothing to be concerned about.  These areas lack the normal papillae of the tongue.  It's always best to have a dentist take a look just to be sure.

Question 6

tip of tongue suddenly soft/smooth. what could cause this sensation?

Accepted Answer

Needs to be seen: It's not what it could be, it's what it actually is. This would need to be personally seen by a dentist in order to know what, if anything, needs to be done.

Question 7

why is my tongue not smooth?

Accepted Answer

Not supposed to be: The surface is covered with little bumps (filliform papillae) which contain taste buds. In the back are bigger bulge-y bumps (vallate papillae). A smooth tongue (bald) is an abnormal finding, a sign of (often) nutritional deficiency, e.g. Iron, folate, (folic acid) b vitamin including  b12, riboflavin (b2), b6, or niacin. Other causes as well.

Question 8

can anyone tell me is your tongue supposed to be smooth?

Accepted Answer

Tongue texture: The term "smooth" is relative. There is a wide range of "normal". It should be not as smooth as glass nor as rough as extra coarse sandpaper. See your own dentist to determine the health and normalcy of your tongue (as well as all your teeth and the rest of the soft tissues of your mouth).

Question 9

how can you get a cracked tongue smooth again?

Accepted Answer

Normal: Fissured tongue is a perfectly normal anatomic variation.  It requires no treatment at all.

Question 10

smooth, pale patches on tongue. what could this be?

Accepted Answer

Geographic tongue: This condition manifests itself in a percentage of the population.  It is usually not painful and is so named because it changes and looks similar to a map.  If painful, see a dentist as it could be a vitamin deficiency.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What is smooth tongue

A member asked:

What's smooth tongue from?

A member asked:

I just want a normal smooth tongue like everyone else. what can i do?

A member asked:

I have a smooth tongue at the back but, its green and pappillae are present at the front. at the smooth patch there is also small bumbs?

A member asked:

I need help red smooth patch on tongue, what is this?

A member asked:

There is a smooth area on the tongue. what could it be?

A member asked:

Tip of tongue suddenly soft/smooth. what could cause this sensation?

A member asked:

Why is my tongue not smooth?

A member asked:

Can anyone tell me is your tongue supposed to be smooth?

A member asked:

How can you get a cracked tongue smooth again?

A member asked:

Smooth, pale patches on tongue. what could this be?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?