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A member asked:
Why is my tongue not smooth?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
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.
Answered 7/22/2015
5.7k views
Geographic tongue: You may have geographic tongue, a normal and nonpathologic phenomena where the tongue has many fissure and crack. It may affect when eat spicy food but it is not a problem and does not need to be concerned.
Answered 4/7/2013
5.2k views
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