I know for a fact that I grind my teeth at night, and I'm not sure if this may have something to do with it, but on the left front tip of my tongue, about an inch wide, I have a spot with no tastebuds. I've has this spot for a few years, but it has gotten bigger, about double its size. It's happened gradually, so I wouldn't be surprised if it were from me grinding my teeth. It doesn't hurt at all. Does any one know why this could be happening? :confused:

Is the "spot" on your tongue a different colour, raised, concave, have any margins around it?

No, it is just missing the taste buds. It's not bumped out, or sunk in, its not sore or discolored.

Here's a picture:
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd17/snoosue/00.jpg

I would suggest you have your dentist take a look at it since you've said it has changed in size. I don't think it is caused by grinding your teeth.

I always forget to ask, I think its just because I get freaked out sitting in the chair with the light shinning at me.

I know that if it was something super bad, they probably would have noticed it, but I will defiantly ask next time, thanks.

I would hope they have recorded it's appearance and size during their regular oral cancer screening.

I don't think I have ever had an oral cancer screening.

It should be done at every check up appointment by either the hygienist or dentist. If you haven't had one done, ask for one.

Okay, thank you. I will.

Hi, I know this was posted awhile ago, but the picture looks like something called "Geographic tongue." There may be a more scientific name for it, but if you Google geographic tongue lots of things, including pictures should pop up. I myself have it, although I have many more spots than one on my tongue, and sometimes they turn white by the edges and hurt when I eat certain foods.

Oh yeah geographic tongue for sure.. benign migratory glossitis if I remember my dental school days!

It might be geographic tongue if the patches move area and if they come and go
But if its not then there's nothing to worry about
And most likely it would be the whole biting my tongue thing
But dentists recommend that you eat some unsweeted yogurt regurly and that will
Fight the bacteria & the chances of them to take away more taste buds from your tongue
& you should get those medicated mouthguards while you sleep and soon the tastebuds will grow
Back and you'd lose the habit.
And in no time you'll have your normal tongue back.

Music - please note the date of the original post. This is an old post and the OP is probably not following this thread any longer.

I have little spots on my tongue, and I don't know what it is, they only hurt when I bend my tongue in or eat something sweet or hot. And its starting to become a problem and I don't know what to do to help it, should I swish salt water?