Tongue lesions in a Jordanian population. Prevalence, symptoms, subject's knowledge and treatment provided

Tongue lesions constitute a considerable proportion of oral mucosal lesions, and are health concern to both oral health care providers and public. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tongue lesions and conditions among a group of Jordanian population attending dental clinics, in addition to assessment of their symptoms, knowledge, and treatment provided for their tongue lesions. A total of 2000 dental out-patients were screened for tongue lesions. Fissured tongue was the most common tongue lesion diagnosed in 11.5% of the subjects, followed by coated tongue (8.2%), geographic tongue (4.8%), hairy tongue (2.4%) and median rhomboid glossitis (0.5%). Symptoms were reported by 28% of the subjects with geographic tongue and 23% with fissured tongue. The majority of the subjects (ranging from 61.1%-86.4%) were neither aware about their tongue lesions nor worried about their prognosis. Less than 50% of those who were aware of their tongue lesions sought medical advice. The high prevalence of tongue lesions necessitates higher awareness of the general dental practitioner by their etiology, diagnosis and management.