Tongue lesions in a Jordanian population. Prevalence, symptoms, subject’sknowledge and treatment provided

ABSTRACT

Tongue lesions constitute a considerable proportion of oral mucosal lesions, and are health concern to both oralhealth care providers and public.Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tongue lesions and conditions among a groupof Jordanian population attending dental clinics, in addition to assessment of their symptoms, knowledge, andtreatment provided for their tongue lesions. Study design: A total of 2000 dental out-patients were screened fortongue lesions.Results: Fissured tongue was the most common tongue lesion diagnosed in 11.5% of the subjects, followed bycoated 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 majorityof the subjects (ranging from 61.1%-86.4%) were neither aware about their tongue lesions nor worried abouttheir prognosis. Less than 50% of those who were aware of their tongue lesions sought medical advice.Conclusion: The high prevalence of tongue lesions necessitates higher awareness of the general dental practitionerby their etiology, diagnosis and management (AU)

RESUMEN

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