Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

If pain exists with geographic tongue, what medication might be used?

1. Antibiotics

2. Analgesics

3. Corticosteroids

4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The correct answer is: Corticosteroids

Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, is a condition characterized by patches on the surface of the tongue that can change in size and shape, giving it a map-like appearance. While geographic tongue is generally asymptomatic, some individuals may experience discomfort or pain associated with it. In cases where pain exists with geographic tongue, corticosteroids can be effective in reducing inflammation and alleviating discomfort. Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune response, which can help reduce inflammation in the affected tissues. This can be particularly helpful if the pain is due to an inflammatory reaction rather than infection or other causes. Corticosteroids can be administered topically or systemically, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Topical options can provide targeted relief directly to the area, while systemic corticosteroids might be considered in more severe cases. While analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide pain relief, they do not address the underlying inflammatory process that might be causing the discomfort in geographic tongue. Antibiotics would not be appropriate as geographic tongue is not caused by a bacterial infection, and the use of them would not be beneficial. Therefore, corticosteroids are the preferred choice for managing pain associated with geographic