An investigation on therapeutic effect of zinc sulfate in patients with geographic tongue

Geographic tongue (GT) is a relatively common lesion which is usually asymptomatic and found during routine examinations. Lesions may be single or multiple and frequently are confined to the dorsal surface and lateral borders of the tongue. Although the cause is unknown, zinc deficiency has been suggested as a possible etiologic factor. The purpose of the present study was to determine the therapeutic effect of zinc sulfate in patients with geographic tongue. This study was a randomized double blind clinical trial performed on 40 cases. 20 patients in experimental group were given zinc sulfate and 20 patients in control group took placebo. Slides were taken at the first day and healing was recorded after 10 days. Data were analyzed using chi-square test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance. In 16 cases of the experimental group and in 3 cases of the control group signs of healing were observed. Regarding the role of zinc in epithelial tissues health and development of filliform papillas and in spite of the positive effect of zinc sulfate in treatment of geographic tongue, further investigations concerning its effects on other mucosal conditions are recommended.