Benign Migratory Glossitis - A Neglected Oral Health Issue in Pakistan

Objective: To investigate the frequency of benign migratory glossitis (BMG) and its association with medical conditions.Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional and multicenter study was carried out in Karachi and Hyderabad city.A total of 2022 dental patients of 10-80 years of age were included. After taking verbal informed consent, clinical examinationsand proforma was filled chair side. Descriptive and comparative analysis were done using SPSS version 23 and Chi-squaretest was the choice of analysis to test the significance of the undertaken objectives.Results: Frequency of BMG was found to be 33(1.6%). Higher predilection was seen in females 21(1.03%) as compared tomales 12 (0.59%). 10(5.8%) cases were found in 51-60 years of age group followed by 9 cases in 31-40 years. The most commonaffected site was dorsal surface of the tongue 29 (87.88%). Cross tabulation of BMG with medical condition revealed presenceof BMG in 3hypertensives and 1 diabetes mellitus patient. Remaining 29 cases were not suffering from any medical condition.The association of BMG with fissured tongue was also investigated and found statistically significant in 11(33.3%) cases witha p-value (P<0.001).Conclusion: Frequency of BMG was found to be 1.6%. Majority of cases of BMG did not have any association with medicalconditions. Fissured tongue was found in statistically significant number of BMG cases.