Tongue lesions constitute a considerable proportion of oral mucosal lesions, and are health concern to both oral health care providers and public. Objectives: 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. Study design: A total of 2000 dental out-patients were screened for tongue lesions. Results: 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. Conclusion: The high prevalence of tongue lesions necessitates higher awareness of the general dental practitioner by their etiology, diagnosis and management.

Since there is little information available on the prevalence of oral lesions in the Middle East population generally, and no data on the Jordanian population, this study was undertaken to correct this deficiency in our knowledge. During this investigation 2175 consecutive asymptomatic dental patients attending the Initial Treatment Unit in the Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology were examined for the presence of oral lesions. A total of 30 different oral lesions and conditions were diagnosed. Fordyce's granules and tori were the most common conditions diagnosed in 49 per cent and 15.7 per cent of the subjects respectively. Larger scale studies are required on an unselected group of the Jordanian population to assess the overall significance of the findings.