Atrophic glossitis, also known as bald tongue, smooth tongue, Hunter glossitis, Moeller glossitis, or Möller-Hunter glossitis, is a condition characterized by a smooth glossy tongue that is often tender/painful, caused by complete atrophy of the lingual papillae (depapillation).

Specifically, B6, B12, and folate (B9) deficiencies have been associated with geographic tongue. People who are vitamin B deficient are more likely to have bald areas on the tongue. These areas are where the papillae have disappeared. People who do not have enough vitamin B may also develop geographic tongue.