Glossitis is a condition in which the tongue is swollen and changes colour.
Finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue (called papillae) are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth.
Known causes
Changes in the appearance of the tongue may be a primary condition (not due to another disease or event), or it may be a symptom of other disorders (a secondary condition).
Glossitis occurs when there is acute or chronic inflammation of the tongue.
The causes include bacterial or viral infections (including oral herpes simplex, mechanical irritation or injury from burns, rough edges of teeth or dental appliances, or other trauma, exposure to irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, hot foods, or spices, allergic reaction to toothpaste, mouthwash, breath fresheners, dyes in candy, plastic in dentures or retainers, or certain blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors).
Disorders such as iron deficiency anaemia, pernicious anemia and other B-vitamin deficiencies, oral lichen planus, erythema multiform, aphthous ulcers, pemphigus vulgaris, syphilis, and others, yeast infection and dry mouth associated with connective tissue disorders, such as Sjogren syndrome can also cause glossitis. Occasionally, glossitis can be inherited.
Identify it
Some of the symptoms are tongue swelling, smooth appearance to the tongue, tongue colour usually dark ‘beefy’ red, sore and tender tongue, difficulty in chewing, swallowing, or speaking. Some may experience airway blockage.
Prevention
Good oral hygiene (thorough tooth brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning and examination) may help prevent glossitis.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and usually does not require hospitalisation. Good oral hygiene is necessary, including thorough tooth brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least once a day.
Antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other antimicrobials may be prescribed if the glossitis is due to an infection.
Dietary changes and supplements are used to treat anemia and nutritional deficiencies. Avoid irritants (such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco) to reduce any tongue discomfort.
Glossitis usually responds well to treatment if the cause of inflammation is removed or treated.
This disorder may be painless, or it may cause tongue and mouth discomfort.
In some cases, glossitis may result in severe tongue swelling that blocks the airway. GLOSSITIS is a condition in which the tongue is swollen and changes colour.
Finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue (called papillae) are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth.
Known causes Changes in the appearance of the tongue may be a primary condition (not due to another disease or event), or it may be a symptom of other disorders (a secondary condition).
Glossitis occurs when there is acute or chronic inflammation of the tongue.
The causes include bacterial or viral infections (including oral herpes simplex, mechanical irritation or injury from burns, rough edges of teeth or dental appliances, or other trauma, exposure to irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, hot foods, or spices, allergic reaction to toothpaste, mouthwash, breath fresheners, dyes in candy, plastic in dentures or retainers, or certain blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors).
Disorders such as iron deficiency anaemia, pernicious anemia and other B-vitamin deficiencies, oral lichen planus, erythema multiform, aphthous ulcers, pemphigus vulgaris, syphilis, and others, yeast infection and dry mouth associated with connective tissue disorders, such as Sjogren syndrome can also cause glossitis. Occasionally, glossitis can be inherited.
Identify it Some of the symptoms are tongue swelling, smooth appearance to the tongue, tongue colour usually dark ‘beefy’ red, sore and tender tongue, difficulty in chewing, swallowing, or speaking. Some may experience airway blockage.
Prevention Good oral hygiene (thorough tooth brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning and examination) may help prevent glossitis.
Treatment The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and usually does not require hospitalisation. Good oral hygiene is necessary, including thorough tooth brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least once a day.
Antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other antimicrobials may be prescribed if the glossitis is due to an infection.
Dietary changes and supplements are used to treat anemia and nutritional deficiencies. Avoid irritants (such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco) to reduce any tongue discomfort.
Glossitis usually responds well to treatment if the cause of inflammation is removed or treated.
This disorder may be painless, or it may cause tongue and mouth discomfort.
In some cases, glossitis may result in severe tongue swelling that blocks the airway.