Glossitis
Alternative names
Tongue inflammation;
Tongue infection
Definition
This is an abnormality of
the tongue that results from inflammation.
Causes
and risks
Changes in the appearance
of the tongue may be a primary tongue disorder,
or it may be a symptom of other disorders. Glossitis
occurs when there is acute or chronic inflammation
of the tongue. It causes the tongue to swell
and change color. Papillae (finger-like projections
on the surface of the tongue) are lost, causing
the tongue to appear smooth. Also see geographic
tongue.
Local causes of glossitis include bacterial
or viral infections (including oral herpes simplex);
mechanical irritation or injury from burns,
rough edges of teeth or dental and oral appliances,
or other trauma; exposure to irritants such
as tobacco, alcohol, hot foods, or spices; and
sensitization (allergic reaction) from toothpaste,
mouthwash, breath fresheners, dyes in candy,
plastic in dentures or retainers, etc.
Systemic causes of glossitis
include iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia
and other B vitamin deficiencies, oral lichen
planus, erythema multiform, aphthous ulcers,
pemphigus vulgaris, syphilis, and other disorders.
Occasionally, glossitis can be inherited.
Prevention
Good oral hygiene (thorough
tooth brushing and flossing and regular professional
cleaning and examination) may be helpful to prevent
these disorders. Minimize irritants or injury
in the mouth when possible. Avoid excessive use
of any food or substance that irritates the mouth
or tongue.
Symptoms
- Tongue swelling
- Smooth appearance
to the tongue
- Tongue color usually
dark "beefy" red
- Pale, if caused
by pernicious anemia
- Fiery red, if
caused by deficiency of B vitamins
- Sore and tender tongue
- Difficulty with chewing,
swallowing, or speaking
Signs
and tests
Examination by the dentist
or health care provider shows a swollen tongue
(or patches of swelling). The nodules on the surface
of the tongue (papillae) may be absent. Detailed
questions may be asked to determine the possible
source of tongue inflammation, if injury or other
local cause is not readily apparent. Blood tests
may confirm systemic causes of the disorder.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is
to reduce inflammation. Treatment usually does
not require hospitalization unless tongue swelling
is severe.
Good oral hygiene is necessary, including thorough
tooth brushing at least twice a day, and flossing
at least daily.
Corticosteroids such as prednisone may be given
to reduce the inflammation of glossitis. For mild
cases, topical applications (such as prednisone
suspension that is used as a mouth rinse, but
not swallowed) may be recommended to avoid the
side effects of systemic (swallowed or injected)
corticosteroids.
Antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other
antimicrobials may be prescribed if the cause
of glossitis is an infection. Anemia and nutritional
deficiencies must be treated, often by dietary
changes or other supplements. Avoid irritants
(such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco)
to minimize the discomfort.
Prognosis
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. |
