Definition

Glossitis is an inflammation of the tongue that results in swelling and redness. Glossitis can damage the papillae on the tongue's surface, resulting in a smoother, coated, or cracked appearance. Severe conditions can manifest abruptly, even without prior experience with severe inflammation. Intense tongue inflammation can result in pain, leading to eating challenges and speech abnormalities.

Glossitis can be classified into multiple types, including:

• Atrophic glossitis is an inflammation of the tongue characterized by a loss of nearly all papillae, which alters the color and texture of the tongue.
• A candida yeast infection is typically the cause of median rhomboid glossitis, which is tongue inflammation. There are red, flat, and crumbly areas that set it apart.
• Benign migratory glossitis is characterized by inflammation resulting in the disappearance of papillae and broad, crimson, map-like lesions.
• The condition known as menopausal glossitis Inflammation, characterized by a searing sensation on the roof of the mouth and tip of the tongue, is common among the elderly.

Causes

Several factors contribute to the development of glossitis:

• Allergic reaction

An overactive immune response to external stimuli might initiate an allergic reaction. Foreign substances that trigger allergies include food, medications, and oral care items. Allergic responses can lead to inflammation of the papillae and muscles of the tongue. Food and medicine allergies, such as birth control pills or blood pressure medications, can lead to glossitis. Moreover, the tongue might become irritated and inflamed due to incompatibility with specific chemicals, such as toothpaste ingredients or acidic foods.

• Infection

Inflammation in the oral cavity can result from infection with Streptococcus bacteria, the herpes simplex virus, or the Candida albicans fungus. Microorganism infection triggers the immune system to target the muscles and papillae of the tongue, leading to inflammatory responses like redness and swelling. Bacterial and fungal diseases frequently cause glossitis in people with weakened immune systems. The viral infection most associated with glossitis is herpes simplex, which typically leads to skin issues on the lips and surrounding areas.

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

Reduced saliva production by the salivary glands can lead to dry mouth, raising the risk of tongue inflammation. Inflammation of the tongue can also result from dehydration or other conditions affecting the salivary glands, like infections, cysts, or tumors.

• Malnutrition

Vitamin B is crucial for oral health as it helps regenerate tissue and papillae on the tongue's surface. A lack of B vitamins, including B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12, can lead to glossitis. This condition typically presents with anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia. Anemia is defined by decreased hemoglobin levels in the bloodstream. This disorder reduces oxygen supply to bodily tissues, particularly muscles, papillae, and tongue tissue, making them vulnerable to damage and inflammation.

• Oral injury

Pressure sores or open wounds in the mouth can affect the state of the tongue. Friction from rough surfaces, like braces, can lead to injuries, particularly to the tongue, resulting in glossitis. Glossitis may develop from consuming hot water or sustaining a tongue injury.

• Daily habit

Smoking and consuming alcohol can elevate the risk of developing glossitis. Cigarette content leads to a rise in free radicals, which in turn enhances the inflammatory process and damages the tongue.

Risk factor

Various factors that can increase the risk of glossitis are:

• Elderly
• Parents or siblings suffering from glossitis
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic dry mouth
• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor nutrition
• The habit of smoking or chewing tobacco
• Decreased immune system
• Use of dentures or other dental prosthetics

Symptoms

Glossitis is characterized by the manifestation of the following symptoms:

• Tongue pain
• Tongue swelling
• Tongue fissures
• Difficulty speaking, eating, or swallowing
• Blisters and nodules are present on the tongue.
• Tongue plaque
• Loss of papillae results in a smooth appearance of the tongue.
• Tongue color may change, turn reddish or be pale

Diagnosis

The dentist will inquire about the symptoms you are having. In addition, the dentist inquires about the patient's medical history and lifestyle, particularly focusing on oral hygiene and dental health maintenance. The dentist then does a comprehensive assessment of the tongue and oral cavity. The dentist will examine your tongue, gums, and mouth soft tissue for odd lumps and patches. The doctor can collect saliva and blood samples to be sent to the laboratory for analysis to identify if the symptoms of glossitis are due to an infection.

Management

Anemia or vitamin B deficiency can induce glossitis. Treatment options include iron supplements and vitamin B complexes prescribed by a doctor. Additionally, you will receive recommendations to include foods high in these nutrients in your diet to avoid similar occurrences. If an infection is the cause of glossitis, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. In addition, the doctor could recommend topical corticosteroid therapy to relieve the redness and pain caused by glossitis. Administering mouthwash with antiseptics can help enhance oral hygiene.

You will also be encouraged to enhance oral and dental hygiene at home, especially by brushing and flossing twice daily. These healthy behaviors are excellent for easing the symptoms of glossitis and preventing it from developing again. To effectively treat your glossitis, the dentist may refer you to another specialist if they believe it results from another underlying illness, such as an autoimmune disease.

Complications

Glossitis may make regular tasks, including eating and speaking, difficult. Long-term glossitis can damage the tongue papillae, resulting in a loss of taste. Severe glossitis can cause infection to spread throughout the oral cavity. Severe tongue inflammation and swelling can be life-threatening due to airway obstruction.

Prevention

To avoid glossitis, there are multiple preventative actions you can take:

• Consume enough vitamins C and B.
• Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
• Avoid spicy, acidic, smoking, and chewing tobacco irritants.
• Dentures and braces should be properly positioned to avoid mouth abrasions.
• Avoid excessive alcohol use.
• Consult a dentist if you experience persistent dry mouth due to illness or medication.
• Treatment for infectious diseases such as syphilis and appropriate fungal infections

When to see a doctor?

Consult a doctor immediately if you have tongue irritation, edema, or other oral abnormalities. Because glossitis problems can escalate and vary by cause. Chronic glossitis that lasts longer than 10 days is usually caused by another disease; therefore, not treating it might damage the tongue and other organs.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!