What is tongue glossitis?

Glossitis is a problem in which the tongue is swollen and inflamed. This often makes the surface of the tongue appear smooth. Geographic tongue is a type of glossitis.


What causes glossitis on tongue?

Glossitis is often caused by an infection. Other causes include injury, irritation from tobacco or spicy foods, or a poor diet. Glossitis can make it hard for you to talk, chew, or swallow, especially if you get sores on your tongue. Treatment for glossitis depends on the cause.

How do you treat tongue glossitis?

Treatment may include:
  1. Good oral care. Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
  2. Antibiotics or other medicines to treat infection.
  3. Diet changes and supplements to treat nutrition problems.
  4. Avoiding irritants (such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco) to ease discomfort.


Is glossitis serious?

Glossitis refers to inflammation of the tongue and has numerous potential etiologies. While most causes are benign or idiopathic, glossitis can be the presenting symptom of more serious systemic conditions.

Can glossitis be cured?

Most of the time, acute glossitis goes away once your healthcare provider treats it. Sometimes, it can even go away on its own. If you have chronic or recurring glossitis, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to manage your symptoms during flare-ups.


Geographic tongue (Benign Migratory Glossitis)



What foods cause glossitis?

Some foods can also cause glossitis, even if they don't cause allergies, including spicy foods and very hot foods (that is, hot in terms of physical heat). Even things like tobacco and alcohol may irritate the tongue and cause swelling in some people.

Is glossitis cancerous?

Glossitis is not a form of cancer. However, a recent review explains that the symptoms of glossitis can sometimes resemble those of certain mouth cancers. For this reason, when doctors suspect that someone with glossitis-like symptoms might have cancer, they will usually recommend a biopsy.

How do you know if you have glossitis?

Symptoms
  1. Problems chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
  2. Smooth surface of the tongue.
  3. Sore, tender, or swollen tongue.
  4. Pale or bright red color to the tongue.
  5. Tongue swelling.


How long does it take for glossitis to go away?

Swelling and inflammation of the tongue typically resolve after several days. If symptoms are still present after 10 days, contact your doctor. You should also contact your doctor if you have trouble swallowing, breathing, or speaking.

What deficiency causes glossitis?

Oral manifestations of pernicious anemia, including glossitis and stomatitis, may occur in the absence of anemia and represent an early clinical sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. Other causes of glossitis include nutritional deficiencies of vitamin B12, folic acid, riboflavin and niacin.

What foods help with glossitis?

You may want to eat a bland or liquid diet while you have glossitis. Bland foods include mashed potatoes, soft breads, cream soups, eggs, and soft and well-cooked vegetables. Avoid spicy or hot foods and citrus fruits like orange juice or lemons that can make the swelling of glossitis worse.


What vitamin is good for glossitis?

Glossitis secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

Our clinical diagnosis was glossitis.

What vitamin is glossitis?

Vitamin B12 deficiency results in megaloblastic anemia and may present as glossitis. The appearance of the tongue in vitamin B12 deficiency is described as "beefy" or "fiery red and sore". There may be linear or patchy red lesions.

Which antibiotic is best for glossitis?

Disorders such as iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia and other B-vitamin deficiencies, oral lichen planus, erythema multiforme, aphthous ulcer, pemphigus vulgaris, syphilis, and others. Occasionally, glossitis can be inherited. Drugs such as doxycycline, Lincomycin Hydrochloride, Meropenem and tetracycline.


Can a dentist treat glossitis?

If glossitis stems from a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection, your medical or dental professional may prescribe a medication to alleviate the symptoms and heal the infection.

Is glossitis the same as thrush?

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that develops inside the mouth. If you have thrush, the mucous membranes in your mouth may look red or swollen. You might also have glossitis or a white coating on your tongue. Thrush is most common in people who are immunocompromised due to HIV or cancer.

What are the complications of glossitis?

Glossitis may cause discomfort and interfere with important everyday activities involving the tongue and mouth, such as speaking, chewing and swallowing. In some cases, glossitis can cause blockage of the airway and interfere with breathing.


What causes chronic glossitis?

The causes include allergies (to food, medications, and oral care products), infection (Herpes simplex, bacteria, or yeast), injuries (from dentures or burns), irritants (tobacco, alcohol, and spices), immunologic disorders (such as Sjogren's syndrome, lichen planus), vitamin B deficiency (B2, B3, B6, and folate), and ...

How do you feel when vitamin B12 is low?

extreme tiredness (fatigue) lack of energy (lethargy) breathlessness. feeling faint.

What does a cancerous tongue look like?

The symptoms of tongue cancer might include: a red or white patch on the tongue that won't go away. a sore throat that doesn't go away. a sore spot (ulcer) or lump on the tongue that doesn't go away.


What is the main cause of tongue inflammation?

The causes of a swollen tongue can include allergies, infections, trauma, GERD, drug reactions, autoimmune diseases, or rare disorders. While it's less common, tongue cancer can also cause a swollen tongue. If you have a swollen tongue that isn't very bad, make an appointment to see your provider.

What deficiency causes tongue problems?

Vitamin deficiency and anemia

You may have a smooth, sore tongue if your body is deficient in either vitamin B-12, iron, or folate. If you're deficient in vitamin B-12, your tongue may also be beefy red in color. Low levels of zinc can cause a burning tongue.

What is the difference between stomatitis and glossitis?

Stomatitis can be broken down into different categories, depending on which area of the mouth is affected: cheilitis – inflammation of the lips and around the mouth. glossitis – inflammation of the tongue. gingivitis – inflammation of the gums.


What can I drink to heal my tongue?

As with any minor burn, cold water can quickly soothe irritation. Drink a glass to bring down the temperature of your tongue and to keep your mouth hydrated. Saliva flow is key to ensure bacteria don't further harm the area.

How can I get my tongue healthy again?

6 Things You Should Be Doing to Take Care of Your Tongue
  1. Brush your tongue regularly. Each time you brush your teeth, it is important to remember to brush your tongue as well. ...
  2. Try a tongue scraper. ...
  3. Rinse well. ...
  4. Drink green tea. ...
  5. Monitor the color of your tongue. ...
  6. Drink plenty of water.