Glossitis

Answer 1

Definition

Glossitis is a condition in which the tongue is swollen and changes color. Finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue (called papillae) are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth.

See also: Geographic tongue

Alternative Names

Tongue inflammation; Tongue infection; Smooth tongue; Glossodynia; Burning tongue syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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.

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 anemia, pernicious anemiaand other B-vitamin deficiencies, oral lichen planus, erythema multiform, aphthous ulcers, pemphigus vulgaris, syphilis, and others
• Yeast infection
• Dry mouth associated with connective tissue disorders, such as Sjogren syndrome

Occasionally, glossitis can be inherited.

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

An examination by a dentist or health care provider shows a swollen tongue (or patches of swelling).

Finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue (called papillae) may be absent.

Your health care provider may ask detailed questions about your medical history and lifestyle to determine the possible source of tongue inflammation, if injury or other cause is not easily identified.

Blood tests may be done to rule out other medical conditions.

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 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.

Expectations (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.

Complications

• Discomfort
• Airway blockage
• Difficulties with speaking, chewing, or swallowing

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of glossitis persist for longer than 10 days.

Call your health care provider if tongue swelling is severe or breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing is difficult.

Blockage of the airway is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical attention.

Prevention

Good oral hygiene (thorough tooth brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning and examination) may help prevent glossitis.

References

Burning mouth syndrome, burning tonuge (glossodynia). In: Buttaravoli P, ed. Minor Emergencies. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 44.

Answer 2

Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue that can cause it to appear swollen, red, or smooth. It can be caused by various factors, including infections, nutritional deficiencies, Allergies, or certain medical conditions. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve addressing the specific issue or using medications to reduce inflammation.

Answer 3

Definition

Glossitis is a condition in which the tongue is swollen and changes color, often making the surface of the tongue appear smooth.

See also: Geographic tongue

Alternative Names

Tongue inflammation; Tongue infection; Smooth tongue; Glossodynia; Burning tongue syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Glossitis is often a symptom of other conditions or problems, including:

• Allergic reaction to toothpaste, mouthwash, breath fresheners, dyes in candy, plastic in dentures or retainers, or certain blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors)
• Dry mouth, when the glands that produce saliva are destroyed (see: Sjogren syndrome)
• Infections with bacteria or viruses (including oral herpes simplex)
• Injury from burns, rough edges of teeth or dental appliances, or other trauma
• Low iron levels (called iron deficiency) or certain B vitamins, such as vitamin B12
• Skin conditions such as oral lichen planus, erythema multiform, aphthous ulcers, pemphigus vulgaris, syphilis, and others
• Tobacco, alcohol, hot foods, spices, or other irritants
• Yeast infection in the mouth

At times, glossitis may be passed down in families and is not due to another disease or event.

Symptoms

Symptoms of glossitis may appear quickly or slowly over time. They include:

• Difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• Smooth surface of the tongue
• Sore and tender tongue
• Tongue color changes
  • Pale, if caused by pernicious anemia
  • Fiery red, if caused by a lack of other B vitamins
• Tongue swelling

Signs and tests

An examination by a dentist or health care provider shows:

• Finger-like bumps on the surface of the tongue (called papillae) may be missing
• Swollen tongue (or patches of swelling)

Your health care provider may ask detailed questions about your medical history and lifestyle to find the cause of tongue inflammation if there was no obvious injury or other cause.

Blood tests may be done to rule out other medical conditions.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation. Most people do not need to go to the hospital for treatment unless tongue swelling is severe.

• Good oral hygiene is important. Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and floss 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.

Expectations (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.

Complications

• Airway blockage
• Difficulties with speaking, chewing, or swallowing
• Discomfort

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if:

• Symptoms of glossitis last longer than 10 days
• Tongue swelling is severe
• Breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing is difficult

Blockage of the airway is an emergency situation that needs immediate medical attention.

Prevention

Good oral hygiene (thorough tooth brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning and examination) may help prevent glossitis.

References

Reamy BV, Derby R, Bunt CW. Common tongue conditions in primary care. Am Fam Physician. 2010;81(5):627-634.

Mirowski GW, Mark LA. Oral disease and oral-cutaneous manifestations of gastrointestinal and liver disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2010:chap 22.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 03/05/2011

Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.