TONGUE INFLAMMATION

(Glossitis)

 Basic information

description

Tongue inflammation is an acute or chronic condition due to a variety of causes. It is sometimes contagious, but not cancerous.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Any of the following:
  • Bright red, swollen tongue.
  • Tongue looks and feels smooth.
  • Tongue may be sore and tender.
  • Hairy-looking tongue, sometimes with a black surface.
  • A tongue with a red tip and edges.

causes

• Bacterial or viral (including herpes) infections.
• Burns.
• Injury from jagged teeth, ill-fitting dentures, tongue or lip piercing, mouth-breathing, or repeated biting during seizures.
• Excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, hot food, or spices.
• Poor dental health.
• Allergy to toothpaste, mouthwash (especially mouthwash containing peroxide), candy, dye, or material used in dental work.
• Lack of B vitamins, resulting in B-12 deficiency anemia, pellagra, or iron deficiency anemia.
• Adverse reaction to drugs.

risk increases with

• Poor nutrition, especially vitamin deficiencies.
• Smoking.
• Chemical or environmental exposure to irritating or corrosive chemicals.
• Alcoholism.
• Anxiety or depression.
• Diabetes.
• Topical or inhaled steroids.
• Prolonged antibiotic use leading to yeast infections.
• Dry mouth such as from Sjögren's syndrome.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush teeth and tongue at least twice a day, and floss teeth daily. Obtain regular dental check-ups.
• Don't smoke.
• Prevent tongue injury by wearing protective headgear for contact sports or cycling.

expected outcomes

Usually curable in 2 weeks with treatment.

possible complications

• Tongue inflammation can become chronic if not adequately treated.
• Tongue may become swollen and block the airway.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do an exam of the mouth and tongue. Medical tests may include blood studies to check for any underlying disorder.
• Treatment will be directed at the underlying cause along with self-help measures.
• Observe if there is an association between eating specific foods and tongue symptoms. Irritating foods may include chocolate, citrus, acidic foods (vinegar, pickles), salted nuts, or potato chips.
• Rinse mouth 3 or more times a day with a salt solution (mix one-half teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water).
• If tongue symptoms are caused by teeth or denture problems, consult your dentist. The problem won't heal until the cause is eliminated.

medications

• For minor pain, you may use nonprescription drugs, such as anesthetic mouthwashes or acetaminophen.
• For infection and pain, antibiotics or antifungals or topical anesthetics may be prescribed.

activity

No limits.

diet

• No special diet, except to avoid foods that may cause the symptoms.
• Drink as many fluids and eat as well-balanced a diet as possible while healing.
• To reduce pain, sip liquids through straws. Foods or fluids that cause the least pain are milk, liquid gelatin, yogurt, ice cream, and custard.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of tongue inflammation.
• Symptoms don't improve in 3 days despite treatment.
• Pain gets worse and isn't relieved by treatment.
• Tongue swells and interferes with swallowing.

Special Notes: