The tongue is often injured. Sometimes these damages are so insignificant that we do not notice them, but these mucosal defects are the entry point for infection. Glossitis is an inflammation of the tongue that is caused by various bacteria and viruses. The disease causes a number of unpleasant symptoms that interfere with normal eating, and sometimes even interfere with talking. Glossitis is dangerous due to its complications. If measures are not taken in time, diffuse purulent inflammation may occur, spreading far beyond the oral cavity.
The disease is very common. Most often occurs in people with reduced immunity, smokers, and patients who do not pay due attention to oral hygiene.
What is glossitis?
Glossitis (from the Greek glossa (tongue) + suffix –itis) is an inflammation of the tongue. The reasons for its occurrence are different. Glossitis can develop as a result of a viral or bacterial infection, or as a result of another disease in the body. In addition, there are some other factors that provoke the development of the disease. These include mechanical, chemical and thermal damage to the oral cavity; nicotine; food that is too spicy or too hot; alcohol; caramel; some components present in toothpastes.
Glossitis has the following forms:
- folded
- diamond-shaped median
- desquamative
- hairy black
- Gunter's
- interstitial
According to the duration of the inflammatory process, acute and chronic glossitis are distinguished. The acute form of glossitis manifests itself as inflammation of the tongue, a change in its structure or color. Symptoms of the chronic form are more varied, but in most cases the disease is diagnosed by the presence or absence of papillomas - fungal growths on the tissues of the tongue. There are cases when the cause of the disease can be identified only after comprehensive medical research. True, this happens quite rarely and, as a rule, is associated with the presence of congenital, hereditary diseases.
Localization
An important role in making a diagnosis and finding out the cause of the disease is its localization. The localizations of inflammation of the papillae, as well as the possible causes of their appearance, will be listed below.
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Inflammation of the papillae throughout the tongue may indicate a chemical or thermal burn, as well as the infectious nature of the disease.
Inflammation of the papillae throughout the tongue may indicate a chemical or thermal burn
On the root
If the problem area is the back of the tongue (root), then the patient will experience difficulty perceiving the bitter taste, since the inflammation will affect the grooved papillae responsible for this.
A popular cause of this localization of inflammation is an allergic reaction, with the patient noting increased salivation and swelling of the tissues, including the soft palate that may react with swelling.
The cause may be diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract, or malfunctions in its functioning (for example, too low or high acidity). Also, it is on the root that fungal and bacterial glossitis is localized.
The cause may be diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract or malfunctions in its functioning.
On the tip
The tip of the tongue most often suffers from mechanical damage, since the tip comes into contact with too hot food and drinks, rubs against chipped teeth, and is subjected to biting.
The tip of the tongue most often suffers from mechanical damage, since the tip comes into contact with food and drinks that are too hot
Side
On the sides of the tongue there are the so-called conical, mushroom-, filament- and leaf-like structures of the tongue.
Enlargement and hyperemia of the taste buds, which are located on the sides of the tongue, most often appear due to mechanical damage to the teeth, but pathogenic microorganisms and chemical burns can also be the cause.
Inflammation on the sides of the tongue can also be caused by pathogenic microorganisms and chemical burns.
Main symptoms of glossitis
Glossitis, the symptoms of which are very diverse and largely depend on the cause of the disease and the stage of development of the process, but the following signs are almost always present:
- coating on tongue uneven with spots
- ulcers in the oral cavity of varying depth and extent
- color changes (general or in the form of local spots)
- swelling of the tongue, the presence of “imprints” of teeth on its lateral surfaces and other sores
- limited tongue mobility
- bad breath problem
- salivation disorder
Often these changes are accompanied by a decrease in taste sensitivity, a burning sensation and pain at the slightest movements of the tongue while eating and when talking. Sometimes, as the inflammatory process progresses, there is a deterioration in general health: an increase in temperature, enlargement of the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes.
Tongue pain
General information
The tongue is a muscular organ covered with a mucous membrane with lymphoid formations and glands. The tongue is richly supplied with nerves and blood vessels. It performs a wide variety of functions:
- participates in pushing food;
- sucking function;
- is an organ of speech;
- responsible for touch;
- determines temperature and taste.
The tongue consists of a root, a body and an end. When the mouth is closed, it occupies almost the entire oral cavity.
The upper surface of the tongue is called the dorsum. Along it there is a groove, under which there is a thin fibrous septum in the form of a plate of dense silvery tissue, dividing this organ into two equal halves. The mucous membrane of the lower surface of the tongue is much more delicate and thinner than the upper one, and is rich in superficially located thin blood vessels-capillaries. This ensures rapid absorption of some medications placed under the tongue. Along the midline from the root of the tongue towards the chin, a thin fold of the mucous membrane, called the frenulum of the tongue, is stretched. There is a small elevation on each side of the bridle. The elevation is called the hyoid caruncle. The excretory ducts of the salivary glands open on the caruncles .
The unique anatomical formations of the tongue are the papillae, which cover the anterior part of its back by two-thirds. They not only perform a variety of receptor functions, but also actively respond to various local and general diseases, which will be discussed in the relevant sections of the brochure. In humans there are six types of tongue papillae , the most important of them functionally are:
- threadlike,
- mushroom-shaped
- leaf-shaped,
- groove-shaped.
Fungiform papillae are less numerous and are found among filiform papillae, mainly at the tip and along the edges of the tongue. They are pink in color, making them clearly visible against the lighter background of other papillae. Leaf-shaped papillae are located along the edges of the posterior part of the body of the tongue and consist of five to eight vertical folds. The circumvallate papillae are the largest, numbering seven to twelve, arranged in two lines converging to the median sulcus almost at a right angle, open anteriorly, closing the papillary zone of the tongue behind. The papillae of the tongue contain a large number of superficially located nerve endings. The richest in them are the grooved and mushroom-shaped papillae. Behind the papillary zone, on the back of the root of the tongue, there are lymphatic follicles that form the lingual tonsil. In the tongue, bundles of four skeletal muscles, starting on the bones of the skull, and four intrinsic muscles, running in different directions, and four intrinsic muscles are closely intertwined, which ensures exceptional mobility of this organ. Causes of tongue pain: Mini-traumas are the most common causes of tongue pain:
- The tongue can become sore even in the absence of any injury. Lymph nodes in the sublingual area can become enlarged as a result of infection or even some types of cancer.
- Pain in the tongue can occur due to diseases of the salivary gland.
- Tongue pain can also be a symptom of various types of allergic reactions, iron deficiency in the body, or side effects when taking certain medications.
Sometimes a possible cause of tongue pain is a viral sore , a painful tissue lesion that appears on the tongue (or anywhere else in the mouth) for no apparent reason. Some doctors think that these viral sores (painful stomatitis) are the result of emotional stress, fatigue, or decreased body resistance. Glossalgia is pain in the tongue that occurs mainly in women over 25-30 years of age. The causes and mechanism of development of pain in the tongue have not been fully elucidated. Glossalgia often occurs when:
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,
- dysfunction of the endocrine system,
- neurogenic disorders.
Often the occurrence of glossalgia is preceded by mental trauma. Glossalgia manifests itself as a burning sensation, tingling, a feeling of rawness in the tongue, fatigue of the tongue after speaking, difficulty in moving it, and, less often, pain. Sometimes the pain spreads to other parts of the oral cavity (lips, gums, cheeks), and even less often beyond its limits. The pain may disappear while eating.
Glossitis is a superficial or deep inflammation of the tissues of the tongue. Glossitis can be an independent disease, but more often it is a symptom of some general disease of the body. With deep glossitis, the inflammatory process is localized in the thickness of the tongue and clinically manifests itself in the form of an abscess or phlegmon .
Phlegmonous glossitis, spreading to the bottom of the mouth, causes acute inflammation in the chin area and neck. Treatment occurs surgically. Superficial glossitis is a catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane of the tongue and refers to local manifestations of inflammation of the oral mucosa. As an independent disease, catarrhal glossitis is extremely rare, and the causes of its occurrence can be:
- carious teeth;
- difficult teething;
- Tartar deposits;
- injury to the mucous membrane of the tongue;
- smoking;
- lack of oral care;
- intoxication with salts of heavy metals.
Catarrhal glossitis can be one of the symptoms of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and infectious diseases (measles, scarlet fever, diphtheria). In such cases, it is a valuable diagnostic sign.
Catarrhal glossitis is characterized by the appearance of:
- thick coating on the tongue;
- swelling of the tongue;
- restriction of tongue mobility.
Patients complain of a burning sensation in the tongue, mild soreness, loss of taste, and excessive salivation. Often a sign of ulcerative necrotizing stomatitis, which develops under the influence of a mixed infection (yeast-like fungi, protozoa, fusospirillary infection), is ulcerative glossitis. A dirty gray coating forms on the tongue of such patients; when removed, painful and bleeding erosions and ulcers are visible. Hypersalivation and bad breath are noted
Other causes of tongue pain
There are a great many causes of pain in the tongue, and only a specialist can determine the true cause of the pain. Pain in the tongue, in particular, may indicate the following diseases:
- lichen;
- ill-fitting dentures;
- tongue injuries;
- anemia due to lack of iron or vitamin B12;
- smoking irritates the tongue and makes it painful.
If you don't understand what's causing your tongue pain and the discomfort continues, have your doctor or dentist take a look at it. Sometimes small tumors , invisible to you, develop on the undersurface of the tongue. If neither you nor the doctor can find anything on your tongue to explain the pain, it's probably neuralgia: stimulation of the nerves that supply the mouth. You feel pain in your tongue, but it may actually be coming from nearby teeth and gums. If tongue pain occurs when you walk quickly and stops when you rest, the cause is in the heart. Persistent tongue pain should be brought to the attention of your family therapist. Ultimately, it may be associated with a minor infection or irritation.
Types of disease
Depending on the prevalence of the process and the predominance of a certain nature of changes, the following are distinguished:
Catarrhal glossitis
It is manifested by swelling, redness of the tongue, and the appearance of plaque on its surface, but the process does not extend to its deeper layers. Most often, catarrhal glossitis occurs with superficial injuries and burns of the tongue (chemical, thermal), oral candidiasis (disturbance of the balance of normal microflora), various forms of stomatitis, infectious diseases (viral and bacterial nature), as well as with a number of diseases (anemia, hypovitaminosis , metabolic disorders, diseases of the digestive system, etc.).
Ulcerative glossitis
It is usually manifested by the formation of single or multiple small ulcers on the tongue (the so-called aphthae, hence another name for it - aphthous glossitis). Ulcerations are often accompanied by bleeding, severe swelling, severe pain and deterioration in general condition. This type of glossitis can develop from catarrhal glossitis, and also be a manifestation of diseases of the oral cavity, gum diseases, and diseases of internal organs.
Purulent-phlegmous glossitis
It is a severe form of inflammation, spreading not only to the deeper layers of the tongue, but also to other tissues of the oral cavity; the nearby lymph nodes are also involved in the process. In this case, the patient’s condition is serious, with severe intoxication and elevated temperature, so such patients are usually treated promptly. Antibiotics for this glossitis are a mandatory component of treatment.
Causes of inflammation of the papillae on the tongue
If you have an inflammatory process in your mouth, contact your dentist immediately. Family dentistry in St. Petersburg is a clinic where every patient will be provided with assistance. The doctor will determine the causes of the disease and prescribe treatment. Problems may arise:
- When the patient’s diet includes excessive amounts of sour, sweet, spicy foods;
- If chronic stress develops in the body;
- When the patient received a tongue injury, burn, cuts, punctures;
- If the organ is affected by an allergic reaction;
- For some diseases of internal organs;
The surface of the muscular organ changes significantly under aggressive influence. The provoking factor is xerostomia, disease of the salivary glands, Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes mellitus. With glossitis, the sensitivity of the papillae increases. During the examination, the doctor must exclude HPV, leukoplakia, aphthous stomatitis, syphilis, and oral fibroma. Children are examined for scarlet fever.
Sometimes the disease can be triggered by acid reflux, gastritis, throat infections, systemic inflammation of the gingival tissues when the pathogenic microorganism develops rapidly. Taking some medications can cause pain. High concentrations of alkali or acid have a negative effect on the condition of the muscular organ. Injuries on the tongue can occur from a hard brush, dentures, or tartar.
Special types of glossitis and their treatment
In addition to the above types of glossitis, dentists distinguish special types of glossitis, characterized by the development of limited specific changes in the tongue. These include:
Desquamative glossitis
It appears in the form of a “geographical” tongue, which has a “variegated” pinkish-red appearance, somewhat reminiscent of the outlines of the continents on a geographical map. In some cases, with the development of the inflammatory process, thinned areas cleared of plaque may change their position and shape within a short period of time (2 - 4 days). In such cases, desquamative glossitis is also called wandering glossitis. This can usually be observed with exudative diathesis, diseases of the digestive system, helminthic infestations, metabolic disorders, blood diseases, pregnant women, etc. Desquamative glossitis involves standard treatment, which leads to a gradual cleansing of the surface of the tongue and the disappearance of associated complaints in the patient.
Median rhomboid glossitis
It is characterized by the presence of a local thickening of the epithelium, usually located in the middle of the back of the tongue. In this case, the thickened area of the epithelium has a diamond-shaped or oval shape and can change its color from red to bluish. Rhomboid glossitis most often occurs in chronic diseases of the digestive system and is prone to chronicity and recurrence. Depending on the form of glossitis (flat, tuberculate, papillomatous), appropriate treatment is carried out: laser therapy, surgery, etc.
Atrophic glossitis
It often develops with insufficient intake of vitamins A and E. It usually appears as a single bright red, smooth spot that occupies the entire surface of the tongue. The focus of atrophy can persist for quite a long time without progressing. Sometimes the tongue decreases in size. Histological examination reveals dilation of blood and lymphatic vessels, swelling and inflammation in the papillary layer. Often, atrophic glossitis is a symptom of tongue damage due to gonorrhea.
Gunter's glossitis
Appears with a deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid. It most often occurs with blood diseases (usually anemia associated with impaired hematopoietic processes). In this form of the disease, the surface of the tongue is bright crimson in color and, due to atrophy of the papillae, has a “varnished” appearance. Gunter's glossitis involves treatment of the underlying disease by a therapist or hematologist.
Mycotic, candidal, or yeast glossitis
As a rule, it is a consequence of intensive antibacterial therapy, as a result of which the normal microflora in the patient’s body was suppressed. The disease manifests itself as swelling of the tongue, an accumulation of white plaque on it, with pronounced longitudinal and transverse grooves. Very often, mycotic glossitis occurs in young children and the elderly, as well as in people with weakened immune systems. Candidal glossitis requires treatment with antifungal drugs.
As an additional means for the treatment and prevention of glossitis, many experts have recently begun to recommend the use of an ultrasonic brush for oral hygiene.
Symptoms
The patient may experience discomfort in communication due to impaired diction and thickening of the upper layer of the epithelium of the tongue
The main symptoms of inflammation of the papillae on the tongue are their redness (hyperemia) and soreness (or itching).
There are also disruptions in the perception of the taste qualities of food and drinks and their temperature conditions.
As a result of inflammation, the patient may experience discomfort in communication due to impaired diction and thickening of the upper layer of the epithelium of the tongue.
You can distinguish papillitis from glossitis by looking at the back of the tongue: if there is no plaque on it, this means the inflammation is non-infectious.
Also, the symptoms of papillitis tend to disappear within a few days without medical assistance, since a feature of the mucous membrane of the tongue is its rapid recovery.
Sometimes an infection is associated with papillitis, but this is considered a complication and goes into the category of glossitis.
External manifestations
If you look closely at the painful area, the inflamed papillae can be easily identified. They increase in size and change color, becoming soft pink, deep red or completely white (with candidiasis).
Thread-like stretched along the edges of the tongue. Their number is greatest, their function is to touch and hold food in the mouth, they do not perceive taste
Manifestations of tongue glossitis in children
In children, glossitis usually occurs at an early age - from 1 to 5 years. The causes of this pathological process have not yet been fully studied and can be very diverse: from infection to poor heredity. Externally, glossitis in children is manifested by the appearance of spots on the tongue, which slightly swells and itches. Itching and a burning sensation are the most unpleasant signs of glossitis, since a small child begins to scratch the tongue, thereby contributing to the appearance of microcracks with their subsequent infection. However, the disease does not pose a threat to the child’s life. The famous pediatrician Komarovsky does not recommend panicking about this and self-medicating by giving the baby serious medications. As a rule, multivitamins and a gentle regimen will have a positive effect within a week.
Treatment
If after a couple of days the symptoms have not disappeared or, on the contrary, have intensified, rush to the dentist
If the papillae are inflamed, but the cause is difficult to determine, then first of all, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic solution.
If after a couple of days the symptoms do not disappear or, on the contrary, intensify, rush to the dentist.
After conducting the diagnostics, he will make a diagnosis and either refer you to another doctor or describe how to treat the problem.
Typically, treatment consists of antiviral (acyclavir, Zovirax) and antihistamine (suprastin, tavegil) drugs, antibiotics (clorsacillin, clindomycin) and antifungal agents (chlorhexidine, furacelin, miramistin).
If you can’t see a doctor, you can improve your condition at home.
The following methods are effectively used for this:
- You can apply ice (or chew it) to relieve swelling.
- Regularly rinse your mouth with a baking soda solution (15 grams of baking soda per 1 glass of lukewarm water) - this will help relieve inflammation and reduce swelling.
- Lubricate the problem area with honey - this product is famous for its antibacterial properties, and it will also help relieve swelling and promote tissue regeneration.
- Drink natural yogurt - it will help restore normal oral microflora if the problem lies in its disturbances.
Features of glossitis during pregnancy
The causes of glossitis of the tongue in pregnant women are due to the fact that the immune defense weakens to allow the fetus to develop, which means that the body during this period becomes practically defenseless in the face of various bacteria and viruses. The second risk factor is a lack of vitamins and minerals obtained from food.
According to statistics, most often pregnant women experience a picture of desquamative and Gunter's glossitis. Symptoms that should alert you during pregnancy include:
- Profuse drooling. During the period of bearing a child, a woman already secretes a larger amount of saliva than usual, but a sharp increase may indicate the onset of glossitis.
- "Lacquered Tongue" A specific symptom that indicates the development of B12 deficiency anemia.
- Color change. White spots on the surface of the tongue alternate with spots of rich red color.
- Refusal of food. Acute glossitis in pregnant women is characterized by severe pain in the tongue during chewing and speaking, which, among other things, affects appetite.
As for the treatment of glossitis in pregnant women, the safety of the fetus comes first. Therefore, all therapy is exclusively local in nature (sprays, rinses), eliminating the penetration of the drug through the placenta. It is recommended to adjust your diet in such a way as to remove any foods that irritate your tongue.
Attention!
In order to avoid complications that can negatively affect the health of the fetus, treatment of glossitis during pregnancy must be carried out under the supervision of an obstetrician-gynecologist monitoring the woman.
Diagnosis and treatment
To diagnose glossitis in adults, the following basic methods are successfully used today.
- Examination
An experienced dentist in 95% of cases is able to diagnose glossitis based only on visual data. - RPR test
A special test that detects antibodies to the cardiolipin antigen. - Scraping
It is taken from the surface of the tongue to exclude syphilis, whose symptoms are similar to glossitis. - PCR
The most modern and accurate diagnostic method for identifying a wide range of infectious pathogens.
Treatment of glossitis depends on the form of the disease and analysis of concomitant diseases, but in any case it should be comprehensive:
- enhanced oral hygiene;
- general strengthening therapy aimed at increasing immunity;
- local treatment with antiseptics;
- strict diet;
- targeted medications (for example, for candidal glossitis - antifungal agents).
You can find out more about how to treat glossitis of the tongue in the article.
Diagnostics
Basic diagnostic methods in dentistry allow a thorough examination to be made in order to make the correct diagnosis. During the initial examination, the dentist determines the size of the pathological zones, appearance, color, and shape of the organ. The doctor finds out whether there is swelling of the tongue, ascertains plaque and its localization, abrasions, punctures, eczema, ulcers. The health of gum tissue and teeth is important.
In order to determine the type of pathogen and the form of the disease, a number of tests are prescribed:
- Histological smear;
- Sensitivity is determined using a special test;
- A general blood test is informative;
Systemic pathologists are also excluded: HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, AIDS. If necessary, the patient is referred for consultation to a gastroenterologist, dermatologist, endocrinologist, otolaryngologist, or immunologist.
Is it worth treating glossitis with folk remedies?
If you have a question: how to cure glossitis, don’t waste time looking for folk remedies! If you notice characteristic symptoms that do not go away for more than a day, you need to seek help from a specialist. Treatment of glossitis should be carried out only by a dentist, who will determine the cause of the changes in the oral cavity, carry out all the necessary therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, prescribe a set of therapeutic measures that the patient can perform at home, and also monitor the entire treatment process, making changes to it as needed. necessary adjustments. Moscow dental clinics are presented in the “Search” section on our website.
Glossitis, like other periodontal diseases, is fraught with many complications, so treatment with folk remedies can only serve as an aid in complex therapy.
In order not to come face to face with glossitis, it is enough to brush your teeth regularly, including brushing your tongue, and do not skip preventive examinations at the dentist. In addition, doctors recommend avoiding excessive consumption of spicy foods and spices, limiting the intake of alcoholic beverages and smoking. Remember, disease is easier to prevent than to treat.
