Glossitis is an inflammatory disease of the tongue, which can act as an independent pathology or be a symptom of other diseases of the internal organs. Sometimes a change in the shape or color of the tongue may be the only sign indicating a problem in the body. Therefore, it is important not to ignore painful changes in the oral cavity.
Self-medication can lead to chronic glossitis, which is characterized by severe growths and the appearance of ulcers. Seeing a doctor will help you make a correct diagnosis and cope with the disease in a short time.
Causes of glossitis
Glossitis can be an independent disease caused by bacteria, or a sign of a certain systemic pathology. Microtraumas and viruses usually lead to local damage to the tongue. For example, herpes very often not only affects the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, but also causes the occurrence of stomatitis and glossitis.
Inflammation of the tissues of the tongue can be a consequence of a burn to the mouth or frequent consumption of too hot drinks. Open gates for infection that causes glossitis are mechanical injuries to the oral cavity and tongue. Provoking factors also include:
- smoking, alcohol abuse;
- eating spicy foods;
- using a mouth freshener;
- frequent use of mouth rinses;
- poisoning with salts of heavy metals;
- injury to the tongue by destroyed sharp teeth;
- frequent exposure of the skin of the tongue to chemical irritants and electric current.
Causes of chronic glossitis:
- decreased immunity;
- dysbacteriosis;
- conditions that cause autoantibodies to be produced.
Causes of glossitis in children
Glossitis occurs in children for various reasons. Most often it is provoked by the child constantly biting his tongue. An incorrectly selected brace system can also lead to problems. Desquamative glossitis in young patients is a consequence of helminthic infestations, atopic dermatitis, and blood diseases. In this case, there are usually no difficulties when chewing and swallowing food.
Candidal glossitis in children develops against the background of diabetes mellitus and long-term use of antibiotics.
Why does the disease occur?
The culprits of inflammation on the mucous membrane of the tongue are pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria) that the local immune system cannot cope with. Most often, glossitis is caused by the herpes virus. It can remain in a latent (sleeping) state for many years after infection and not bother a person in any way. But when immunity decreases, it becomes more active and begins to multiply.
Other possible reasons:
- thermal or chemical burns;
- allergic reaction to toothpaste,
- drinking tongue-burning drinks;
- frequent mechanical injuries from the edges of decayed teeth or sharp edges of fillings, biting the tongue;
- abuse of spicy foods;
- excessive passion for mouth fresheners, rinses with aggressive composition.
People over 50 years of age, smokers, and lovers of caramel and lollipops are at risk. The oral cavity is an ideal place for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, therefore, ignoring hygiene and chronic dental pathologies also cause inflammatory processes in the tongue area.
In most cases, glossitis acts as a symptom of disorders of the digestive system, dysbacteriosis and autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms of glossitis
Glossitis is manifested by the following general symptoms:
- sensation of a foreign body in the mouth;
- burning tongue;
- discoloration of the skin of the tongue to bright red or burgundy;
- swelling of the tongue;
- increased salivation;
- dullness or complete loss of taste sensations (perversion of taste is possible);
- difficulty in swallowing;
- slurred speech, severe pain during conversation.
If treatment for glossitis is not carried out or is illiterate, the disease becomes chronic. Then dense, persistent swelling of the tongue occurs and its structure changes. In advanced forms, growths may form. The onset of an abscess is indicated by an uneven increase in size of the organ. Then the pain syndrome becomes pronounced.
If glossitis is complicated by phlegmon, purulent discharge appears on the surface of the tongue, and the process of chewing and swallowing food is disrupted. Attacks of suffocation may occur and speech becomes difficult. The body temperature rises, the lymph nodes become enlarged, and weakness increases.
Signs of glossitis caused by bacterial and viral microflora
Glossitis of the tongue, which is caused by pathogenic microflora, manifests itself with symptoms:
- local increase in temperature;
- soreness;
- edema;
- hyperemia.
If the disease is provoked by viruses, it may be characterized by vesicles, after opening which small erosions remain on the mucous membrane. In this case, the taste organ becomes too dense or, conversely, excessively loose, and hyperplastic changes are observed.
Candidal glossitis looks in the photo as a white coating on the tongue.
Symptoms of different types of glossitis
Desquamative glossitis, which is also called “geographical tongue,” usually develops against the background of gastrointestinal diseases. When examining a patient, the doctor sees a tongue cut with grooves and lines, which may resemble the outlines of the continents. The formation of the disease is promoted by:
- blood diseases;
- metabolic disorders;
- parasites.
Bright red spots with desquamative glossitis are located on the front surface and sides of the tongue. In this case, the patient complains of moderate pain and burning.
Deep glossitis is always localized at the “bottom” of the oral cavity. Inflammation can spread to the neck and chin area. Untimely treatment of this type of pathology leads to an abscess.
Diamond-shaped or median glossitis is manifested by thickening of the epithelium and the formation of diamond-shaped areas in the basal region of the tongue. Their color can be bright red or bluish. The form is prone to chronicity and relapse. Very rarely, rhomboid glossitis can be characterized by other signs. Thus, the diamond-shaped areas may become smooth and atrophy (flat form) or dense, bumpy growths may form on the surface of the tongue (warty form of rhomboid glossitis).
Folded glossitis is a congenital anomaly. These are folds on the back of the tongue. The deepest of them runs longitudinally along the midline of the taste organ. Since the disease does not cause discomfort, no special treatment is carried out (only for aesthetic purposes).
The main symptom of villous glossitis is the proliferation of filiform papillae, which subsequently become keratinized and look like small villi. The problem most often occurs with constant trauma to the tongue or with candidiasis.
Gunter's glossitis indicates the development of folate deficiency or B12 deficiency anemia. The tongue becomes very smooth and acquires a bright crimson color. Taste buds atrophy.
Interstitial glossitis (precancerous form) may indicate infection with syphilis. Part of the muscle tissue is replaced by connective tissue. The tongue looks like a quilt. Some of its parts are elevated, the grooves of connective tissue strongly tighten the edges. If treatment is not started, the muscle tissue completely degenerates into connective tissue.
If you notice similar symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. It is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with the consequences.
Classification and forms of the disease
Due to the mass of causes that cause tongue diseases, a detailed classification is difficult. But usually, based on the nature of the symptoms and the course of the disease, the following forms of the disease are distinguished.
Catarrhal glossitis. The process of inflammation is localized on the surface of the tongue (mucous membrane), but the inflammation can pass, while remaining superficial, into an ulcerative or aphthous form (like ulcerative stomatitis or aphthous stomatitis).
Deep glossitis. The process affects the deep layers of the tongue, adjacent tissues of the oral cavity and even lymph nodes. Characterized by increased body temperature, deterioration in general health (weakness), breathing problems, headaches and severe throbbing pain in the tongue.
Chronic glossitis. The catarrhal form can become chronic in the absence of treatment, reduced immunity, or the presence of autoimmune pathologies. The chronic form is characterized by persistent, dense swelling, changes in tissue structure up to the appearance of growths.
Diagnosis of glossitis
Pronounced symptoms allow dentists and therapists (it is these doctors who treat glossitis) to judge the presence of one form or another of the disease. To assess the depth and nature of the lesion, as well as to diagnose the disease that provoked the development of glossitis, different methods are used:
- bacteriological;
- cytological;
- biochemical;
- histological;
- serological.
All these diagnostic methods are available in any modern dental clinic
. To exclude the presence of syphilis, microscopy of the scraping is performed for Treponema pallidum, and an anticardiolipin test (allows us to detect antibodies to the cardiolipin antigen present in the blood of patients with syphilis). If it is necessary to determine the causative agent of glossitis, the following is carried out:
- PCR diagnostics (detection of the pathogen by its DNA);
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For analysis, blood is taken from a vein. The study is aimed at identifying specific antibodies produced by the patient’s body against the pathogen.
Prognosis and prevention
Timely treatment of glossitis and the underlying disease allows you to count on the patient’s complete recovery. An unfavorable prognosis occurs when the pathology is complicated by phlegmon, abscesses or malignant neoplasms.
Prevention of glossitis involves compliance with hygiene standards. Patients at risk are advised to visit the dentist regularly. Excessively spicy foods should be excluded from the diet. Quitting smoking and drinking strong alcohol reduces the likelihood of glossitis.
How and with what to treat glossitis of the tongue in adults and children
Treatment of tongue glossitis requires elimination of the diseases that led to its appearance. This refers to anemia, gastrointestinal diseases, syphilis, etc. To minimize pain, you need to rinse your mouth with Furacilin, a solution of Chlorhexidine (0.05%) or potassium permanganate, and avoid eating rough food. In case of severe pain, local applications with anesthetics can be made:
- Trimecaine solution (2%);
- Lidocaine solution;
- Pyromecaine solution.
If the tongue is dry, it should be lubricated with a mixture of glycerin and Anestezin.
For a speedy recovery, the skin of the tongue must be cleaned of plaque using a cotton swab soaked in proteolytic enzymes (Chymotrypsin, Trypsin). If there are painful ulcers, these drugs for the treatment of tongue glossitis can be replaced with applications with Iruksol. After the hygiene procedure, it is important to treat the cleaned lesions with antiseptics. This helps prevent secondary infection and also prevents the development of serious complications.
To speed up regeneration processes, gel and jelly-like medicines with solcoseryl, as well as preparations containing vitamin A, can be used. The mixture formed by rosehip oil and vitamin A heals the affected skin well and relieves pain.
If excessive thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis (hyperkeratosis) is observed, surgical intervention is ordered. Antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs are selected taking into account the severity of the disease and the dominant symptoms.
All patients with glossitis can take immunomodulators. Hormones are used extremely rarely - only for difficulty breathing. To avoid atrophy of taste organ cells, Hydrocortisone and Prednisolone ointments are prescribed in short courses.
How to treat tongue glossitis at home
Treatment of tongue glossitis at home can be carried out using traditional medicine recipes:
- decoction of chamomile flowers. 1 tbsp. pour a glass of boiling water over the flowers. Infuse, strain. Rinse your mouth after every meal;
- bedstraw decoction. 1 tbsp. pour a glass of boiling water. Leave for 30 minutes. Take 50 ml orally after meals and rinse the mouth 3-4 times a day. Similarly, you can use decoctions of sage and basil;
- soda solution. Add 2-3 drops of iodine and a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of warm water. Rinse your mouth 3 times a day;
- natural honey Slowly dissolve a spoonful of honey;
- propolis. Lubricate the areas of inflammation 5 times a day. Instead of propolis, you can use raw carrot/potato juice or rosehip oil;
- tea tree oil. Dilute in equal proportions with olive, sunflower or sea buckthorn oil. Treat glossitis lesions 5 times a day or keep it in your mouth for several minutes.
Drug treatment
The diagnosis is usually made by visual examination. To clarify the causative agent of inflammation, a scraping from the surface of the tongue is prescribed for further laboratory testing. The patient is also referred for consultation to specialized specialists - a gastroenterologist, immunologist, endocrinologist or hematologist. If glossitis acts as a symptom of a pathology of internal organs, then therapy will be aimed at the underlying disease.
Treatment is complex. Local methods include:
- Treatment of affected areas with antiseptic solutions.
- The use of anti-inflammatory ointments with a wound healing effect.
- Rinse with herbal decoctions in consultation with your doctor.
To increase the body's immune strength, vitamin therapy is carried out. For severe pain, analgesics are prescribed. In case of purulent form, it is recommended to take antibacterial drugs. But such treatment is prescribed only after identifying the exact cause of the disease. After the acute period is over, the oral cavity is sanitized if necessary.
The prognosis is favorable, but only if you consult a doctor. Self-medication leads to worsening of the disease. Frequent complications of glossitis are abscesses, phlegmon and oncological formations. These conditions require surgery.
As a preventative measure, it is recommended to visit the dentist regularly, treat chronic diseases of the internal organs, and carefully monitor oral hygiene.
Nature of the disease
The disease can begin with a burning sensation of the tongue, loss of taste, or simply an unpleasant sensation in the mouth. Over time, the tongue becomes swollen and bright pink. Depending on the causes of the disease, the condition of the tissues of the tongue changes. So, with viral glossitis, bubbles appear on the tongue, which burst, forming painful areas.
With infectious glossitis, inflammation is acute, often with high fever and increased salivation. If treatment is not started, the inflammation quickly spreads to the mucous tissues of the oral cavity. Glossitis caused by the fungus Candida is called candidiasis. Its main difference is the dense white coating covering the outer surface of the tongue.
Preventive techniques for glossitis
Most often, the disease is much easier to prevent than to treat.
For this reason, dentists advise following the following preventive techniques:
- following the rules of dental and oral hygiene;
- systematic preventive examination in the dental office;
- reducing the use of hot spices that irritate the mucous membrane of the tongue;
- giving up cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.
Timely and high-quality treatment can easily eliminate glossitis, while the complete absence of therapy leads to irreversible and sad consequences.
