A Simple Guide to Glossitis

A Simple Guide to Glossitis
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What is Glossitis?
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Glossitis is an acute or chronic inflammatory disease of the tongue which can cause swelling of the tongue and change of colour of the tongue.

The finger like papilla on the surface of the tongue may be lost as a result leading to a smooth tongue.


What are the causes of Glossitis?
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Bacterial Infections:
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1.Gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphphylococcus may be painful and lead to upper respiratory tract infection

2.Gram negative bacteria such as Klebsiella, E.coli, Pseudomonas, Mycobacteria(including tuberculosis), Legionaire's Disease,chlamydia

Viral infections:
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Herpes simplex

Non-infectious:
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1.Dryness of the mouth and low saliva in the mouth may allow bacteria to grow more readily.

2.Local dental abnormalities, rough edges of teeth ,ill fitting dental appliances, or other trauma to the tongue

3.Tongue Piercings

4.irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, hot foods, and spicy food.

5.Sensitivity to toothpaste, mouthwash, breath fresheners,and dental material

6.Allergies to dyes in candy or preservatives in food.

7.Drug induced such as anticholinergics (cause dryness of mouth), certain blood-pressure medications (ACE inhibitors).

8.Mouth breathing

Systemic diseases:
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1.iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia and other B-vitamin deficiencies

2.Skin diseases such as oral lichen planus, erythema multiforme, aphthous ulcer, pemphigus vulgaris,

3.Systemic diseases such as syphilis, and others.

Genetic
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Occasionally Glossitis may be inherited


What are Signs and symptoms of Glossitis?
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Symptoms:

1.Swelling of the tongue

2.Tongue color changes often dark red

3.Pale if caused by anemia.

4.Fiery red if due to vitamin B deficiency

5.Sore and tender tongue

6.Smooth tongue

7.Aphthous ulcers of the tongue

8. Swollen tongue resulting in difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking.

This may require emergency treatment especially if breathing is compromised.


How is the diagnosis of Glossitis made?
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1.Symptoms and signs of red, swollen and inflamed tongue

2.blood tests (complete blood count, ESR and blood culture)

3.Biopsy of the tongue in rare cases.


What are the complications of Glossitis?
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1.difficulty in breathing and swallowing

2.cervical lymphadenitis - swelling of the neck lymph nodes

3.upper respiratory tract infection


What is the treatment of Glossitis?
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The Main treatment is to reduce inflammation.

1.Good oral hygiene

2.Attend to dental problems

3.Antibiotics and antifungal treatment depending on the organism found

4.Corticosteroids may be given to reduce inflammation

5.For mild cases, topical applications of steroid mouth rinses or creams that is not swallowed are used

6.Underlying causes such as Anemia and nutritional deficiencies must be treated, often by changes in diet or vitamin supplements

7.Avoid irritants such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco to minimize the discomfort.

8.hospitalization may be required if unless tongue swelling is is affecting breathing or swallowing.

What is the prognosis of Glossitis ?
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Usually very good.

Recurrences are common

What are the Preventive measures taken for Glossitis ?
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1.Avoid smoking

2.Healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and exercise.

3.Regular cleaning of gums and teeth by brushing and flossing

4.Gargling of mouth after meals

5.Regular dental checkups