With a disease called glossitis, the causes of which are very diverse, almost all have come across to one degree or another. This is called inflammation or damage to the tongue, which occurs for a variety of reasons. However, the usual damage caused, for example, by an accidental bite of the tongue, passes quickly.
Acute or chronic glossitis, the symptoms of which cause a lot of unpleasant sensations, require mandatory treatment.
The disease can occur in different parts of the tongue. Each type of disease has its own name.
Deep glossitis is localized in the very thickness of the tongue, which can cause an abscess or phlegmon: purulent inflammation, which can spread deep into the mouth, and cause inflammation of the chin or even the neck.
The back of an organ may be affected by a desquamative disease, better known as “geographical language.” In this case, the papillae atrophy, keratinized areas appear on the epithelium, which significantly reduce the taste sensations.
Folded glossitis, the symptoms of which are expressed in an enlarged tongue, the appearance of folds around the papillae, dents, can be not only an independent disease, but also a concomitant symptom of another disease.
People who abuse alcohol, chemicals, and tobacco may develop a “black haired” form of the disease. In this case, the papillae greatly thicken, grow. Sometimes they can reach three centimeters, acquire a dark brown, sometimes black color. Sometimes this form only bothers patients with the unusual appearance of the oral cavity, but most often, the black tongue can cause itching, gag reflex, a sensation of a foreign object in the mouth. Interestingly, sometimes the symptoms disappear without treatment, although they often lead to more serious complications.
With a lack of B12 (vitamin), folic acid, a Hunter form of the disease manifests itself in the body, a characteristic feature of which is a bright raspberry glossy look of the tongue.
Syphilis in the third stage of development causes interstitial glossitis, the symptoms of which indicate neglect of a sexually transmitted disease.
Against the background of gastritis, ulcers, a median lesion can occur, which disappears only in the treatment of the underlying disease. One of the most unpleasant forms of the disease is candidal glossitis caused by thrush, some types of fungal infections.
The causes of the disease are many. Before listing the most common of them, it should be noted that glossitis, the symptoms of which constantly vary depending on the type of lesion, may be an independent disease or a consequence of another.
What causes defeat?
• Infections. More often - the oral cavity, less often - others.
• Damage to the tongue: mechanical, chemical, thermal. I can cause spicy seasonings, very hot food.
• Improper tooth structure.
• Alcohol, nicotine.
• Some components of tooth elixirs, pastes.
Despite the fact that each type of glossitis has its own characteristic symptoms, all forms of the disease have common symptoms.
• The appearance in the language of multi-colored plaque, spots, thickenings or depressions.
• Change the color of the tongue.
• Violation of proper salivation - the appearance of dry mouth or increased salivation.
• The presence of halitosis.
• Limit language mobility.
• Limitation of taste.
• Deterioration of well-being, weakness.
Glossitis, the symptoms of which are manifested in different ways, can be divided into catarrhal or ulcerative, which can occur in acute or chronic form.
With an ulcerative form, ulcers appear, with a catarrhal form - swelling and redness.
Avoiding the disease is quite simple. It is necessary not to abuse harmful food and drinks, thoroughly brush your teeth and tongue.