Glossitis is an abnormality of the tongue that results from inflammation.
Alternative Names:
Tongue inflammation; Tongue infection
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Changes in the appearance of the tongue may be a primary tongue disorder, or it may be a symptom of other disorders. Glossitis occurs when there is acute or chronic inflammation of the tongue. It causes the tongue to swell and change color. Finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue (papillae) are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth. Also see geographic tongue.
The causes of glossitis include:
Bacterial or viral infections (including oral herpes simplex)
Mechanical irritation or injury from burns, rough edges of teeth or dental appliances, or other trauma
Exposure to irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, hot foods, or spices
Allergic reaction to toothpaste, mouthwash, breath fresheners, dyes in candy, plastic in dentures or retainers, or certain blood-pressure medications (ACE inhibitors)
Review Date: 1/23/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin Fung, M.D., FRCS(C), Department of Otolaryngology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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