Glossitis
Glossitis is an infectious disease that causes inflammation in the tissues of the tongue, which provokes a change in its color and structure. The disease is characterized by swelling of the tongue, difficulty in speech, loss of taste sensations. As a complication, in some cases, the formation of phlegmon of the neck and abscess of the tongue is noted.
Causes of glossitis
Inflammation of the tongue can only be a symptom of systemic pathologies, or an independent disease caused by bacterial activity.
The main cause of glossitis with a local form is viruses and microorganisms, for example, the herpes virus, which causes not only glossitis, but also stomatitis. A burn of the oral cavity and the habit of drinking too hot drinks can provoke glossitis. With mechanical injuries of the oral cavity and tongue, a favorable atmosphere is created for the development of pathogenic flora.
People who regularly use cigarettes and alcohol are at risk for the occurrence of this disease. In addition, the use of spicy and hot food, mouth fresheners and specific toothpaste can also provoke glossitis.
When poisoning with heavy metal salts, glossitis is the first symptom that cannot be ignored.
Factors contributing to the occurrence of glossitis:
lack of regular oral hygiene;
using someone else’s toothbrush;
active use of mouthwashes;
injury to the tongue by the edges of fillings, dentures or sharp edges of destroyed teeth;
frequent exposure to chemical stimuli on the tongue;
dysbiosis;
general and local decrease in immunity.
Symptoms of glossitis
The main symptom of this disease is discomfort in the area of the tongue, manifested in the form of burning and the sensation of a foreign body in the mouth. After a while, the color of the tongue changes to burgundy or bright red, which is accompanied by edema. With an increase in puffiness, there is an increase in salivation, partial or complete loss of taste sensations, and in some cases a perversion of taste. It becomes quite difficult to eat, and speech becomes slurred, because patients try not to use language to pronounce sounds, because any load on it is painful.
If treatment is neglected, glossitis turns into a chronic form, that is, the edema becomes more dense and persistent, and in some cases its structure changes.
Glossitis, which is caused by pathogenic flora, is characterized by signs of acute inflammation, such as local fever, swelling, soreness, hyperemia.
With viral glossitis, bubbles appear on the tongue, which leave erosion after opening. If this disease is not treated in a timely manner, then the inflammatory process begins to spread quite quickly and passes to the oral mucosa.
Glossitis, which has a candidiasis nature, manifests itself in the form of a white plaque on the tongue and a change in its surface structure. With running glossitis, there is a possibility of developing an abscess, the main symptom of which is acute pain, with a pulsating character. The patient’s speech becomes incomprehensible, and the size of the tongue increases unevenly, with a predominance of swelling in the abscess area. Pain and salivation gradually increase.
Glossitis, complicated by phlegmon, is characterized by the transition of the inflammatory process to the bottom of the oral cavity, severe pain syndrome, violation of the process of chewing food. In some cases, patients completely refuse food. With increased edema, attacks of suffocation may occur, while the patient is concerned about the general symptoms of intoxication, high fever, enlarged lymph nodes, general weakness.
Diagnosis of glossitis
Visual examination of the dentist. To clarify the nature of the disease, serological and cytological studies are prescribed.
Treatment of glossitis
Conservative treatment involves the use of topical solutions and applications. Antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory drugs are also used in complex treatment.
