Glossitis
Glossitis is the condition when the tongue becomes inflamed and swollen. As a result, the tongue feels painful and tender to the touch and looks smooth and thicker than usual. Those who develop glossitis also complain of itchiness, difficulty swallowing, and loss of ability to speak and eat correctly. Glossitis is often an indicator of other underlying conditions such as hormonal imbalance, bacterial infection, oral herpes, or allergic reactions to various oral hygiene products and ill-fitting dentures. Vitamin deficiencies, such as the lack of B12 in the body, can also result in glossitis.
There are four types of glossitis: chronic, acute, atrophic, and median rhomboid. If the person has chronic glossitis, there’s typically an underlying health problem that needs immediate attention. Meanwhile, if the person has acute glossitis, they’ll complain of severe pain. Atrophic glossitis, also known as Hunter’s glossitis, manifests when most of the tiny bumps in the tongue seem to disappear, making the tongue look smooth and glossy. A candida yeast infection, meanwhile, causes median rhomboid glossitis.
Among the cures for glossitis include regular oral health care and dietary changes. Doctors can also recommend intramuscular or oral administration of Vitamin B12 supplements to manage the condition.
