Glossitis is the infection of the tongue. Due to this the tongue swells and change color. A white border sometimes surrounds them. It is also known as benign migratory glossitis because the appearance is constantly changing. Although geographic tongue is benign (harmless) it may persist for months or longer and often recurs.

Causes

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 another causes of glossitis also 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)

Disorders such as iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia and other B-vitamin deficiencies, oral lichen planus, erythema multiform, aphthous ulcers, pemphigus vulgaris, syphilis, and others.

Symptoms

Often there are no symptoms but burning or irritation of the tongue is common, particularly with hot or spicy foods. The discomfort may come and go over time and may worsen at certain times of a women's menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.

Symptoms of glossitis vary widely. These are :-

Simple redness of the tip and edges of the tongue (if the cause is pellagra, anemia, or irritation from smoking or a tooth with a rough surface)

Painful ulcers

Whitish patches.

The entire tongue may be fiery red, swollen

In iron-deficiency and pernicious anemia, the tongue is pale and smooth. Painful ulcers on the tongue may indicate a number of diseases, including herpes, tuberculosis, and streptococcal infection.

Treatment

The treatment of glossitis depends on the cause. Antibiotics are used for the treatment of bacterial infections. For a nutritional deficiency, supplementation with vitamins or iron is the treatment.

The swelling and discomfort is treated with various over-the-counter and prescription drugs that are used locally. Mouth rinses with a half teaspoon of baking soda and 8 oz of warm water can provide relief. If the swelling is severe, corticosteriods taken by mouth may be necessary.

Discomfort may be treated with a mouth gargle or rinse containing antiseptic and anaesthetic agents. Topical corticosteroids may also be helpful for occasional use eg. triamcinolone in dental paste applied several times a day when required.