Tongue disorders are often characterized by changes in the texture of the tongue surface. For example, with tongue inflammation (glossitis), the entire tongue becomes slippery, thick, red and painful. The conditions can be caused by poor oral hygiene or medical problems. These problems can be mild or more serious in nature. This article discusses the most common tongue disorders.
Disorders of the tongue
- Tongue disorders: Hairy tongue and tongue cancer
- Geographic sole (lingua geographica) and Erythema migrans
- Cause of tongue disorders
- Prevention of tongue disorders
- Treatment of problems with the tongue
- Biopsy
- To the dentist or doctor
Tongue disorders: Hairy tongue and tongue cancer
There are many tongue disorders. Tongue cancer , the most serious tongue disease, mainly occurs above the age of 40. A small ulcer or a spot of white, thickened tissue (leukoplakia) may be a sign. Tongue cancer spreads quickly to the surrounding gums, lower jaw and cervical lymph nodes. Early detection, before the cancer has spread, is important for a favorable prognosis. The dentist pays close attention to this, so it is important to visit the dentist regularly.
In people with Down syndrome, the tongue is often abnormally large and thick. This is called macroglossia. A hairy tongue (Lingua villosa) and discolored tongue are usually not painful and can be cured with good oral care. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist about this.
Geographic sole (lingua geographica) and Erythema migrans
With a map tongue there are small, painless inflammations that spread over the entire tongue. It is a benign abnormality, the cause of which is unknown. It probably occurs in at least 0.5% of the population (both children and adults).
What you can see are smooth areas on the dorsum of the tongue, which are bordered by a white zone of desquamated epithelium. After a few weeks, the surface of the tongue may look completely different again. The smooth, red areas may heal again, but come back in other places.
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Cause of tongue disorders
A hairy, discolored tongue, with enlarged and discolored papillae , is usually caused by tobacco, food or medication (antibiotics) and poor oral care.
Underlying diseases can also be the cause: lupus, candidiasis, psoriasis or syphilis. Tongue inflammation can be caused by diseases associated with vitamin B deficiency ( pernicious anemia ), scarlet fever, toxic shock and infections, mainly herpes simplex. Macroglossia (basically meaning ‘big tongue’) can be a consequence of Down syndrome, cretinism and overproduction of growth hormone due to a pituitary tumor.
Also note the following
- Chronic irritation from smoking, alcohol consumption, broken teeth or dentures can cause leukoplakia (white spots on the tongue) or tongue inflammation.
- Tongue cancer is associated with smoking and heavy alcohol use. And especially in combination.
- Hairy leukoplakia can be a complication of AIDS.
A tongue disorder can therefore occur due to another disease or condition that you now have or have had/incurred in the past. Make sure the dentist is aware of this so that he can inform you about it and make the treatment easier.
Prevention of tongue disorders
This is what you can do to prevent tongue disorders:
- Brush and clean the tongue while brushing your teeth.
- Visit the dentist at least once a year for a check-up.
- Do not use tobacco and use little alcohol.
- Avoid acidic and spicy foods as they irritate the tongue.
Treatment of problems with the tongue
There are a number of treatment options for a sore tongue:
- A mild saline solution, antiseptic mouthwash, or ointment can soothe pain and kill bacteria. Remedies are available at common drugstores.
- Antibiotics are prescribed for less serious bacterial tongue infections.
Biopsy
A biopsy of the tongue can be done if cancer is suspected. For tongue cancer, the affected tissue can be removed and radiation treatment given. Chemotherapy is necessary if the tumors have spread.
Treatment is often aimed at the underlying cause. For example, in case of vitamin B deficiency, dietary measures are taken or supplements are prescribed. The dentist must intervene in the case of poorly fitting dentures or broken teeth.
To the dentist or doctor
Go to the dentist or doctor if the tongue is painful, swollen or stiff or if the symptoms last more than three days.
