How to treat glossitis at home. Treatment of glossitis of the tongue. Treatment of folded glossitis
![How to treat glossitis at home. Treatment of glossitis of the tongue. Treatment of folded glossitis](https://i0.wp.com/narodnimisredstvami.ru/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Lechenie-glossita.jpg)
The term “glossitis” means any kind of inflammatory process in the tongue; a condition that can extremely rarely be considered as an independent disease. Often the cause of inflammation is damage to the tongue by some foreign object - it could be, for example, a fish bone. At the same time, glossitis can be a precursor to a more serious disorder in the body.
Main signs of the disease
Glossitis affects mostly men. Its symptoms may be as follows:
- erosion of the oral mucosa;
- burning, pain in the tongue;
- tongue tissues have changed color;
- speech is impaired due to swelling of the tongue;
- bad breath;
- whitish coating;
- taste sensations are distorted;
- the process of salivation is disrupted.
You can avoid illness only by knowing it main reasons.
- Glossitis can occur after improper use of antibiotics.
- Injury to the tongue from sharp objects, such as a tooth fragment or a fish bone, can also cause the disease.
- Glossitis can be caused by diseases of the stomach, blood, problems with metabolism or helminthic infestations, viral and fungal infections.
- Failure to comply with oral hygiene rules.
- If you are allergic to certain hygiene products (toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.), this can also cause the disease.
Note! It turns out that protecting yourself is quite simple, you just need to strengthen your immune system and protect yourself from possible damage to your tongue. These are perhaps the most effective preventive measures.
Well, there are many symptoms of the disease, and also reasons. By the way, it depends on the reasons which form of the disease will begin to develop. To find out how to treat, you must first find out from what. This means that you must understand the characteristics of each form of the disease.
Forms of the disease
- Interstitial form Glossitis can occur due to hypovitaminosis or syphilis. In this case, the tongue becomes dense and inactive, blood vessels clearly appear on it, and the epithelium becomes thinner. As a result, the tongue is “painted” bright red.
- Reason candida form The disease is an oral infection. The tongue turns red and becomes covered with a whitish coating, b O Greater sensitivity to cold/hot food. The main reason is the abuse of antibiotics and weakened immunity.
- At folded glossitis Folds of varying depths appear on the tongue. They can run along or across, and the deepest fold will run along the so-called midline, passing from the root to the very tip.
- Geographic tongue syndrome has not yet been fully studied, but it is known that diseases of the stomach and nervous system, as well as some forms of rheumatism, can lead to it. Reddish spots of various shapes spread throughout the tongue.
- Villous form of the disease is accompanied by the formation of black papillae on the tongue, which will soon become keratinized and turn into some kind of hair. This often occurs near the root of the tongue. Some “hairs” can reach two centimeters in length. The patient has a sore throat, a persistent feeling of nausea, and a feeling that a piece of cotton wool is stuck to the tongue.
Note that Medicine does not yet know the exact causes of the disease. - When superficial glossitis the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, redness or plaque appears. It is difficult and painful for the patient to move his tongue, his saliva production increases, and his taste buds become ineffective.
- Diamond-shaped form of the disease accompanied by red-blue areas on the midline of the tongue in the form of a diamond or oval. The tongue itself becomes smooth, but if treatment is not started on time, small bumps will soon appear. The cause of this form of glossitis is unknown. Scientists tend to consider this a congenital pathology.
Traditional treatment consists of eliminating the cause of the disease. In especially severe cases, doctors resort to surgery. In general, traditional medicine uses the following methods for treating glossitis:
- irritating foods are excluded, healing baths and compresses are prescribed;
- in the villous form of the disease, the “hairs” are pulled out with tweezers, lubricating the tongue with copper sulfate;
- the characteristic plaque is removed with cotton wool, and daily;
- vitamins and immunostimulants are prescribed;
- if the disease is advanced, they resort to surgery or laser.
Note! If glossitis is not treated, the consequences can be very dire - difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue. Therefore, start treatment immediately!
Glossitis - treatment at home
Medical treatment is undoubtedly more effective than traditional medicine. But still they, these funds, alleviate the patient's condition, besides, they can be use in parallel with medications in order to speed up the healing process.
To prepare, take a tablespoon of bedstraw and pour a glass of boiling water. Leave for about half an hour, after which you can use five to six spoons of the medicine to rinse the infected tissues in the mouth.
Coriander
Coriander itself can also be used to treat glossitis. To do this, pour a teaspoon of herbs into a thermos and pour a glass of hot water. Leave for at least an hour.
Peel a few raw potatoes and squeeze the juice out of them. Rinse three times a day for a month.
Chamomile
Glossitis can also be treated with chamomile infusion. Take a tablespoon of crushed flowers of the plant, pour 250 milliliters of boiling water and leave for about forty minutes, then rinse your mouth five times a day, preferably in between meals.
Herbal “cocktail” No. 1
For this you will need sage, basil and coriander, about 25 grams each. Pour boiling water over the herb at a rate of 0.5 liters per 6 tablespoons of the mixture. Rinse three times a day after meals, using half a glass of infusion per day. A h.
Herbal “cocktail” No. 2
For preparation you will need chamomile flowers, sage, bay leaves and raspberries (about 20–25 grams each). Grind it all and pour boiling water - 0.5 liters per two tablespoons of the mixture. Leave for two to three hours, filter, after which you can use the product for treatment.
Herbal “cocktail” No. 3
A very effective remedy can be prepared from rapeseed, calendula, knotweed and eucalyptus leaves. Take 25–30 grams of each and add hot water at the rate of 0.5 liters per two tablespoons of the mixture. Leave for about an hour and a half, cool, strain. The rinsing procedure should be carried out three to four times a day.
Pour 200 milliliters of boiling water over two teaspoons of basil and leave for an hour. Then cool the infusion and strain through cheesecloth before use.
You can use sage for a separate infusion - this herb perfectly replaces painkillers, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic medications. Pour two tablespoons of dried herb into a liter of boiling water for half an hour, then filter the infusion and strain.
Video - Treatment of glossitis with folk remedies
Once again, we emphasize that treatment of glossitis with traditional medicine only gives temporary result. With their help, you can relieve pain, even disinfect the oral cavity, but a complete recovery without traditional medicine is impossible.
Preventive measures
Glossitis, like any other disease, is much easier to prevent than to treat, which is why prevention is so important. First of all, you must minimize all factors that contribute to the occurrence of the disease.
- Try to completely (or at least partially) quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Don’t forget about basic hygiene rules - brush your teeth and visit the dentist regularly. In this case, use the paste recommended by your doctor.
- It is also advisable to forget about too spicy food.
- Try to protect yourself (if possible) from situations in which your oral cavity could be injured.
- Eat well, include in your diet all the vitamins necessary for the body.
Glossitis is an inflammation of the tissues of the tongue, both infectious and non-infectious.
More often it is a symptom of a general disease of the body (iron deficiency anemia, syphilis, childhood infectious diseases, HIV, autoimmune diseases, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract).
However, glossitis can also occur independently, for example, due to mechanical damage (burns, trauma from dentures, sharp edges of teeth, local exposure to fungi, some viruses).
Symptoms of this disease: change in the color of the tongue, its swelling, pain, burning, sensation of a foreign body in the mouth, excessive salivation, bad breath, difficulty breathing. What and how to treat glossitis?
Drug treatment
Drug treatment of this disease includes the use of medications that affect the cause of its development and symptomatic therapy (pain relief, elimination of swelling, unpleasant odor). In addition to drug therapy, a gentle diet is prescribed.
The list of drugs used to treat glossitis in the tongue in adults and children comes down to the following list:
- antiseptics;
- local anesthetics;
- oils;
- antibiotics;
- antifungal drugs.
Antiseptic mouth rinses
To disinfect the oral cavity for all types of glossitis, the use of antiseptic drugs is mandatory.
Recommended antiseptics for glossitis include:
- 0.02% solution– has pronounced antibacterial activity;
- 2% oil solution of chlorophyllipt(for lubricating affected surfaces);
- water solution(1 tbsp of the drug per 200-300 ml of water) – a herbal preparation based on eucalyptus extract, effective in the fight against staphylococci;
- 0.05-0.5% chlorhexidine solution– effective for infectious glossitis, but useless in the presence of a fungal infection; with prolonged use, it may have a negative effect on the teeth (discoloration, deposition);
- aqueous solution of methylene blue- a product that has proven itself in;
- 10% Borax solution– especially effective for glossitis of a fungal nature.
These drugs have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, antifungal properties.
How to treat glossitis of the tongue with medications? They are used topically, for irrigation, rinsing and lubricating affected areas before and after meals, at least 2-3 times a day. Before applying the antiseptic, existing damage to the mucous membrane is cleaned of necrotic tissue with a cotton swab.
You can also use the following as antiseptics:
![](https://i1.wp.com/zubki2.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/118_360x235.jpg)
In most cases, all the drugs presented are well tolerated, however, it is necessary to remember the possibility of developing allergic reactions and begin treatment with caution. Of the drugs described above, chlorhexidine is hypoallergenic.
Anesthetic drugs
Since some types of glossitis cause significant pain, it is advisable to use anesthetic drugs.
Lidocaine
Oils
One of the most harmless ways to treat tongue glossitis at home is to treat the affected area with oils. Anti-inflammatory, softening, healing, and antibacterial effects can be achieved by lubricating the affected areas with various oils.
So, it is recommended to use for glossitis:
- tea tree oil;
- rosehip seed oil (for example, as part of Solcoseryl);
- almond oil.
Oils can be used separately or in combination with each other in the form of compresses, lubricate the mucous membranes with them, or use them to rinse the mouth (in this case, it is recommended to mix a few drops of healing oil with 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil and hold the mixture in the mouth for a few minutes).
In case of significant severity of the inflammatory process, it can be additionally used in the form of intramuscular injections.
An absolute contraindication to the use of oils is the presence of individual intolerance and childhood. During pregnancy and lactation, it is necessary to coordinate with your doctor.
Antibiotics
The use of antibacterial drugs is indicated in the case of advanced forms of glossitis, in the presence of abscesses, phlegmons, spread of the inflammatory process to nearby tissues, involvement of regional lymph nodes, severe intoxication.
Ceftriaxone
The most effective are drugs from the group of cephalosporins (Ceftriaxone, Cefodox, Cefotaxime), penicillins with clavulonic acid, which enhances the bactericidal effect (Amoxiclav, Augmentin), macrolides (Azithromycin, Rovamycin, Clarithromycin) and other groups of antibiotics, depending on the type of pathogen.
Self-treatment with antibacterial drugs is under no circumstances recommended due to the presence of serious side effects, including the likelihood of worsening the inflammatory process.
Antifungal drugs
For glossitis of fungal origin, it is necessary to include antifungal (antimycotic) drugs in the treatment regimen.
The most effective antifungal drugs are:- Fluconazole– Available in the form of capsules, tablets, solution for injection. The medication is used once a day, the dose and form of the drug are determined by the doctor;
- Ketoconazole– a distinctive feature of this drug is its high effectiveness in the treatment of both local and systemic mycoses;
- Nystatin– used to treat glossitis caused by fungi of the genus Candida. Used in tablet form;
- Flucostat, Hexal, Diflucan– analogues of the above drugs.
The duration of therapy with antifungal drugs ranges from ten days to one and a half months, depending on the degree of development of the disease, and is carried out under medical supervision. Independent use of antifungal drugs is fraught with the development of side effects.
Nutrition for glossitis
Effective treatment of this disease is impossible without following a gentle diet and basic nutritional principles:
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In the event of glossitis occurring against the background of general diseases of the body, appropriate dietary treatment tables are prescribed (table No. 1, 1a, 1b for gastric and duodenal ulcers; table No. 4, 4a, 4b, 4c for acute intestinal diseases, chronic colitis).
Useful video
What kind of tongue disease is glossitis, how to treat it and how to prevent this disease - answers in the video:
Which doctor treats glossitis of the tongue? First of all, you need to visit an ENT specialist. If you have caries, periodontal disease, or stomatitis, you need to go to the dentist, and if there are no visible signs of inflammation, you can consult a therapist.
The main thing to remember is that treatment of tongue glossitis with medications should be carried out after prior consultation with a doctor. The dosage should be calculated strictly according to the instructions described in the drug.
Most of them have different pathogenesis, symptoms and visual manifestations, so there is no single treatment mechanism. Moreover, in some forms, glossitis is chronic in nature, when a complete cure is impossible in principle, and the therapy used is designed to put the disease into “sleep mode” or alleviate its course. Next, we will talk about methods of treating tongue glossitis.
Symptoms and treatment of glossitis
If you suspect glossitis, we recommend that you immediately consult a dentist. It is usually diagnosed visually, but is often associated with other diseases, the detection of which requires a series of tests.
Note!
Treatment of glossitis in a child is carried out using the same methods, but the doctor prescribes antibiotics and drugs that are more suitable for the child’s body and do not harm it.
Symptoms and treatment of desquamative glossitis
With this type of glossitis, patients experience a symptom called “geographic tongue.” Reddish spots of irregular shape appear on the tongue, framed by a white coating, resembling a geographical map. This type of glossitis is often associated with diseases of the internal organs.
Treatment of desquamative glossitis is aimed at reducing the risks of exacerbation of the disease, since most often this type is chronic. The tongue is treated with anti-inflammatory gels and solutions (chlorophyllipt solution, carotoline, etc.). For severe pain, novocaine blockades are prescribed. Phonophoresis procedures are actively used. It is recommended to follow a diet and take B vitamins.
Symptoms and treatment of folded glossitis
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Folded glossitis is distinguished by deep longitudinal and transverse grooves in the tongue. As a rule, this type is congenital, but can be acquired as a result of injuries, burns and infections. Often accompanied by desquamative glossitis. Treatment is carried out if there is a burning sensation, pain and difficulty breathing.
In the absence of inflammation and discomfort, treatment is not carried out. If the patient is bothered by pain and burning, then antiseptic solutions (in particular, chlorhexidine) and anti-allergenic agents (if there are allergies to foods) are used. Doctors also advise against eating too spicy or salty foods.
Symptoms and treatment of catarrhal glossitis
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It is characterized by swelling, redness and a white coating on the surface of the tongue. Usually occurs as a result of mechanical, thermal and chemical damage.
Treatment with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents is used (especially if the cause of glossitis is trauma), nutrition correction and vitamin intake are also useful.
Symptoms and treatment of candidal (mycotic, or yeast) glossitis
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Can be distinguished by a thick layer of plaque on the tongue and an unpleasant odor. As a rule, it does not cause pain or great discomfort, but occurs due to poor hygiene and disruption of the microflora of the oral cavity.
Treatment of candidal glossitis (also known as mycotic and yeast) is carried out with the aim of normalizing the microflora of the oral cavity. First of all, this is sanitation and taking antifungal drugs (Fluconazole, Nystatin and others).
Symptoms and treatment of rhomboid glossitis
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It is often one of the manifestations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. With rhomboid glossitis of the tongue, the layer of epithelium thickens in a certain area, which in its shape resembles a rhombus or rectangle. In most cases, the disease is accompanied by the appearance of plaque.
Rhomboid glossitis is usually a consequence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Effective treatment requires elimination of the underlying disease. For severe pain, anesthetics are prescribed.
Symptoms and treatment of ulcerative glossitis
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Identified by small round ulcers on the surface of the tongue - aphthae. Ulcerative glossitis is often associated with aphthous stomatitis and may be one of the stages of catarrhal glossitis.
Treatment usually follows the same scheme as for catarrhal glossitis. Ointments and gels are prescribed separately for faster healing of ulcers (Solcoseryl, Vinizol, etc.)
Symptoms and treatment of purulent-phlegmous glossitis
![](https://i1.wp.com/startsmile.ru/upload/medialibrary/22e/lechenie_gnoyno_flegmoznogo_glossita.jpg)
It affects the deep tissues of the tongue and adjacent areas of the oral cavity. One of the most severe forms, in which the temperature rises and intoxication of the body is observed.
In this form, glossitis is most often treated with antibiotics (Doxycycline, Ceftriaxone, Rocephin and others). In severe cases, surgery may be required. It is necessary to monitor the course of the disease after antibiotics. Treatment is usually aimed at restoring the body after taking the above-mentioned drugs. Antibacterial therapy is actively used.
Symptoms and treatment of Gunter's glossitis
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Möller-Gunter glossitis usually occurs as a manifestation of serious problems with the circulatory system, in particular anemia. The surface of the tongue becomes smooth and has an unhealthy bright red or crimson color. May also be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Indications are primarily for the treatment of anemia and the intake of vitamin B12.
Symptoms and treatment of villous glossitis
![](https://i1.wp.com/startsmile.ru/upload/medialibrary/452/lechenie_vorsinchatogo_glossita.jpg)
The most unpleasant form of the disease. The filiform papillae become thickened and keratinized and the surface of the tongue changes color (becomes dark brown).
This type of glossitis is the least studied, and the exact causes of its occurrence have not been determined. Among other things, experts name genetic predisposition, infections, medications and bad habits.
Indications: surgical excision of hypertrophied and keratinized filiform papillae, treatment of the surface of the tongue with antiseptic and antimicrobial agents (resorcinol, salicylic alcohol, etc.).
Treatment at home
Treatment of glossitis at home in adults and children should be carried out only after consultation with an experienced specialist, since independent experiments can only worsen the disease. If the disease is not severe, glossitis is treated with medications (prescribed by the doctor) at home, and the patient comes to the clinic for examinations throughout the entire period of rehabilitation. Doctors often prescribe treatment for glossitis with hydrogen peroxide, since it is an inexpensive and fairly effective antiseptic. The same can be said about chlorhexidine solution - one of the most common means of treating and preventing several types of glossitis.
Traditional medicine is actively used in the treatment of oral diseases, including glossitis. As a rule, various tinctures and decoctions are used. First of all, these are chamomile, calendula, basil and sage, which have antibacterial properties. Aloe, carrot and sea buckthorn juices help restore the supply of vitamins and also have a tonic and restorative effect.
Glossitis can be an independent disease, or develop against the background of allergies, anemia, stomatitis, gastrointestinal pathologies, autoimmune diseases, poisoning with heavy metal salts. Each form of the inflammatory process is accompanied by a number of characteristic signs, which allows for a timely diagnosis and initiation of drug therapy.
Glossitis can be an independent disease or a consequence of abnormalities in the body
What is glossitis
– inflammation or pathological changes in the tissues of the tongue. The causative agent of the disease can be viruses, bacteria, fungi; often pathology indicates the presence of other, more serious problems in the body. The ICD-10 code is K 14.0.
Forms of glossitis
Inflammation of the tongue occurs in acute and chronic forms; the pathological process can affect only the surface of the organ or penetrate deep into the tissues.
Forms of the disease:
- Acute glossitis - symptoms occur suddenly, are pronounced, the disease is accompanied by severe inflammation and pain, swelling and redness of the taste organ.
- Chronic glossitis - this diagnosis is made if it is not possible to accurately determine the cause of the pathological processes, or with frequent relapses of the disease. The symptoms are not as pronounced as in the acute form, but the disease is accompanied by structural changes that occur in the tissues of the affected organ.
- Superficial glossitis - inflammation affects only the mucous membrane of the tongue.
- Deep (phlegmonous) glossitis is an advanced form of the disease in which purulent tissue separation occurs.
- Inflammatory glossitis - develops against the background of infection by pathogenic microorganisms; this group includes viral, herpetic, candidal, purulent forms of pathology.
- Non-inflammatory glossitis - the disease occurs as a consequence of various pathologies.
The isolated form of glossitis in an adult is rare, but in combination with other diseases it is a common occurrence.
Folded glossitis is characterized by the appearance of a white coating on the tongue
Candidal, mycotic or fungal
An acute inflammatory process caused by yeast fungi of the genus Candida. The chronic form of the pathology develops when immunity decreases during epidemics of respiratory diseases.
Symptoms:
- white or gray plaque on the side surfaces or at the base of the tongue - doctors do not recommend removing it yourself;
- weakness, apathy, loss of appetite;
- an unpleasant odor that disappears only briefly after brushing your teeth;
- fever, nausea, headache;
- children have speech problems;
- dysfunction of taste buds.
Candidiasis glossitis is caused by yeast fungi
Fungal glossitis is often diagnosed in newborns, pregnant women, diabetics, after long-term antibacterial or hormonal therapy; the pathological process may indicate the presence of malignant tumors, vitamin deficiency, and develops with candidal tonsillitis or pharyngitis.
Candidiasis glossitis develops when kissing a carrier of the infection, eating poorly washed foods; people with bad habits are at risk.
Gunterovsky
Möller-Gunter glossitis is one of the first signs of anemia in its malignant manifestation. The papillae of the tongue die and smooth out, the taste organ becomes absolutely smooth and shiny, acquires a bright red, crimson color, and a slight burning sensation in the mouth may occur.
Additional symptoms:
- increased fatigue;
- angina attacks;
- shortness of breath even with minor physical exertion;
- the skin becomes pale with a pale yellow tint;
- weight increases;
- jams appear.
Gunter's glossitis is characterized by redness and flattening of the tongue
As the disease progresses, swelling of the tongue, pain, and bleeding are observed, the person complains of constant soreness, the sensation of a foreign object in the mouth, saliva production increases, and the clarity of speech is impaired.
The disease develops with chronic deficiency of vitamin B9, B12 - if these substances enter the body in small quantities or are not absorbed in the intestines, the functioning of the liver, bone marrow, and hematopoietic system is disrupted.
Catarrhal
An acute inflammatory process, most often develops with stomatitis, caries, severe teething, injuries and burns of the oral mucosa, after poisoning with heavy metal salts. In some cases, glossitis is a consequence of ARVI, flu, allergies, or problems with the digestive system.
How the disease manifests itself:
- itching, burning, discomfort in the tongue;
- taste sensations become dull or disappear altogether;
- the back of the taste organ becomes red and swollen;
- salivation increases.
With catarrhal glossitis, redness and burning appear on the tongue
In the absence or improper treatment, catarrhal glossitis turns into an ulcerative, aphthous form, which is characterized by the presence of bleeding erosions, severe pain, and a general deterioration in well-being.
The catarrhal form of glossitis is almost always diagnosed in heavy smokers and people with alcohol addiction.
Desquamative
This form of pathology is often called geographic tongue, since the main characteristic feature of the disease is the formation of heterogeneous red spots with clear boundaries on the surface of the taste organ; this occurs due to damage to the epithelium and desquamation of the papillae. Some inflamed areas are restored, while in other areas the pathological process worsens, which is why such glossitis is also called migrating glossitis.
Signs:
- at the initial stage, small areas of different shapes appear, which are covered with a light gray coating;
- gradually the top layer peels off, the inflamed areas become smooth and turn red;
- filiform papillae die off, but after a few are restored;
- minor discomfort while eating;
- disturbance of taste sensations.
The primary form of pathology develops as an independent disease after trauma, thermal and chemical burns of the oral cavity. Secondary desquamative glossitis is a consequence of disorders of the liver, gallbladder, deficiency of B vitamins, iron; the disease often develops during pregnancy, in patients with autoimmune diseases.
In infants, glossitis often occurs during teething.Diamond-shaped
A characteristic feature is an oval or diamond-shaped area of blue-red color, which forms on the back surface of the tongue due to the proliferation of the epithelium; the disease is chronic and often congenital.
Stages and symptoms of the disease:
- flat – the inflammation site is smooth and shiny;
- tubercular - small growths appear from the epithelium;
- papillomatous - the tubercles become denser and turn white;
- in any form, the tongue becomes rough and pain occurs when chewing.
The reasons for the development of the disease have not been thoroughly studied, but this form of glossitis is often diagnosed in people with gastrointestinal problems.
With rhomboid glossitis, a characteristic spot appears on the tongue
Villous
The filiform papillae in the central and posterior part of the taste organ darken, creating the effect of a black, hairy tongue.
The following symptoms occur against the background of enlarged papillae:
- soreness, dry mouth;
- gagging;
- numbness of the tip of the tongue;
- sensation of a lump in the mouth.
The exact causes of the pathology have not been established, so a patient with a similar form of glossitis will have to undergo a full and comprehensive examination.
Villous glossitis causes darkening of the tongue
Interstitial
This form of glossitis is considered the most dangerous, as it is often a harbinger of tongue cancer.
Symptoms:
- the tongue looks like a quilt;
- tissues become denser, which leads to disruption of the motor functions of the taste organ;
- gradually the muscles are replaced by connective tissue.
The pathology develops against the background of tertiary syphilis and is characterized by rapid development and tissue atrophy.
Interstitial glossitis is the most dangerous
Herpetic
The viral form of glossitis develops during an exacerbation of herpes; characteristic blisters filled with liquid appear on the tongue. The disease is accompanied by severe itching, weakness, and general deterioration of health.
Herpetic glossitis is a contagious disease.
Allergic
Inflammation of the tissues of the tongue occurs after contact with allergens and is characterized by itching, burning, swelling and redness of the tongue.
Main irritants:
- medicines;
- products;
- oral care products;
- dentures.
This form of the disease is the easiest to treat; it is enough to remove and avoid contact with the allergen for the unpleasant symptoms to disappear within 5–7 days.
With allergic glossitis, the tongue itches and turns red
Which doctor should I contact?
When the first signs of glossitis appear, it is necessary, or. After the initial examination, an infectious disease specialist may be required.
During pregnancy, women often develop Gunter's and desquamative forms of glossitis.Methods for diagnosing the disease
A specialist can make an initial diagnosis after a visual examination of the tongue and oral cavity, but in order to accurately determine the form and cause of glossitis, you need to undergo an examination.
Diagnostic methods:
- clinical and biochemical blood test - shows the presence of an inflammatory process, allows you to assess the state of immunity, and identify signs of anemia;
- analysis for HIV, syphilis, TORCH infections;
- coprogram - analysis allows you to see signs of helminthic infestations and dysbacteriosis;
- saliva analysis - allows you to identify the type of infectious agent;
- scraping the tongue to identify treponema pallidum;
- PCR is one of the most informative tests for identifying infections of various origins;
- ELISA – allows you to detect the presence of antibodies in the blood to various pathogenic microorganisms;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, gastroscopy, colonoscopy - these methods are necessary if glossitis is caused by gastrointestinal pathologies.
As additional methods, biochemical tests are used, cytological and histological examination of tissues is carried out, and sometimes it is necessary to take an analysis for tumor markers.
To identify the causes of glossitis, a saliva test is taken.
Treatment of glossitis at home
To eliminate the manifestations of glossitis, various medications are used; folk remedies help well; treatment cannot be done without diet.
Medicines
In the treatment of glossitis, various medications are used, the action of which is aimed at eliminating unpleasant symptoms and the main cause of the pathology.
How to treat glossitis:
- sanitizing rinsing solutions – Rotokan;
- painkillers – Trimecaine, Lidocaine;
- preparations for restoring the integrity of the mucous membrane - Solcoseryl, retinol solution;
- medications to eliminate burning sensation - Citral;
- immunomodulators for topical use – Lysozirm;
- antifungal agents – Fluconazole, Nystatin;
- antibiotics – Ceftriaxone, Augmentin, Azithromycin;
- antiviral agents – Acyclovir, Proteflazid;
- vitamin complexes with ascorbic and folic acid, vitamin B12;
- sedative herbal medicines - Novopassit, Valocordin, Valerian;
- antihistamines – Tavegil, Suprastin;
- vascular agents - Trental, Cavinton.
Furacilin - rinse solution
If the inflammatory process has penetrated deep into the tissue, the abscess or purulent phlegmon is surgically removed, after which antibiotics are prescribed.
During the treatment of glossitis, it is important to strictly follow the rules of oral care - brush your teeth twice a day with a paste with extracts of medicinal herbs, use rinses after each meal.
How to treat with folk remedies
Alternative medicine recipes cannot fully replace drug therapy, but folk remedies help quickly eliminate itching, burning, pain, and inflammation.
Simple recipes to combat glossitis:
- Brew 220 ml boiling water 1 tbsp. l. crushed chamomile inflorescences, leave in a sealed container for an hour, strain. Use an anti-inflammatory mouth rinse after meals and before bed.
- Pour 500 ml of boiling water over 10 g of sage, strain after half an hour, rinse your mouth every 6-8 hours.
- Rinse your mouth 5-7 times a day with fresh potato juice.
- Dissolve 10 ml of 3% peroxide solution in 200 ml of water, rinse your mouth after eating, the medicine has a pronounced antibacterial effect.
- Grate fresh horseradish root on a fine grater, squeeze out 50 ml of juice, mix with an equal amount of water. Simmer the mixture over low heat for a quarter of an hour, strain, and use for rinsing.
- To eliminate tongue dryness and speed up the process of tissue regeneration, it is necessary to lubricate the oral cavity several times a day with tea tree, rose hip or sea buckthorn oil.
After rinsing your mouth by any means, you should refrain from eating food and water for at least half an hour.
Rinsing with sage decoction will help cure glossitis.
Nutrition
During treatment for glossitis of the tongue, you must avoid hot, cold, spicy, sour, salty foods, carbonated and alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee, and sweets. Preference should be given to purees, pureed soups, viscous porridges; fermented milk products will help restore the balance of microflora.
List of prohibited products:
- fried, canned vegetables;
- refined cereals, white flour products;
- fish and seafood;
- meat;
- chocolate, ice cream.
You should not eat chocolate while treating glossitis.
To quickly cope with the manifestations of glossitis, you need to drink at least 2.5 liters of liquid per day - pure water without gas, unsweetened warm herbal teas, rosehip decoction, fruit drinks.
For pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, acute infectious diseases, therapeutic diets No. 1–5, 12.13 are prescribed.Prevention
The development of some forms of glossitis is easy to prevent; it is enough to follow simple preventive measures.
How to avoid glossitis:
- brush your teeth in the morning and before bed, rinse your mouth every time after eating, use dental floss;
- wash your hands thoroughly and often, do not put dirty fingers in your mouth, get rid of the habit of biting your nails;
- visit the dentist twice a year, periodically donate blood to identify signs of anemia and vitamin deficiency;
- get rid of bad habits;
- eat sweets and spicy foods less often;
- promptly treat all infectious diseases and problems of the digestive system.
Brush your teeth twice a day
Strengthening the immune system and using only high-quality oral care products will help significantly reduce the risk of developing inflammatory diseases of the tongue.
– pathological processes in the tissues of the tongue, which develop as an independent disease, or signal the presence of certain malfunctions in the body, sometimes the disease is congenital in nature. If you experience unpleasant sensations in your mouth, you need to visit a doctor; after examination and diagnosis, he will be able to select effective medications, diet and folk remedies will help speed up the healing process.
The mouth is a reflection of the state of the body, so many inflammatory processes occurring in the oral cavity pose a serious danger. It is necessary to carefully and regularly perform oral hygiene to prevent dangerous complications of diseases such as stomatitis and glossitis.
Glossitis is an inflammatory process in the tongue. The causes of this condition may be different. Sometimes the disease develops against the background of a viral or bacterial infection. In this case, we can talk about it as an independent pathology.
Local inflammation is caused by various microorganisms. The herpes virus often provokes classic symptoms complicated by stomatitis and glossitis. Glossitis can also be a sign of another disease.
Risk factors:
- Mechanical damage. Chronic injury to the tongue or oral cavity opens the way for infectious agents that provoke inflammation.
- Injuries from sharp edges of teeth, fillings, dentures, braces.
- Thermal, chemical burns. Such conditions develop with frequent and prolonged exposure to chemical irritants on the tongue.
- Electrical impact on the tongue provokes the development of chronic glossitis.
- Poisoning with salts of heavy metals. In this case, inflammation becomes a sign of poisoning.
- Exposure to nicotine, alcohol abuse.
- Eating excessively spicy and hot foods, caramel.
- Using low-quality toothpaste or having a specific reaction to high-quality cleansers.
- Passion for mouth fresheners, mouth rinses.
- Ignoring hygiene rules, using other people's objects to clean the mouth.
- Dysbacteriosis, weakening of general and local immunity, formation of autoantibodies. These pathologies most often make inflammation of the tongue chronic.
Types of inflammation of the tongue
There are acute and chronic glossitis. Acute glossitis is an inflammation of the tongue, in which its structure and color change. Chronic glossitis can manifest itself in different ways. The doctor assesses the condition by the presence or absence of papillomas (fungal growths in the tissues of the tongue).
Sometimes the causes of glossitis can only be identified through a comprehensive medical examination. This happens only in the presence of congenital diseases of a hereditary nature. This is a fairly rare occurrence with glossitis.
Common types of glossitis
Catarrhal glossitis
The symptoms of catarrhal glossitis are characteristic: swelling, redness, plaque. However, this condition is not expressed in the penetration of inflammation into the deep layers of the tongue.
Causes of catarrhal glossitis:
- injuries;
- burns (chemical, thermal);
- candidiasis (failure of microflora balance);
- stomatitis and its various forms;
- infectious disease (viral or bacterial);
- anemia;
- metabolic disorders;
- hypovitaminosis;
- diseases of the digestive system.
Ulcerative or aphthous glossitis
The condition is characterized by the appearance of single ulcers (ulcers) or many on the tongue. The development of ulcers is accompanied by bleeding, severe swelling, and acute pain. The patient’s general condition often worsens.
Ulcerative glossitis can be a complication of catarrhal disease, or result from neglected disease of the oral cavity, gums, or pathologies of internal organs.
Purulent-phlegmonous glossitis
This type is a severe form of glossitis. The disease affects the deep layers of the tongue, oral tissues and nearby lymph nodes.
Purulent-phlegmonous glossitis is characterized by a strong deterioration in the general condition, symptoms of intoxication are present, and the temperature rises. Surgery and antibiotic therapy are often required.
Rare types of glossitis
In addition to the listed types, there are other forms of inflammation of the thickness of the tongue. They are special because they are characterized by specific changes.
Desquamative glossitis
A characteristic feature of this type of glossitis is the so-called pinkish-red color, which resembles the outlines of the continents on the map.
Desquamative glossitis is also called wandering glossitis. This is due to the fact that when cleared of plaque, thin areas can change shape and position (in 2-4 days). Such changes are diagnosed in exudative diathesis, helminthic infestation, diseases of the digestive system, metabolic disorders, blood diseases, and pregnancy.
This condition requires treatment according to a standard regimen. The tongue is gradually cleansed and, accordingly, the symptoms of glossitis are eliminated.
Median rhomboid glossitis
This pathology is characterized by thickening of the epithelium, most often this occurs in the middle region of the back of the tongue. The thickened area usually has a diamond or oval shape. Sometimes it takes on a red or bluish tint.
Most often, the cause of median rhomboid glossitis is chronic pathology of the digestive organs. The disease often becomes chronic and often recurs. Treatment is selected depending on the form of the inflammatory process.
Atrophic glossitis
Often, the pathology develops against the background of a deficiency of vitamins A and E. The symptoms of atrophic glossitis are as follows: a single bright red spot that has a smooth surface and occupies the entire surface of the tongue.
The atrophic state in most patients persists for a long time, but progression does not occur. The tongue may decrease in size.
Histological analysis of atrophic glossitis shows a significant dilation of blood and lymphatic vessels, swelling, and an inflammatory process in the papillary layer. Often the atrophic form of glossitis is a symptom of damage to the mucous membrane of the tongue due to gonorrhea.
Gunter's glossitis
The pathology is diagnosed with a lack of vitamins B12 and B9 (folic acid). This condition is often accompanied by a blood disease (anemia, based on the problem of hematopoiesis).
Gunter's glossitis is characterized by the coloring of the tongue in a bright crimson hue. Atrophy of the papillae gives it a certain varnished appearance. A therapist or hematologist should treat this type of glossitis by eliminating the underlying disease.
Mycotic glossitis
This condition develops with prolonged and aggressive antibacterial therapy. As a result, the natural microflora is disrupted. This pathology is also called candidiasis or yeast.
Among the symptoms of mycotic glossitis are severe swelling of the tongue, a white coating with transverse and longitudinal grooves.
Most often, mycotic glossitis is diagnosed in children and the elderly. Often the pathology affects people with severely weakened immune systems. Antimycotic agents are used to treat candidal glossitis.
Symptoms of glossitis
Signs of glossitis are very diverse. Their features and quantity depend on the cause and stage of the disease.
In most cases, the following symptoms are diagnosed:
- uneven spots of plaque on the tongue;
- ulcers in the oral cavity with different depths and sizes;
- change in natural color (spots or general);
- swelling;
- teeth marks on the walls of the tongue;
- limited mobility of the tongue;
- salivation disorders;
- bad breath.
Less commonly, there is a decrease in the sensitivity of the tongue, a burning sensation, pain when moving the tongue (when eating, during a conversation).
As inflammation increases, health deteriorates and body temperature rises. Severe glossitis is characterized by enlargement of the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes.
Diagnosis of glossitis
The specificity and severity of the symptoms of inflammation of the tongue often make it possible to identify the disease during a visual examination. To diagnose glossitis, you need to see a dentist.
Before treatment, the depth and nature of the lesion, the causes of glossitis and the disease that became the basis of the inflammation should be determined. To do this, cytological, histological, bacteriological, biochemical and serological tests are carried out.
To exclude syphilis, microscopy of the scraping is performed for Treponema pallidum and RPR analysis. PCR diagnostics and enzyme immunoassay can identify other pathogens of glossitis.
Treatment of tongue inflammation
Therapy for glossitis consists of correcting the disease that caused inflammation of the tongue. Often this is syphilis, pathology of the digestive organs, anemia.
- Clean the mouth thoroughly, excluding the affected area.
- After eating, treat your mouth with antiseptics. It is best to rinse.
- Food should be as crushed or pureed as possible.
- It is worth giving up too cold and hot dishes.
- If pain occurs, you can treat your tongue with painkillers of a suitable release form.
- Plaque can be removed using a cotton swab soaked in antiseptic.
- To speed up the healing process of ulcers, you can treat them with healing ointments, rosehip or peach oil.
- For glossitis, you can only take medications that have been prescribed by your doctor. Often these are antibiotics or antivirals.
- When pustules appear, surgical opening is often required.
- To consolidate the effect, drugs that help the immune system, immunomodulators and general health-improving drugs will help.
To avoid pain when eating food, you need to limit yourself to pureed soups, purees, and porridges with a mucous consistency. You also need to rinse your mouth with a solution of furatsilin or chlorhexidine (0.05%) before and after meals. Rinse should be repeated throughout the day.
If severe dryness of the tongue occurs and, accordingly, pain, you need to treat the mucous membrane with a mixture of glycerin and anesthesin. To heal wounds with glossitis, jelly-like and gel-like products are used. Regeneration can be accelerated with medications containing vitamin C. To speed up healing and relieve pain, use a mixture of rosehip oil and vitamin A.
Necrotic and fibrin plaque in case of inflammation of the tongue can be removed with cotton swabs previously soaked in proteolytic enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin). To remove plaque from painful erosions and ulcers, it is better to use an application (applying a layer of substances). After application, the cavity should be treated with an antiseptic, which will help avoid secondary infection and complications.
Antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed according to symptoms. Hormones for glossitis are needed only for difficulty breathing. In case of immunosuppression, it is necessary to add immunomodulators and restorative drugs to therapy. Severe hyperkeratosis requires surgical intervention.
With proper correction of the underlying disease, glossitis is also treated. In most cases, the prognosis is favorable. Negative consequences can occur when inflammation is complicated by an abscess or phlegmon. Without treatment of inflammation and its causes, tongue cancer sometimes develops.
Antibiotic therapy
One of the reasons that requires you to consult a doctor at the first symptoms of inflammation of the tongue is that some forms of it do not require antibiotics, while in others they are required. It is impossible to independently determine the need and choose medications.
Most often, antibiotic therapy is needed for purulent-phlegmous inflammation, when the pathology goes deeper into the layers of the tongue and affects other tissues of the oral cavity and nearby lymph nodes.
Antibiotics are needed when the temperature rises and symptoms of intoxication appear (muscle pain, headache, severe weakness). Often this condition requires surgical intervention, which is fixed with antibiotics.
What is prescribed for glossitis:
- Suprax is a broad-spectrum antibiotic from the cephalosporin group. Adults are prescribed 400 mg once a day or 200 mg twice. The course of treatment should be 8-10 days.
- Doxycycline is a semisynthetic tetracycline antibiotic. Prescribed 200 mg on the first day, then 100-200 mg once or twice a day. Contraindications: age under 8 years, pregnancy, tendency to allergic reactions.
- Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic; it effectively fights against many bacteria; it is not used to eliminate fungi and viruses. Adults are prescribed 250-300 mg every six hours. For local use, apply 3-5 times a day.
- Rocephin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Has a wide spectrum of action. Adults need to use 1-2 g per day. The solution is administered intramuscularly or intravenously. The drug is needed to normalize the patient’s condition and relieve symptoms of inflammation.
Postoperative therapy for glossitis involves a combination of different antibiotics, often using two at once. The doctor must choose the medications using test results. The main goal of antibiotic therapy is the destruction of microorganisms through manipulation of their sensitivity.
Folk remedies for the treatment of glossitis
Doctors strongly recommend not to self-medicate for any form of glossitis. No folk remedies will be effective against this pathology. If you notice any symptoms that do not disappear within 1-2 days, you should consult a doctor.
Glossitis is treated by a dentist. Only he can correctly determine the cause of the disease and prescribe all the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. For glossitis, treatment prescribed by a doctor can be carried out at home. It is very important that the doctor can control the process and evaluate the results.
Glossitis is dangerous due to its consequences. Traditional methods of treatment can aggravate the situation, so they can only be used after consultation with a dentist or therapist (and only as additional therapy).
After the doctor’s encouragement, you can use the following folk remedies:
- When the tongue becomes inflamed, irrigating and rinsing the mouth with herbal decoctions and infusions often helps. For these purposes, take chamomile, oak bark, sage, calendula, aloe juice, plantain, Kalanchoe, sea buckthorn, and willow leaves. These herbs provide wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects.
- It is allowed to rinse your mouth with a warm soda solution with added iodine (a few drops).
- You can try honey treatment. You need to keep it on your tongue until it is completely absorbed. The product promotes cell regeneration, strengthens the immune system and eliminates infection.
- Propolis is used to lubricate the tongue. The product has strong wound healing properties.
- Carrot and potato juice, as well as rosehip oil, help normalize the microflora of the oral cavity.
- To achieve an antibacterial effect, the tongue is lubricated with tea tree oil.
- You can relieve pain with warm decoctions of eucalyptus and mint.
- For internal use, decoctions with anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties are recommended. These are ginger, ginseng, echinacea. They restore the tongue after damage, help strengthen the immune system, and restore the body’s natural strength.
- To normalize the intestinal microflora, you can use lactic acid bacteria or decoctions with chamomile, eucalyptus, St. John's wort and lemon balm.
When treating glossitis, it is very important to first find out its cause. Since the condition is often a reflection of internal pathology, additional therapy may be required. Timely and complete diagnosis, as well as comprehensive treatment, will help get rid of glossitis forever and prevent its transformation into a chronic form.
Treatment of glossitis in children
Prescribing therapy for inflammation to a child on your own is strictly prohibited. The doctor must choose drugs depending on the patient’s age, cause of the disease, form, severity, tendency to allergies, and concomitant pathologies.
Treatment must be comprehensive. You need to change your diet, take medications, and, if necessary, provide bed rest. It is important to eat only warm, pureed or boiled foods. Food should not be salted, fried or smoked.
The child needs to drink plenty of fluids during treatment. Warm herbal teas without sugar, still mineral water, and fermented milk products are allowed.
Children's glossitis requires the following remedies:
- Antiseptics. Herbal remedies are allowed (chamomile infusion, oak bark), lozenges. Such drugs to eliminate bacterial or viral infections are approved for children over 6 years of age.
- Antibiotics. Needed for moderate and complex inflammation. Antibiotics are prescribed for fever, ulcer formation, and severe intoxication.
- Antihistamines. Used to eliminate swelling.
- Immunomodulators. Recommended for strengthening the immune system.
- Analgesics. To relieve pain.
When a child is sick, it is very important to seek help from a pediatrician in time. Timely treatment will reduce symptoms and prevent the development of complications.
Prevention of inflammatory processes in the tongue
To never suffer from glossitis, it is enough to regularly practice oral hygiene. You need to brush your teeth for at least three minutes twice a day, and also brush your tongue. It is recommended to undergo preventive examinations with a dentist every three months.
You can reduce the risk of inflammation of the tongue mucosa by giving up alcohol and cigarettes, and limiting the amount of spicy and hot foods and spices.