Can glossitis be treated?

In most cases, glossitis goes away with time or treatment. Treatment may be more successful if you avoid foods that cause inflammation of the tongue. Practicing proper oral hygiene may also help reduce or prevent problems. Speak with your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve with treatment or continue to occur.

Is glossitis reversible?

Many causes of glossitis are reversible with treatment of the underlying condition. If there is any question of malignancy, the area should be promptly biopsied not to delay treatment.

How do you treat chronic glossitis in your practice?

Modern biomedical treatment involves oral hygiene; avoidance of spicy food, alcohol, tobacco and other irritants; treating the underlying causes; diet changes; and addressing nutritional and vitamin deficiencies. Steroid ointments—such as Kenalog® in Orabase®—are effective for producing short-term benefits.

What medication is used to treat glossitis?

Doctors may prescribe medications for people with glossitis that is caused by disease or infection. Antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral drugs may help clear up a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, respectively. A doctor may prescribe dietary supplements for someone with glossitis due to a nutritional deficiency.

What is the best treatment for glossitis?

Treatment may include:

• Good oral care. Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
• Antibiotics or other medicines to treat infection.
• Diet changes and supplements to treat nutrition problems.
• Avoiding irritants (such as hot or spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco) to ease discomfort.

What deficiency causes glossitis?

Nutritional deficiencies include iron, folate and vitamin B12 deficiency. B12 deficiency will also make the tongue sore and beefy-red in color. Glossitis, by causing swelling of the tongue, may also cause the tongue to appear smooth. Among women, low-estrogen states may cause a “menopausal glossitis”.

Does B12 deficiency cause glossitis?

Vitamin B12 deficiency results in megaloblastic anemia and may present as glossitis. The appearance of the tongue in vitamin B12 deficiency is described as “beefy” or “fiery red and sore”. There may be linear or patchy red lesions.

How can I treat glossitis at home?

Bland foods include mashed potatoes, soft breads, cream soups, eggs, and soft and well-cooked vegetables. Avoid spicy or hot foods and citrus fruits like orange juice or lemons that can make the swelling of glossitis worse. Rinse your mouth with a mixture of a half-teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water.

What foods cause glossitis?

Causes of Glossitis

• Various nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of iron or one or more of the B vitamins.
• An allergic reaction to food or medication.
• Bacterial, yeast, fungal or viral infections.
• Trauma, such as a burn or abrasion.
• Reaction from eating irritable or spicy foods.
• Geographic tongue.
• Acid reflux.
• Dry mouth.

What are the symptoms of glossitis?

Common symptoms of glossitis include:

• a swollen tongue.
• pain in the tongue.
• burning or itching in the tongue.
• change in the texture of the surface of the tongue due to the change in the size and shape of papillae.
• different color of the tongue’s surface.
• loss of ability to speak or eat properly.
• difficulty swallowing.

What deficiencies cause glossitis?

Vitamin B1 deficiency (thiamin deficiency) can cause glossitis. Vitamin B2 deficiency (ariboflavinosis) can cause glossitis, along with angular cheilitis, cheilosis, peripheral neuropathy and other signs and symptoms.

How long does glossitis take to heal?

Symptoms of glossitis last longer than 10 days. Tongue swelling is very bad. Breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing causes problems.