Tongue disorders can be caused by poor oral hygiene, infections, genetics, and medical conditions. Common disorders include geographic tongue, hairy tongue, glossitis, and tongue cancer. Most are easy to treat, but tongue cancer requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor for proper treatment.
People of all ages can experience different types of tongue disorders due to poor oral hygiene, infections, genetic tendencies, and various underlying medical conditions. The most common tongue disorders include geographic tongue, hairy tongue, glossitis, and cancer. Most problems affecting the tongue cause only mild discomfort and moderate changes in appearance and are usually easy to treat. Tongue cancer, however, can lead to serious complications if not recognized and treated immediately by medical professionals. An individual experiencing symptoms of a tongue disorder should see a doctor to determine the best treatment options.
Geographic tongue is a common disorder that causes parts of the tongue to become abnormally smooth and red. The small bumps on the tongue known as papillae tend to disappear in patches. The condition that was thought to result from excessive stress, allergies or changes in hormone levels. Additionally, individuals with a family history of geographic tongue have a higher risk of developing the disorder at some point in their lives. This condition is usually not painful and often goes away on its own after a few months with regular brushing and rinsing.
Hairy, discolored tongue disorders occur when the papillae turn dark and grow unusually long. These disorders are usually not accompanied by pain or other complications and often result from poor oral hygiene, reactions to medications, or tobacco use. An individual can usually treat a hairy or discolored tongue by scrubbing it with a toothbrush, rinsing it with an oral anesthetic, avoiding smoking, and consuming healthy foods and drinks.
An individual with glossitis typically experiences inflammation, swelling, and smoothing of the entire tongue. Glossitis can be caused by excessive tobacco use, bacterial infections, allergic reactions, anemia, or vitamin B-12 deficiencies. Most people experience mild discomfort and difficulty chewing and swallowing food due to irritated tissue on the tongue and inside of the mouth. Doctors typically suggest that the condition be treated at home by maintaining good oral hygiene, giving up smoking, and avoiding acidic or spicy foods. When the cause is determined to be anemia or vitamin deficiency, a doctor may prescribe medications or supplements to treat the underlying condition.
Occasionally, tongue disorders are caused by the emergence of cancer in the mouth. Tongue cancer may have genetic links or be related to long-term use of tobacco and alcohol, among other causes. Individuals who notice small red and white spots on their tongue, irregularly shaped bumps, and painful lesions should seek medical care right away. Doctors can perform biopsies and physical exams to make a diagnosis of cancer and create effective treatment plans for the disorder.
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