Smooth tongue, also known as atrophic glossitis or Moeller’s glossitis, is a condition where the tongue becomes inflamed, painful, and bald due to disappearing papillae. It can be caused by allergies, infections, and nutritional deficiencies, and can be treated with proper nutrition and good hygiene. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. Iron and vitamin B-12 deficiencies are common causes, and spicy foods and strong toothpaste can contribute. Diagnosis involves visual examination and blood tests. Treatment involves reducing inflammation, avoiding irritants, and taking supplements. Good oral hygiene can prevent future occurrences.
A smooth tongue is also known as atrophic glossitis or Moeller’s glossitis. It is a condition in which the tongue becomes inflamed and often painful to the point that it is difficult to speak or swallow. The papillae, which are the small bumps on the surface of the tongue, begin to disappear resulting in the appearance of a bald tongue. In some cases, a smooth tongue is caused by an underlying health issue, such as allergic reactions, infections, and nutritional deficiencies. The condition can often be treated and prevented with proper nutrition and good hygiene.
Symptoms of a smooth tongue include tenderness and swelling, which are due to inflammation. If the swelling doesn’t go down, it can eventually make it difficult to chew or swallow food. It can also make breathing difficult, which is a serious symptom and should be addressed right away. The cause of smooth tongue generally determines the type of symptoms present. If it’s the result of a vitamin deficiency, the tongue often appears bright red; and if it’s caused by anemia, which is a shortage of red blood cells, the tongue may look pale.
Iron and vitamin B-12 deficiencies are common causes of a smooth tongue. Spicy foods and strong toothpastes can irritate the mouth and contribute to a smooth tongue and other conditions, such as geographic tongue. Other problems affecting tongue health include canker sores, some skin disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Some infections, such as syphilis, yeast infections, and infections caused by bacteria, can also play a role. Bacterial infections can be caused by dehydration because it reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth, which is responsible for washing out harmful bacteria. As a result, the bacteria has the proper environment in which it is able to multiply and cause an infection to develop.
Diagnosing a smooth tongue can be made by visually examining the tongue. For proper treatment, however, it is important for your doctor to determine the cause of the condition. Therefore, your doctor might do a blood test to rule out possible underlying health problems. Information regarding your lifestyle and medical history are also helpful in determining the cause of your inflamed tongue.
Treatments involve reducing inflammation and avoiding foods and other substances that irritate the tongue. In case of nutritional deficiencies, supplements and other foods rich in nutrients are recommended. Regular checkups at the dentist and other good oral hygiene practices, like brushing your teeth and flossing, can not only help treat a smooth tongue, but they can also help prevent one in the future.
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