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Lumps or Ulcers on the Tongue
If a lump or ulcer forms on your tongue and fails to heal in 14 days, see your physician or dentist immediately, even if the affected area is painless. The lump or ulcer could be harmless, but it could be a benign or malignant growth.
Glossitis and Geographical Tongue
Glossitis is a treatable inflammation of the tongue in which the papillae no longer form properly and no longer cover the body of the tongue. Geographical tongue is a similar disorder, but it differs from glossitis in two main ways. First, it occurs in patches that come and go, and second, there is no known cause or treatment for it. In either disorder, the exposed surface of your tongue becomes smooth and dark red and often feels sore, especially if you eat spicy foods.
Cause
Glossitis can have many causes, including infection, in jury and allergic reactions. It is often a symptom of a nutritional deficiency, such as iron deficiency anemia or B12 deficiency anemia. If you have the symptoms described for glossitis see your dentist or physician. If you have an underlying disorder, treatment of it will also clear up the glossitis.
Treatment
If there is no underlying cause, there is no need for concern. The glossitis will probably heal rapidly. Your dentist may prescribe an antiseptic mouthwash. Also if you avoid hot or spicy foods, alcohol and tobacco, it may help relieve the soreness caused by either glossitis or geographic tongue.
Discolored Tongue
Your tongue may become discolored for any of several reasons, but this is usually not a cause for concern. Some people have tongues that are fissured, or creased, more deeply or extensively than usual. Sometimes bacteria which are present in everyone's mouth, accumulate in the fissures or on the papillae. This can make your tongue appear to be black or dark brown. The discoloration may also be caused by fungal infections such as oral thrush, by smoking, or by taking antibiotics. Sometimes the papillae may become long and hair-like.
Treatment
Neither the fissures, the hair-like papillae, nor the discoloration need concern you. To restore your tongue to normal, try brushing it gently twice a day with a toothbrush. Dip the toothbrush in a diluted antiseptic, such as mouthwash.
Furred Tongue
Another type of discoloration, called furred tongue, may occur when you are ill, especially with a fever. You may notice a whitish or yellowish furred coating on the surface of your tongue. This occurs because you may be talking or eating less than usual, and your tongue may become less active, which allows a film of bacteria, food particles, and excess cells to accumulate on it. Also, during illness your mouth is often dry and there is not enough saliva to wash this film away.
Treatment.
Your tongue will probably return to normal as soon as the illness clears up. No other treatment is needed for furred tongue.
Burning Tongue/ Mouth
Glossodynia, or glossopyrosis is a very common condition, particularly in women more than 50 years old. Glossodynia is not considered a specific disease entity; it's considered a symptom of the following conditions:
- Allergic reactions
- Dry mouth
- Diabetes
- Oral thrush
- Vitamin B or iron deficiency
- Geographic tongue
- Lichen planus
- Hormonal factors
Treatment.
Treatment is focused on management of the underlying condition. In the vast majority of patients, however, glossodynia represents a manifestation of anxiety and/or depression with no clinically visible changes. The tongue usually appear completely normal, although there may be slight redness occasionally at its tip. Patients usually complain of a burning sensation at the tip and sides of their tongue. When similar symptoms appear in other areas of the mouth, such as the palate and lips, the condition is called burning mouth syndrome. The condition may persist for some time, remissions and exacerbations are common. There is no specific treatment for the symptom, although various antidepressant medications have been used successfully. Occasionally, counseling for anxiety and/or depression is beneficial.
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