Q: Recently, my tongue has become red and very sensitive. What might cause this?
A: Your tongue is likely inflamed. Doctors call this glossitis. Many things can irritate the surface of your tongue, including tobacco products, toothpaste, mouthwash and spicy foods.
Have you started any new medicines, supplements, or herbs? Although unusual, an allergic or toxic reaction to one of these can be localized to the tongue. Your pharmacist might be able to help you determine if this might be the reason.
Does your tongue become red and sensitive only after you eat or a drink a specific food or beverage?
If none of the above applies to you and your symptoms continue, call your doctor.
Other possible causes include:
1. A yeast infection (thrush). Usually, you would see a white coating on parts of the tongue
2. A virus infection, such as oral herpes
3. Non-infected ulcers called aphthous stomatitis
4. A vitamin or mineral deficiency, especially a B12 or iron deficiency
5. A very dry mouth because of decrease saliva production (from medication or part of Sjogren's syndrome)
Your doctor will inspect your tongue and mouth for these possible causes. Also, he or she will make sure there are no abnormal growths, although this would be a very rare reason for an inflamed tongue.
Often, no specific cause is found. In that case, the treatment is to avoid all possible irritants, floss with plain floss and brush your teeth with plain or lightly salted water.
(Howard LeWine, M.D., is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass., and Chief Medical Editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School.)
(For additional consumer health information, please visit http://www.health.harvard.edu.)
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As an expert in healthcare and medical information, I have a comprehensive understanding of various health conditions, including oral health and related concerns. The information provided in the article you've shared discusses glossitis, the inflammation of the tongue, and its potential causes. This condition can result from several factors, including irritants like tobacco products, toothpaste, mouthwash, and spicy foods.
Let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article:
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Glossitis: This refers to the inflammation of the tongue, causing redness and sensitivity. It can be triggered by various irritants or underlying health issues.
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Causes of Glossitis: a. Irritants: Tobacco products, toothpaste, mouthwash, and spicy foods can irritate the tongue's surface. b. Allergic or Toxic Reactions: New medications, supplements, or herbs might cause localized allergic or toxic reactions on the tongue. c. Specific Foods or Beverages: Redness and sensitivity might occur after consuming particular foods or drinks. d. Underlying Medical Conditions:
- Yeast Infection (Thrush): Usually identified by a white coating on parts of the tongue.
- Virus Infections like oral herpes.
- Aphthous Stomatitis: Non-infected ulcers.
- Vitamin or Mineral Deficiencies, especially Vitamin B12 or iron deficiencies.
- Dry Mouth: Resulting from decreased saliva production due to medications or conditions like Sjogren's syndrome.
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Medical Evaluation: If symptoms persist, it's advisable to consult a doctor for an examination. The doctor will inspect the tongue for these potential causes and rule out abnormal growths, although this is rare.
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Treatment: a. Avoidance of Irritants: Eliminating potential triggers. b. Oral Hygiene: Flossing with plain floss and brushing teeth with plain or lightly salted water might help in some cases.
The article author, Dr. Howard LeWine, an internist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, provides comprehensive guidance for individuals experiencing symptoms of glossitis. It emphasizes seeking medical advice if the symptoms persist after eliminating potential triggers.
For additional consumer health information, the article directs readers to the Harvard Health Publications website.
Please note that while I aim to provide accurate information based on my expertise, individual cases may vary, and it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and proper diagnosis.
