Glossitis Overview
Learn About Glossitis
Glossitis is a problem in which the tongue is swollen and inflamed. This often makes the surface of the tongue appear smooth. Geographic tongue is a type of glossitis.
Tongue inflammation; Tongue infection; Smooth tongue; Glossodynia; Burning tongue syndrome
Glossitis is often a symptom of other conditions, such as:
- Allergic reactions to oral care products, foods, or medicines
- Dry mouth due to Sjögren syndrome
- Infection from bacteria, yeast or viruses (including oral herpes)
- Injury (such as from burns, rough teeth, or bad-fitting dentures)
- Skin conditions that affect the mouth
- Irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, hot foods, spices, or other irritants
- Hormonal factors
- Certain vitamin deficiencies
At times, glossitis may be passed down in families.
Symptoms of glossitis may come on quickly or develop over time. They include:
- Problems chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Smooth surface of the tongue
- Sore, tender, or swollen tongue
- Pale or bright red color to the tongue
Rare symptoms or problems include:
- Blocked airway
- Problems speaking, chewing, or swallowing
The goal of treatment is to reduce swelling and soreness. Most people do not need to go to the hospital unless the tongue is very swollen. 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.
Bruna Picciani practices in Nova Friburgo, Brazil. Picciani is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Glossitis. Their top areas of expertise are Geographic Tongue, Glossitis, Psoriasis, and Thrush.
Sueli Carneiro practices in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Carneiro is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Glossitis. Their top areas of expertise are Geographic Tongue, Glossitis, Psoriasis, and Psoriatic Arthritis.
Andy Sun practices in Taiwan. Mr. Sun is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Glossitis. His top areas of expertise are Glossitis, Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, and Folate Deficiency.
Glossitis goes away if the cause of problem is removed or treated.
Contact your provider if:
- Symptoms of glossitis last longer than 10 days.
- Tongue swelling is very bad.
- Breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing causes problems.
Get emergency care right away if tongue swelling blocks the airway.
Good oral care (thorough tooth brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups) may help prevent glossitis.
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Published Date: January 29, 2025
Published By: Ashutosh Kacker, MD, FACS, Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Attending Otolaryngologist, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Daniels TE, Jordan RC. Diseases of the mouth and salivary glands. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 393.
Pham KL, Mirowski GW. Oral diseases and oral manifestations of gastrointestinal and liver disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 24.