Risk Factors And Causes Of Glossitis

When dentists say they have some news for patients, the first thought is typically a cavity or root canal. Instead, dentists may diagnose patients with a case of glossitis, which is inflammation of the tongue. This inflammation causes the tongue to swell and change color, and in severe cases, patients may have trouble eating or speaking. Fortunately, glossitis will go away on its own or subside when its underlying cause is identified and treated. The condition causes no permanent effects but is quite uncomfortable and worth avoiding when possible. Get familiar with the risk factors and causes of glossitis now.

Low Levels Of Iron

The tongue is a muscle, quite a powerful one for its size, and like all muscles, the tongue requires a protein called myoglobin. The body makes this protein and then uses red blood cells to carry it to the muscles throughout the body. Individuals with low levels of iron, however, make too few red blood cells. As a result, their muscles don't get enough myoglobin, and when their tongue lacks this important nutrient, it can swell and become quite pale. The condition can be painful, and patients may have trouble tasting food as their tongue swells over and around their taste buds. Fortunately, iron supplements or infusions from a doctor can increase the amount of iron in a patient's system and reverse their glossitis.

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Allergic Reactions

We've all heard horror stories about individuals struggling to breathe due to a swollen tongue after a bee sting or allergen exposure. This type of swelling comes on quickly and is known as acute glossitis. Fortunately, most allergic reactions are much less severe, but the tongue may still swell slightly. Medications, foods, and some kinds of toothpaste can all cause glossitis. An allergen doesn't have to have direct contact with the tongue to trigger swelling, as many allergies cause systemic reactions that affect the entire body. As such, a medicated lotion a patient rubs on their foot could cause their tongue to swell, even though these two parts of the body are nowhere near each other. If patients notice their tongue swelling frequently, they should try to look for a pattern or consult a doctor about an allergy test.

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Mouth Trauma

Like the other muscles in the body, the tongue may become inflamed and swollen if it suffers from an injury. If an individual bites their tongue or burns it, they could develop a case of glossitis. Broken teeth can also cut or irritate the tongue and cause it to swell. Patients must use caution when ingesting hot foods and liquids and always protect their teeth with a mouth guard when playing sports to avoid mouth trauma. Individuals who grind their teeth at night should talk to a dentist about ways to stop doing so. Grinding teeth can damage them, and the teeth, in turn, can damage the tongue.

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Presence Of An Immune System Disorder

Many different medical conditions and illnesses can cause glossitis, including celiac disease and bacterial infections. In some cases, glossitis is due to an immune system disorder such as psoriasis, pemphigus vulgaris, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Autoimmune disorders cause the body to attack itself and can including tongue swelling. Immune system misfires can also increase an individual's susceptibility to other illnesses and infections that cause glossitis. According to the Journal of Immunology Research, issues with the tongue and mouth are frequently the first indication of an autoimmune disorder. This makes the dentist an individual's first line of defense, followed by a general practitioner.

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Wearing Braces Or Dentures

Braces and dentures both serve as wonderful tools for individuals who need them, but they are still considered foreign objects. Cracks, chips and rough edges on these devices can catch the tongue and damage it, causing it to swell. Patients who must wear either should take their time in the dentist chair to check things out so they can minimize their chances of causing an issue. This involves making sure they can't find any bumps, rough patches or sharp edges on their dental appliance. If patients do chip a denture or break an orthodontic wire, they should see a dentist or orthodontist as quickly as possible to get the problem fixed. Wearing braces or dentures puts individuals at an increased risk for glossitis, but it's a manageable one.