BALD TONGUE

 

Secrets that your tongue reveals about your health (an insight) -

ABNORMAL SMOOTHNESS: Abnormal smoothness of the tongue is a condition also called as Atrophic glossitis or Bald tongue or Moeller glossitis- as the word suggests glossa means tongue and tis means inflammation. It is a condition characterised by a smooth glossy tongue that is often tender/painful, more usually an inflammation with depapillation of the dorsal surface of the tongue(loss of lingual papillae) leaving a smooth and erythematous(reddened) surface.

SYMPTOMS;
-Smooth,shiny appearance of the tongue.
-Change in the tongue color(darker).
-Tongue swelling.
-Difficulty with chewing, swallowing or speaking.
Burning sensation.
-There may be additional signs and symptoms such as pallor, oral ulceration and angular chelitis(depending upon the underlying cause).

CAUSES:
1.Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia(mainly by blood loss)
                  Megaloblastic anemia(vitamin b12 deficiency)
                  Pernicious anemia(autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells)
2.Vitamin b deficiency: Vitamin b1 deficiency
                                       Vitamin b2 deficiency
                                       Vitamin b3 deficiency
                                       Vitamin b6 deficiency
3.Infections(bacterial, viral or fungal)
4.Other: Alcoholism
              Sprue
             Crohn's disease
            Whipple disease
           Glucagonoma syndrome
           Cowden disease
           Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
          Carcinoid syndrome
          Kwashiorkar amyloidosis 
         Exposure to irritants e.g alcohol,tobacco etc
         Tongue piercing
         Allergic reaction
        Mechanical irritation
        Oral lichen planus, erythema multiforme, apthous ulcer,pemphigus vulgaris.

Epidemiology: One review reported overall prevalence ranges of 1.3-9.0% for atrophy tongue (atrophic glossitis).


Treatment: Our aim of treatment is to reduce inflammation. Treatment usually does not require hospitalization unless tongue swelling is severe.

1.Good oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene is very important including thorough tooth brushing twice a day and flossing at least daily. 
2.Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids such as prednisolone are given to the patient as it reduces the inflammation  For minor cases, topical applications such as prednisolone mouthwash that is not for ingestion can be given to the patient to reduce the side effects of injected corticosteroids.
3.Antibiotics: Antibiotics, antifungal or antimicrobial drugs can be given if the cause of glossitis is infection.
4.Dietary changes: Anemia and nutritional deficiencies must be treated by dietary changes and other supplements.
5.Other: Avoiding irritants such as hot, spicy food, alcohol and tobacco may minimise the discomfort.

Ignorance is not a bliss.Tongue swelling is a medical emergency as it threaten the airway and therefore needs immediate medical attention.

Visit your dentist as soon as you encounter the abnormality in your tongue.
Have a healthy tomorrow.