Glossitis refers to inflammation of the tongue. The condition causes the tongue to swell and change color and texture. When severe, it may cause pain and impact how you eat or speak.

The tongue is the small, muscular organ in the mouth that helps you chew and swallow food. It also helps with your speech.

Glossitis may cause the small bumps on the tongue’s surface (papillae) to disappear. The papillae contain thousands of tiny sensors called taste buds and play a role in how you eat.

Read on to learn about glossitis, its types, causes, and symptoms.

There are different types of glossitis, which include:

Acute glossitis

Acute glossitis is an inflammation of the tongue that appears suddenly and often has severe symptoms. This type of glossitis typically develops during an allergic reaction.

Chronic glossitis

Chronic glossitis is an inflammation of the tongue that continues to recur. This type may begin as a symptom of another health condition.

Atrophic glossitis

Atrophic glossitis, also known as Hunter glossitis, occurs when many papillae are lost. This results in changes in the tongue’s color and texture. This type of glossitis typically gives the tongue a glossy appearance.

A few factors can cause inflammation of the tongue, including:

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions to medications, food, and other potential irritants may aggravate the papillae and the muscle tissues of the tongue. Irritants include toothpaste and certain types of medications that treat high blood pressure.

Diseases

Certain diseases that affect your immune system may attack the tongue’s muscles and papillae. Herpes simplex, a virus that causes cold sores and blisters around the mouth, may contribute to swelling and pain in the tongue.

Low iron levels

Not enough iron in the blood can trigger glossitis. Iron regulates cell growth by helping your body make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your organs, tissues, and muscles. Low levels of iron in the blood may result in low levels of myoglobin. Myoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that’s important for muscle health, including the tongue’s muscle tissue.

Mouth trauma

Trauma caused by injuries to the mouth can affect the condition of your tongue. Inflammation may occur because of cuts and burns on the tongue or dental appliances like braces placed on your teeth.

You may be at risk for tongue inflammation if you:

  • have a mouth injury
  • eat spicy foods
  • wear braces or dentures that irritate your tongue
  • have herpes
  • have low iron levels
  • have food allergies
  • have an immune system disorder

Your symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the inflammation. General symptoms include:

  • pain or tenderness in the tongue
  • swelling of the tongue
  • change in the color of your tongue
  • an inability to speak, eat, or swallow
  • loss of papillae on the surface of your tongue

You may see your dentist or doctor for an assessment of your condition. They’ll examine your mouth to check for abnormal bumps and blisters on your tongue, gums, and soft tissues of your mouth. Samples of your saliva and blood may also be taken and sent to a laboratory for further examination.

Treatment for glossitis typically includes a combination of medications and home remedies.

Medications

Antibiotics and other medications that get rid of infections may be prescribed if bacteria are present in your body. Your doctor may also prescribe topical corticosteroids to reduce the redness and soreness.

Home care

Brushing and flossing your teeth several times a day may improve the health of your tongue, gums, and teeth. This can help relieve the symptoms associated with glossitis and prevent the condition from happening again.

In most cases, glossitis goes away with time or treatment. Treatment may be more successful if you avoid foods that cause inflammation of the tongue. Practicing proper oral hygiene may also help reduce or prevent problems. Speak with your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve with treatment or continue to occur.

Call 911 or go to the hospital right away if your tongue becomes severely swollen and begins to block your airway. This may be a sign of a more serious condition.