Tongue lesions causes. Tongue Lesions: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Oral Sores

04.12.197404.10.2021 by alexxlab

What are the common causes of tongue lesions. How can you identify different types of mouth sores. What are effective treatments for oral lesions and blisters. How can you prevent recurring mouth sores and maintain good oral health.

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Understanding Tongue Lesions and Oral Sores

Tongue lesions and oral sores are common conditions that can affect people of all ages. These lesions can manifest as sores, blisters, bumps, or patches on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and other areas of the mouth. While many oral lesions are benign and resolve on their own, some may indicate underlying health issues or require medical attention.

What are oral lesions?

Oral lesions refer to abnormal changes in the tissues of the mouth, including ulcers, sores, growths, or discolored patches. They can vary in appearance, size, and severity, ranging from minor irritations to more serious conditions.

Common types of tongue lesions

Canker sores
Cold sores (fever blisters)
Geographic tongue
Leukoplakia
Oral thrush
Lichen planus
Mouth ulcers

Causes and Risk Factors for Oral Lesions

Tongue lesions and oral sores can be caused by various factors, including:

Viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex virus)
Bacterial infections
Fungal infections (e.g., candidiasis)
Autoimmune disorders
Allergic reactions
Nutritional deficiencies
Trauma or injury to the mouth
Stress and hormonal changes
Certain medications
Tobacco and alcohol use

Understanding the underlying causes can help in proper diagnosis and treatment of oral lesions.

Identifying Different Types of Tongue Lesions

Recognizing the characteristics of various tongue lesions can aid in identifying the condition and seeking appropriate treatment.

Canker Sores

Canker sores appear as small, round ulcers with a white or yellow center and a red border. They are usually painful and can occur on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, or lips.

Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)

Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus. They typically appear on or around the lips but can also affect the tongue and mouth.

Geographic Tongue

This condition causes irregular, smooth, red patches on the tongue surface, often with a white or light-colored border. The patches may change location, size, and shape over time.

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia presents as white or gray patches that cannot be scraped off. These patches may appear on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, or gums.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection characterized by white, creamy lesions on the tongue and inner cheeks. It can cause a burning sensation and difficulty swallowing.

Symptoms and Signs of Oral Lesions

The symptoms of tongue lesions and oral sores can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common signs include:

Pain or discomfort in the affected area
Swelling or inflammation
Changes in tongue color or texture
Difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing
Burning or tingling sensations
Bleeding or oozing from the lesion
Bad breath
Changes in taste perception

If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation

Diagnosing tongue lesions and oral sores typically involves a thorough examination of the mouth and medical history review. Healthcare providers may use various methods to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

Physical examination

A dentist or doctor will visually inspect the mouth, looking for signs of lesions, inflammation, or other abnormalities. They may also palpate the affected area to check for tenderness or swelling.

Medical history

The healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, duration of the problem, and any factors that may have contributed to the development of the lesion.

Additional tests

In some cases, further tests may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis or rule out underlying conditions. These may include:

Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken for laboratory analysis
Cultures: To identify bacterial or fungal infections
Blood tests: To check for underlying systemic conditions or nutritional deficiencies
Imaging studies: X-rays or CT scans may be used in certain cases

Treatment Options for Tongue Lesions and Oral Sores

The treatment of tongue lesions and oral sores depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Many cases can be managed with home remedies and over-the-counter treatments, while others may require medical intervention.

Home remedies and self-care

Saltwater rinses to reduce inflammation and promote healing
Applying ice or cold compresses to soothe pain and swelling
Using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Avoiding spicy, acidic, or hot foods that may irritate the lesion
Maintaining good oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing

Over-the-counter treatments

Various OTC products can help manage symptoms and promote healing:

Topical anesthetics (e.g., benzocaine) for pain relief
Antiseptic mouthwashes to prevent infection
Oral gels or ointments containing ingredients like benzyl alcohol or docosanol
Vitamin B12 supplements, which may help prevent recurrent canker sores

Prescription medications

For more severe or persistent cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe:

Antiviral medications for cold sores or other viral infections
Antifungal treatments for oral thrush
Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Antibiotics for bacterial infections
Immunosuppressants for certain autoimmune conditions

Dental procedures

In some cases, dental procedures may be necessary to treat oral lesions:

Laser therapy to reduce pain and promote healing
Cauterization to seal off blood vessels and reduce bleeding
Removal of abnormal tissue growth

Prevention and Oral Health Maintenance

While not all oral lesions can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk and maintain good oral health:

Practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the mouth tissues
Avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption
Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
Stay hydrated to keep the mouth moist
Avoid triggers that may cause recurrent lesions, such as certain foods or medications
Use lip balm with SPF to protect against sun damage
Schedule regular dental check-ups for early detection of oral health issues

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many oral lesions resolve on their own, certain situations warrant professional medical evaluation:

Lesions that persist for more than two weeks
Severe pain or difficulty eating and drinking
Signs of infection, such as fever or swollen lymph nodes
Lesions that bleed easily or do not heal
Sudden appearance of multiple lesions
Changes in the size, color, or texture of existing lesions
Numbness or tingling in the mouth
Unexplained weight loss

Early detection and treatment of oral lesions can prevent complications and improve outcomes. If you’re concerned about any changes in your oral health, don’t hesitate to consult a dentist or healthcare provider.

Living with Recurrent Oral Lesions

For individuals who experience frequent or chronic oral lesions, managing the condition can be challenging. Here are some strategies to cope with recurrent mouth sores:

Identify and avoid triggers

Keep a journal to track potential triggers such as certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes. This can help you identify patterns and make necessary lifestyle adjustments.

Develop a care routine

Establish a daily oral care routine that includes gentle brushing, flossing, and using non-irritating oral products. Consider using a toothpaste free of sodium lauryl sulfate, which may aggravate mouth sores.

Manage stress

Since stress can exacerbate certain oral conditions, practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

Boost your immune system

A strong immune system can help prevent recurrent infections. Focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to support overall health.

Consider long-term treatment options

For chronic conditions, discuss long-term management strategies with your healthcare provider. This may include maintenance medications or preventive treatments.

Join support groups

Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support and practical advice for managing recurrent oral lesions.

By implementing these strategies and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals with recurrent oral lesions can improve their quality of life and minimize the impact of these conditions on their daily activities.

What Are Mouth Lesions? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

You can usually treat most common mouth sores or blisters yourself, at home, by taking a few simple steps or modifying your habits.

Medication Options

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin or ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain. Medicated lip balms, especially those formulated for herpes 1 and canker sores, can also help.

Depending on the type and size of the sore, or whether or not it is healing on its own, you may need antibiotics, an antiviral medication, an antiseptic mouthwash or a rinse containing the steroid dexamethasone to ease pain and swelling. Lidocaine is another pain-reducing option.

Occasionally, a procedure known as cautery may be necessary, where the tissues of your mouth are burned and then sealed up by chemicals or another instrument.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Baking soda rinses might help to alleviate pain. Applying ice, cold towels, or cooling ointments to afflicted areas may also soothe discomfort. As can applying small amounts of milk of magnesia on canker sores a few times a day.

Be sure to use a soft brush to brush your teeth. It’s thought that sodium lauryl sulfate, a common ingredient in toothpastes, could also trigger canker sores, so it might be a good idea to find a toothpaste without it if you have recurrent sores, and also discuss with your dentist.

Prevention of Mouth Lesions

If you have cold sores, you should avoid should kissing people when you have an outbreak — indeed, avoiding close contact altogether. Make sure to steer clear of people who have weakened immune systems, like newborns or those undergoing cancer treatment, notes Penn Medicine.

It’s never a good idea to share lip balms, razors, toothbrushes, towels, or beverages, but it’s especially important to avoid doing so if you have a cold sore or feel one coming on. And while it may be tempting, try not to touch them. If you do, wash your hands.

When your lips are free and clear of sores, use a lip balm with sunscreen, as sunburn is another trigger for cold sores, per the Cleveland Clinic.

Sore or white tongue – NHS

A sore or white tongue is not usually serious and is often easily treated.

Things you can do yourself

Do

use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth
brush your tongue or use a scraper to help improve a white tongue
use a straw to drink cool drinks
take paracetamol or ibuprofen

Don’t

do not use a toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulphate
do not eat hard, spicy, salty, acidic or hot food and drink that may irritate your tongue
do not smoke
do not drink alcohol

You can ask a pharmacist about:

what’s causing your sore or white tongue
if you can buy anything to help with any pain or irritation
if you should see a dentist or GP

Non-urgent advice: See a GP or dentist if you:

have pain or itchiness that does not go away or gets worse
have white patches on your tongue

Common causes of a sore or white tongue

Biting or burning your tongue with hot food or drink can cause pain and swelling. But this should only last a few days.

A white tongue can be a sign of a health condition.

Do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you’re worried.

Lichen planus

White patches on the tongue and inside the cheek, with sore gums

Credit:

Read about lichen planus.

Leukoplakia

White, raised patches on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, or on the gums, that do not come off when you rub them

Credit:

Read about leukoplakia.

Geographic tongue

Blotchy, red patches on the tongue that have a white or light-coloured border

Credit:

Read about geographic tongue.

Mouth ulcer

Round, painful and swollen sores that look like blisters and can appear on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, or on the lips

Credit:

Read about mouth ulcers.

Oral thrush

Itchy, red mouth with white patches on the tongue

Credit:

Read about oral thrush.

Page last reviewed: 02 June 2020
Next review due: 02 June 2023

Oral Lesions | Temple Health

What Are Oral Lesions?

Oral lesions are mouth ulcers or sores, which may be painful. They can include abnormal cell growth and rare tongue and hard-palate (roof of mouth) disorders.

Types and causes include:

Fever blisters – These contagious, often painful blisters on lips, gums or the roof of your mouth can last five to 10 days. They’re due to herpes simplex virus activated by fever, stress, trauma, hormones or sunlight. They can spread to eyes and genitalia, or to other people.
Canker sores – These painful red or white sores on your tongue, mouth, lips and cheeks can be caused by stress, trauma, irritation or diet.
Leukoplakia – These are thick, whitish patches on cheeks, gums or tongue that can lead to cancer. They can be caused by tobacco, dental work or cheek-biting.
Candidiasis – This is a yeast infection caused by dentures, dry mouth, antibiotics or a weak immune system.
Hairy tongue – Poor hygiene, irritation or smoking can cause abnormally long taste buds.
Torus palatinus – Teeth-grinding or dentures may cause a bony growth on the roof of your mouth (hard palate).
Oral cancer – Symptoms include a white or red patch or chronic mouth, lip or tongue ulcers.

Symptoms

Get regular screenings, and tell your doctor about symptoms, especially non-healing wounds. Symptoms include:

Pain
Blisters
Ulcers
Sores, patches, growths or injuries
Hairy tongue
Bony growth on roof of mouth

Potentially Cancerous Symptoms

Chronic hoarseness
White or red patches on cheeks, gums or tongue
Tongue or floor-of-mouth ulcer
Neck or mouth lump
Pain or trouble swallowing, speaking or chewing
Numbness
Non-healing sore or pain, growths or changes

Treatment Options

Experts recommend oral screenings if you’re a cancer patient or have a weak immune system – especially if you smoke or drink alcohol. Your doctor may take tissue samples.

Treatments include:

Canker sores – Topical pastes can help. Manage stress, trauma or irritation, and avoid nuts or acidic foods.
Fever blisters – There is no cure, but you can use antiviral ointment. Despite precautions, you can still spread herpes.
Leukoplakia – Your doctor may take samples and advise prevention, since leukoplakia can cause cancer. You may also see a dental specialist.
Candidiasis – Dry-mouth solutions, medication and diet changes can help.
Hairy tongue – Stop tobacco-use. Therapy may address dental hygiene and care.
Torus palatinus – Your doctor may refer you to a dentist.
Oral cancer – You may require surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination.

Ready for an Appointment?

If you’re experiencing signs or symptoms of oral lesions, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.

Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat oral lesions.

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How to get rid of a blister on your tongue

If you’ve ever had a blister on your tongue, you’ll know it can cause discomfort and pain.

We all know that healthy teeth and gums are essential for overall wellness, but did you know that your tongue also reveals clues about your general health? Blisters and sores on the tongue could be a sign of an underlying condition. If you’ve noticed an unusual bump on your tongue, it could be an indication of one of a number of issues, such as a canker sore, candidiasis or another oral blister.

How to avoid oral sores?

The best way to avoid oral health issues such as blisters, canker sores and oral thrush, is to do the following:

Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing
Make sure to brush your tongue and gums
Rinsing your mouth out after meals
Maintain a healthy diet, and avoid highly acidic and sugary foods
Visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups
Remove dentures every night
Avoid smoking tobacco
Ensure other medical conditions are under control (diabetes etc. )
Avoid oral hygiene products with sodium lauryl sulfate

What is a canker sore?

Canker sores are a type of oral blister, and are a fairly common issue. They are typically very small and form on the tongue or other areas of the mouth, including the gums and the inside of the cheeks and lips. Also known as a mouth ulcer, canker sores are generally white or yellow, and surrounded by tissue that looks red and swollen.

Symptoms of canker sores

Some of the most common symptoms of canker sores include pain or a tingling sensation in the affected area, and in some cases, a fever and swollen lymph nodes.

Pain or tingling sensation in infected area
Fever and swollen lymph nodes in some cases
White or yellow oval-shaped ulcer

How to treat canker sores?

Usually, canker sores will heal without need for treatment. However, many lifestyle changes will help canker sores heal quicker, such as brushing and flossing your teeth regularly to reduce bacterial buildups. Drinking milk and yogurt can also help reduce pain associated with canker sores.

It’s also important to avoid spicy foods while suffering from a canker sore.

You can also visit your dentist, or doctor to receive medication to aid the healing process.

How long do canker sores take to heal?

While this type of sore usually heals without treatment within a week or two, they can take up to six weeks to fully resolve.

If you notice a canker sore on your tongue or inside your mouth, we recommend that you continue to practice good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing, as this will help to prevent a bacterial infection from developing. You can also use an anti-bacterial mouthwash or a salt water solution to rinse your mouth. If you feel considerable pain, we encourage you to come in for a consultation so that we can recommend a treatment plan to speed up the healing process.

What causes oral candidiasis?

If you’ve noticed tongue blisters or other areas of inflamed tissue inside your mouth, you may have a condition known as candidiasis. Also known as oral thrush, the condition occurs when a yeast infection develops in the mouth, causing bumps to appear on the tongue and/or inside the cheeks.

Oral thrush can be avoided by actively rinsing and cleaning your mouth, visiting the dentist regularly and maintaining a healthy nutritious diet.

Symptoms for oral thrush include:

Some people will not notice any symptoms, however others may notice some of the following:

Creamy white lesions found on the tongue, inner cheek, roof of the mouth, tonsils and gums
Raised lesions that may bleed if scraped or sore
Burning, redness or soreness
Cracking and redness on the corners of your mouth
The loss of taste

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek professional help.

What causes oral thrush?

Weakened immunity – More likely to occur in people with a weakened immunity.
Diabetes – Poorly maintained diabetes can cause saliva to carry large amounts of sugar, which encourages the growth of candidiasis.
Medications – Certain drugs can increase your risk of oral thrush, it’s best to consult your dentist or doctor for more information.
Vaginal yeast infections – The same fungus which causes vaginal thrush, also causes oral thrush. This means it can be passed on, especially to your baby.
Oral conditions – Conditions which cause a dry mouth, or make the mouth harder to clean can increase the risk of oral thrush.

How long does it take to clear up?

Oral thrush generally clears up within around ten days if it is properly treated by maintaining a clean mouth and visiting your dentist or doctor.

While you are recovering from the condition, we recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth, and once your candidiasis has cleared up, replace your toothbrush to prevent reinfection. Rinsing with salt water can also help to reduce some of the uncomfortable symptoms of candidiasis, while an anti-bacterial mouthwash can also aid recovery.

What causes blisters on the lips and tongue?

If you have ruled out both candidiasis and canker sores, it is possible that your tongue blisters were caused as a result of injuries to the tongue.

Sometimes, eating crunchy or hard foods like certain candies and potato chips can cause cuts and blisters on the tongue. It is also possible to accidentally bite your tongue when eating, or to burn the surface of the tongue on a hot drink.

While these types of injuries generally heal without treatment, it’s important that you stick to good oral hygiene to protect your mouth from harmful bacteria and infection. If a blister or ulcer does not heal within a couple of weeks, we recommend that you come in and see us so that we can check for any underlying conditions.

Contact Elite Dental of Staten Island

If you are struggling with any type of tongue blister or oral condition, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange a consultation.

Mouth Problems, Noninjury | Michigan Medicine

Do you have a mouth problem?

A mouth problem can involve the lips, tongue, gums, teeth, or any of the tissue inside the mouth.

How old are you?

Less than 3 months

3 to 11 months

1 to 11 years

12 years or older

Are you male or female?

Why do we ask this question?

If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Do you have an injury to your mouth or teeth?

Yes

Injury to mouth or teeth

Do you have a toothache or a problem with your gums?

Yes

Toothache or gum problem

Is pain or soreness in the back of your mouth and throat your main concern?

Yes

Pain or soreness in back of mouth and throat is main concern

Are you having trouble drinking enough to replace the fluids you’ve lost?

Little sips of fluid usually are not enough. You need to be able to take in and keep down plenty of fluids.

Yes

Unable to maintain fluid intake

Able to maintain fluid intake

Are you having trouble breathing (more than a stuffy nose)?

Yes

Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose

Could you be having a severe allergic reaction?

This is more likely if you have had a bad reaction to something in the past.

Yes

Possible severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Could you be having symptoms of a heart attack?

In some cases, a heart attack may cause a strange feeling in part of the face, such as the jaw.

Yes

Symptoms of heart attack

Are you having trouble eating or swallowing?

Yes

Difficulty eating or swallowing

Are you having trouble moving your tongue, chewing, or swallowing?

Yes

Difficulty moving tongue, chewing, or swallowing

Did the problems with chewing and swallowing start suddenly?

Yes

Difficulty moving tongue, chewing, or swallowing started suddenly

Can you swallow food or fluids at all?

Yes

Able to swallow food or fluids

Unable to swallow food or fluids

Has the pain lasted for more than 2 days?

Yes

Pain for more than 2 days

Do you think you may have a fever?

Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it?

Do you have diabetes or a weakened immune system?

What weakens the immune system in an adult or older child may be different than in a young child or baby.

Yes

Diabetes or immune problem

Do you have any sores in or around your mouth?

Yes

Sores in or around mouth

Does your child have any mouth sores that look like blisters?

Yes

Child has mouth sores that look like blisters

Are you concerned that a new sore may have been caused by sexual contact?

Yes

New sore may be related to sexual contact

Do you think you may have a fever?

Do you often get mouth sores?

Yes

Often gets mouth sores

Is there a crusty, honey-colored drainage coming from the sore?

Yes

Crusty, honey-colored drainage from sores around mouth

Is there a black or brown coating on your tongue?

Yes

Black or brown coating on tongue

Have you tried home treatment for the black coating on your tongue?

Yes

Tried home treatment for black coating on tongue

Are there white patches in the mouth?

Yes

White patches in mouth

Are you being treated for thrush?

Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth and tongue.

Yes

Being treated for thrush

Have the thrush symptoms:

Gotten worse?

Thrush symptoms have gotten worse

Stayed the same (not better or worse)?

Thrush symptoms have not changed

Started to get better?

Thrush symptoms are improving

Did you start treatment for thrush more than 4 days ago?

Yes

Thrush treatment for more than 4 days

Do you think that a medicine could be causing the mouth problem?

Think about whether the problem started soon after you began using a new medicine or a higher dose of a medicine.

Yes

Medicine may be causing mouth problem

Are your lips or the inside of your mouth burning, tingling, or numb?

Yes

Burning, tingling, or numbness of mouth or lips

Do you have burning, tingling, or numbness all the time?

Yes

Burning, tingling, or numbness of mouth or lips is constant

Has the burning, tingling, or numbness lasted for more than 3 days?

Yes

Burning, tingling, or numbness for more than 3 days

Does your breath have a fruity odor?

Have you had a metallic taste in your mouth for more than 3 days?

Yes

Metallic taste for more than 3 days

Are dentures or any other type of dental device (like a crown or filling, for instance) causing pain or discomfort?

Yes

Discomfort from dentures or other dental appliance

Are the dentures or other dental appliance broken?

Yes

Broken dentures or dental appliance

Do you think your mouth problem may be caused by grinding your teeth?

Yes

Problem caused by grinding teeth

Have you had mouth problems for more than 2 weeks?

Yes

Mouth problems for more than 2 weeks

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

You can get dehydrated when you lose a lot of fluids because of problems like vomiting or fever.

Symptoms of dehydration can range from mild to severe. For example:

You may feel tired and edgy (mild dehydration), or you may feel weak, not alert, and not able to think clearly (severe dehydration).
You may pass less urine than usual (mild dehydration), or you may not be passing urine at all (severe dehydration).

Severe dehydration means:

Your mouth and eyes may be extremely dry.
You may pass little or no urine for 12 or more hours.
You may not feel alert or be able to think clearly.
You may be too weak or dizzy to stand.
You may pass out.

Moderate dehydration means:

You may be a lot more thirsty than usual.
Your mouth and eyes may be drier than usual.
You may pass little or no urine for 8 or more hours.
You may feel dizzy when you stand or sit up.

Mild dehydration means:

You may be more thirsty than usual.
You may pass less urine than usual.

Severe dehydration means:

The baby may be very sleepy and hard to wake up.
The baby may have a very dry mouth and very dry eyes (no tears).
The baby may have no wet diapers in 12 or more hours.

Moderate dehydration means:

The baby may have no wet diapers in 6 hours.
The baby may have a dry mouth and dry eyes (fewer tears than usual).

Mild dehydration means:

The baby may pass a little less urine than usual.

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause mouth problems. A few examples are:

Antibiotics.
Some seizure medicines.
Medicines used to treat cancer (chemotherapy).
Steroid medicines.
Medicines used after organ transplant.

Symptoms of difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe. For example:

You may feel a little out of breath but still be able to talk (mild difficulty breathing), or you may be so out of breath that you cannot talk at all (severe difficulty breathing).
It may be getting hard to breathe with activity (mild difficulty breathing), or you may have to work very hard to breathe even when you’re at rest (severe difficulty breathing).

Severe trouble breathing means:

You cannot talk at all.
You have to work very hard to breathe.
You feel like you can’t get enough air.
You do not feel alert or cannot think clearly.

Moderate trouble breathing means:

It’s hard to talk in full sentences.
It’s hard to breathe with activity.

Mild trouble breathing means:

You feel a little out of breath but can still talk.
It’s becoming hard to breathe with activity.

Severe trouble breathing means:

The child cannot eat or talk because he or she is breathing so hard.
The child’s nostrils are flaring and the belly is moving in and out with every breath.
The child seems to be tiring out.
The child seems very sleepy or confused.

Moderate trouble breathing means:

The child is breathing a lot faster than usual.
The child has to take breaks from eating or talking to breathe.
The nostrils flare or the belly moves in and out at times when the child breathes.

Mild trouble breathing means:

The child is breathing a little faster than usual.
The child seems a little out of breath but can still eat or talk.

Symptoms of a stroke may include:

Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
Sudden vision changes.
Sudden trouble speaking.
Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
Sudden problems with walking or balance.
A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

Babies can quickly get dehydrated when they lose fluids because of problems like vomiting or fever.

Symptoms of dehydration can range from mild to severe. For example:

The baby may be fussy or cranky (mild dehydration), or the baby may be very sleepy and hard to wake up (severe dehydration).
The baby may have a little less urine than usual (mild dehydration), or the baby may not be urinating at all (severe dehydration).

Pain in adults and older children

Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it’s severe when it’s there.
Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Pain in children under 3 years

It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in.

Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or grimace.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The baby is very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds when you try to comfort him or her.
Mild pain (1 to 4): The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds when you try to comfort him or her.

Symptoms of infection may include:

Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.
Red streaks leading from the area.
Pus draining from the area.
A fever.

To do home treatment for a black or coated tongue:

Brush your tongue daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste or a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water.
Scrape the tongue with the edge of a spoon to remove the furry coating.
Do not use tobacco.

Bismuth products, such as Pepto-Bismol, can turn your tongue black. The black color will go away after you stop taking the medicine.

Sudden drooling and trouble swallowing can be signs of a serious problem called epiglottitis. This problem can happen at any age.

The epiglottis is a flap of tissue at the back of the throat that you can’t see when you look in the mouth. When you swallow, it closes to keep food and fluids out of the tube (trachea) that leads to the lungs. If the epiglottis becomes inflamed or infected, it can swell and quickly block the airway. This makes it very hard to breathe.

The symptoms start suddenly. A person with epiglottitis is likely to seem very sick, have a fever, drool, and have trouble breathing, swallowing, and making sounds. In the case of a child, you may notice the child trying to sit up and lean forward with his or her jaw forward, because it’s easier to breathe in this position.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may include:

The sudden appearance of raised, red areas (hives) all over the body.
Rapid swelling of the throat, mouth, or tongue.
Trouble breathing.
Passing out (losing consciousness). Or you may feel very lightheaded or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless.

A severe reaction can be life-threatening. If you have had a bad allergic reaction to a substance before and are exposed to it again, treat any symptoms as an emergency. Even if the symptoms are mild at first, they may quickly become very severe.

Symptoms of a heart attack may include:

Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
Sweating.
Shortness of breath.
Nausea or vomiting.
Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.
Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
A fast or irregular heartbeat.

For men and women, the most common symptom is chest pain or pressure. But women are somewhat more likely than men to have other symptoms, like shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
Medicines taken after organ transplant.
Not having a spleen.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in children are:

Diseases such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and congenital heart disease.
Steroid medicines, which are used to treat a variety of conditions.
Medicines taken after organ transplant.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
Not having a spleen.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
- You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
- You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

Call your dentist today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
If you cannot reach your dentist or you don’t have one, seek care today.
If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

Make an appointment to see your dentist in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your dentist. You may need care sooner.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength (325 mg) or 2 to 4 low-dose (81 mg) aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.

Sore Throat and Other Throat Problems

Mouth and Dental Injuries

Toothache and Gum Problems

Tongue problems: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

The tongue is mainly made up of muscles. It is covered with a mucous membrane. Small bumps (papillae) cover the surface of back part of the tongue.

Between the papillae are the taste buds, which allow you to taste.
The tongue moves food to help you chew and swallow.
The tongue also helps you form words.

There are many different reasons for changes in the tongue’s function and appearance.

PROBLEMS MOVING THE TONGUE

Tongue movement problems are most often caused by nerve damage. Rarely, problems moving the tongue may also be caused by a disorder where the band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short. This is called ankyloglossia.

Tongue movement problems may lead to:

Breastfeeding problems in newborns
Difficulty moving food during chewing and swallowing
Speech problems

TASTE PROBLEMS

Taste problems can be caused by:

Damage to the taste buds
Nerve problems
Side effects of some medicines
An infection, or other condition

The tongue normally senses sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes. Other “tastes” are actually a function of the sense of smell.

INCREASED SIZE OF THE TONGUE

Tongue swelling occurs with:

The tongue may get wider in people who have no teeth and do not wear dentures.

Sudden swelling of the tongue can happen due to an allergic reaction or a side effect of medicines.

COLOR CHANGES

Color changes may occur when the tongue becomes inflamed (glossitis). Papillae (bumps on the tongue) are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth. Geographic tongue is a patchy form of glossitis where the location of inflammation and the appearance of the tongue change from day to day.

HAIRY TONGUE

Hairy tongue is a condition in which the tongue looks hairy or furry. It can sometimes be treated with antifungal medicine.

BLACK TONGUE

Sometimes the upper surface of the tongue turns black or brown in color. This is an unsightly condition but it is not harmful.

PAIN IN THE TONGUE

Pain may occur with glossitis and geographic tongue. Tongue pain may also occur with:

After menopause, some women have a sudden feeling that their tongue has been burned. This is called burning tongue syndrome or idiopathic glossopyrosis. There is no specific treatment for burning tongue syndrome, but capsaicin (the ingredient that makes peppers spicy) can offer relief to some people.

90,000 symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment

Glossitis is an inflammatory disease of the tongue, which can act as an independent pathology or be a symptom of other diseases of internal organs. Sometimes a change in the shape or color of the tongue may be the only sign that signals a malfunction in the body. Therefore, it is important not to ignore painful changes in the oral cavity.

Self-medication can lead to a chronic course of glossitis, which is characterized by severe growths and the appearance of ulcers.Seeing a doctor will help you make the correct diagnosis and cope with the disease in a short time.

Why does the disease occur

The culprits of inflammation on the mucous membrane of the tongue are pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria) that the local immune system cannot cope with. Most often, the herpes virus leads to glossitis. For many years after infection, it can be in a latent (dormant) state, and not bother a person in any way. But with a decrease in immunity, it is activated and begins to multiply.

Other possible reasons:

thermal or chemical burns;
allergic reaction to toothpaste,
the use of drinks scalding the tongue;
Frequent mechanical trauma on the edges of decayed teeth or sharp edges of fillings, biting the tongue;
abuse of spicy foods;
Excessive enthusiasm for mouth fresheners, rinses with an aggressive composition.

At risk are people over 50, smokers, lovers of caramel and candy. The oral cavity is an ideal place for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, therefore, neglect of hygiene and chronic dental pathologies also cause inflammation in the tongue area.

In most cases, glossitis acts as a symptom of disorders of the digestive system, dysbiosis and autoimmune diseases.

Classification of glossitis and their characteristics

According to external manifestations, 3 groups are distinguished:

The inflammatory process affects only the surface layers of the tongue. It is characterized by redness, swelling and plaque formation. The main reason is a fungal disease of the oral cavity (candidiasis) or a burn of a muscle organ. In rare cases, catarrhal glossitis is a consequence of advanced stomatitis or vitamin deficiency.

The most severe form.The pathological process spreads inward, causing painful sensations, severe edema. Wounds with purulent contents are formed on the surface of the tongue. The disease is accompanied by high fever, intoxication. Treatment by a specialist is mandatory.

With this appearance, multiple ulcers form on the surface of the tongue, which can bleed. The person experiences severe pain, which leads to a decrease in appetite. Possible speech disorders due to edema and hypertrophy. The provoking factors are inflammatory diseases of the gums and oral cavity.

Also, such a form of glossitis as folded is distinguished. This is a congenital ailment, the clinical manifestations of which are folds on the surface of the tongue. Treatment is not required as this form does not cause pain or discomfort. In some cases, aesthetic correction is possible.

As a secondary disease, glossitis can be a sign of various diseases of the internal organs. In this regard, the following forms are distinguished:

Desquamative or “geographic tongue” – outwardly, the surface of the tongue with this shape looks like a geographic map, that is, there are lines, furrows, bright red spots.It occurs in pregnant women due to changes in hormonal levels, also in people suffering from chronic gastrointestinal pathologies. Desquamative language is often a symptom of parasitic diseases or liver dysfunctions.
Villous – the main symptom is the proliferation of filamentous papillae on the surface of the muscular organ. Subsequently, they become like villi. This form occurs with candidiasis or frequent trauma to the tongue. Taking certain medications and smoking can also cause villous glossitis.
Gunter’s is a sign of B12-deficiency and folate deficiency anemia. The surface of the tongue is smoothed and looks shiny. The color is bright red, the papillae atrophy.
Rhomboid (median) – characterized by thickening of the epithelium with the formation of rhomboid pathological areas. Has a chronic course. People with gastritis or low acidity in the stomach suffer from this form. Allocate flat, tuberous and verrucous glossitis.

The most dangerous form is considered interstitial, as it acts as a precancerous condition. Without treatment, the cells of the tongue affected by glossitis become malignant, which leads to oncological formation. Also, such glossitis is a characteristic symptom of syphilis.

Main manifestations of pathology

Symptoms vary. The severity and nature of the course of the disease depends on the form of glossitis and the cause. Typical manifestations:

discomfort or pain when talking, eating;
tongue discoloration – from pale pink to brown;
edema, changes in the size and shape of the organ;
ulcerative lesions, sometimes with purulent contents;
bleeding wounds;
the appearance of a plaque;
Smoothing the taste buds, which makes the surface of the tongue smooth.

Temperature rise does not always occur. At the initial stage, a person feels only pathological changes on the surface of the tongue, in general health, changes occur only as a result of the development of intoxication.

With a complicated course, without the necessary treatment, the pathology manifests itself:

increased salivation;
bad breath, even with oral hygiene;
Difficulty swallowing;

90,013 speech disorders due to swelling and deformation of the tongue;

change in taste or its complete absence;
burning sensation.

With the villous form, there are no unpleasant painful sensations. But the main symptom is the formation of the so-called “hairy tongue”. On the surface of the organ, dark, dense growths of a dark color appear, similar to villi. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor after examination and examination.

Drug treatment

Usually the diagnosis is made by visual examination. To clarify the causative agent of inflammation, a scraping from the surface of the tongue is prescribed for further laboratory research.Also, the patient is referred for consultation to narrow specialists – a gastroenterologist, immunologist, endocrinologist or hematologist. If glossitis acts as a symptom of the pathology of internal organs, then therapy will be aimed at the underlying disease.

Treatment is complex. Local methods include:

Treatment of affected areas with antiseptic solutions.
Use of anti-inflammatory ointments with wound healing effect.
Rinsing with decoctions of herbs in agreement with the doctor.

To increase the body’s immune forces, vitamin therapy is carried out. For severe pain, analgesics are prescribed. With a purulent form, it is recommended to take antibacterial drugs. But such treatment is prescribed only after identifying the exact cause of the disease. After the removal of the acute period, if necessary, the oral cavity is sanitized.

The prognosis is good, but only when you see a doctor.Self-medication leads to an aggravation of the disease. Frequent complications of glossitis are abscesses, phlegmon and oncological formations. These conditions require surgery.

As a preventive measure, it is recommended to visit a dentist regularly, treat chronic diseases of internal organs, and carefully monitor oral hygiene.

Desquamative glossitis → causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Desquamative glossitis is a dental disease characterized by lesions of the mucous membrane of the tongue with the formation of smooth, red spots with a white outline, which can mutate and migrate. In the foci of the development of the pathological process, peeling and detachment of the epithelium (desquamation) occurs. Due to the characteristic pattern, the drawing in the language becomes similar to a map of the hemispheres, therefore desquamative glossitis is also called a geographical language.

Doctors of the clinic Dentistry 32 successfully diagnose and treat desquamative glossitis. By contacting us, you can be sure of the quality of the services received. To prevent the progression of the disease and get advice from a qualified specialist – make an appointment right now!

Classification of desquamative glossitis

Depending on the clinical manifestations desquamative glossitis is divided into the following forms:

Superficial – foci of the pathological process look like smooth stripes or spots, which are surrounded by healthy tissues.
Hyperplastic – as a result of hypertrophy of filiform papillae, the lesions are denser with a coating of white, gray, yellow silt.
Lichenoid – characterized by an increase in the mushroom papillae of the tongue and the migration of desquamation foci.

Depending on the causes of the onset, the disease is:

primary;
secondary.

The prevalence distinguishes between single and multiple desquamative glossitis.

Causes of occurrence

The reasons for the development of the disease have not been studied. It is assumed that the development of the disease is facilitated by a violation of the trophism of the mucous membrane. In this case, the primary form of the disease can develop independently, the secondary most often develops against the background of various diseases.

Diseases that can provoke the development of desquamative glossitis:

traumatic injuries of the mucous membrane of the tongue, thermal and chemical burns;
Teething in children;
chronic inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract;
metabolic disorders;
deficiency of vitamins, in particular B vitamins;
acute nasopharyngeal infections;
systemic pathologies;
drug intoxication, in particular long-term uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs;
dysbiosis;
helminthic infestations;
hereditary predisposition to the disease.

Desquamative glossitis symptoms

At the beginning of the development of the disease, fates with a whitish-gray bloom appear on the surface of the tongue, which peels off, revealing smooth spots of a bright red color that stands out against the background of the epithelium. Subsequently, the de-epithelialization process takes place along the periphery of the spot, which rapidly increases in size. In most cases, the disease is asymptomatic and is detected by chance on examination by a dentist or ENT, however, in some cases, the patient may be disturbed by discomfort and pain when eating, a violation of taste or problems with diction, as well as an unnatural appearance of the tongue.

It is important to remember that the clinical picture of the disease can change daily, so you should not postpone your visit to the dentist and, if you have symptoms, immediately contact a qualified specialist.

How is desquamative glossitis diagnosed and treated in the Dentistry 32 clinic?

The diagnosis of desquamative glossitis is established by a dentist on the basis of visual examination, examination of regional lymph nodes, laboratory and biochemical studies.

Differential diagnosis is carried out with lichen planus, leukoplakia, plaques in secondary syphilis, hypovitaminosis of B vitamins, allergic stomatitis, oral candidiasis.

In some cases, the dentist recommends consulting a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, allergist, dermatologist and other specialists.

Treatment of desquamative glossitis includes general and local measures, and will be strictly individual for each patient.

Prevention of desquamative glossitis

Preventive measures include:

observance of oral hygiene;
Regular dental consultations.

If you notice the symptoms of desquamative glossitis , do not postpone your visit to the dentist – make an appointment with the doctor right now.

Testimonials of patients of the clinic Dentistry 32:

Natalya
A friend advised me to go to the clinic Dentistry 32. I liked the clinic. The doctor I turned to told in detail what kind of disease it was and outlined a treatment and care regimen for the oral cavity, which helped me get rid of this unpleasant disease.

Roman Viktorovich
Nice clinic, polite and really qualified staff. The prescribed treatment helped. After visiting the clinic, only pleasant impressions remained. Now, if necessary, I will only apply here.

90,000 Stomatitis and other inflammations of the oral mucosa in adults

What is stomatitis and other lesions of the oral mucosa?
Oral irritation and lesions are swelling, rash, or sores in the mouth, lips or tongue. Although there are different types of oral lesions and diseases, some of the most common are stomatitis, herpes, leukoplakia, and candidiasis (thrush).

What is inflammation of the oral mucosa and other lesions?
Oral irritation and lesions are swelling, rash, or sores in the mouth, lips or tongue. Although there are different types of oral lesions and diseases, some of the most common are stomatitis, herpes, leukoplakia, and candidiasis (thrush). We will talk about them below. If you have oral lesions, you are not alone – about a third of all people experience the same problem. However, oral lesions, inflammation of the mucous membranes and wounds on it can be painful, unpleasant to look at and interfere with eating and speaking normally. Any lesion of the oral mucosa that persists for a week or longer should be shown to a dentist.You may be advised to have a biopsy (taking tissue for research), which can usually determine the cause of the disease and rule out the possibility of serious diseases such as cancer and HIV.

How do I know if I have stomatitis or other lesions of the oral mucosa?
The following symptoms may indicate stomatitis and other lesions of the oral mucosa:

Stomatitis – Small white sores surrounded by redness. Although stomatitis is not contagious, it is often confused with rashes that are caused by the herpes virus. It should be remembered that stomatitis manifests itself inside the mouth, and herpetic eruptions usually appear on the outside. Stomatitis may recur from time to time. It can be mild (small rashes), severe (large rashes), or herpes-like (clusters or clusters of numerous rashes).
Stomatitis is a common disease that often recurs.Although the exact cause is unknown, dentists believe it may be due to a weakened immune system, exposure to bacteria or viruses. In addition, factors such as stress, injury, allergies, cigarette smoking, iron deficiency or vitamin deficiency, and heredity can play a role.
Rash, also called lip fever or herpes simplex , are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters located around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin.Cold sores are usually caused by a type of herpes virus and are highly contagious. Often, herpes infection occurs in childhood, sometimes it is asymptomatic and can be confused with a cold or flu. After infection, the virus remains in the body, repeating attacks from time to time. However, in some people, this virus is inactive.
Leukoplakia appears as thickened, whitish plaques on the inside of the cheeks, gums, or tongue.It is often associated with smoking and smokeless tobacco use, although it can also be caused by poorly fitted dentures, broken teeth, and chewing on one side of the jaw. Since an estimated 5% of leukoplakia cases progress to cancer *, your dentist may perform a biopsy. Leukoplakia often heals after quitting tobacco.
Candidiasis (oral thrush) is a fungal infection caused by the fungus candida albicans. The symptom of the disease is creamy, yellowish-white or red plaques on the mucous membrane of the mouth.The plaque can be painful. Thrush is most common in people who develop dry mouth for various reasons, or who are undergoing or have recently received antibiotic treatment. The risk group includes people wearing dentures, newborns, patients weakened by diseases, as well as those with a weakened immune system.

How is inflammation of the oral mucosa and other lesions treated?
Treatment depends on the type of disease. Most of the typical disorders and lesions of the oral mucosa described above are treated as follows:

Stomatitis – Stomatitis usually resolves in 7-10 days, although recurrences of the disease are possible.Over-the-counter ointments and pain relievers can provide temporary relief. Gargling with an antibacterial mouthwash can reduce inflammation and pain. In some severe and persistent cases, doctors prescribe antibiotics to suppress the bacteria that cause the disease. In any case, if signs of stomatitis appear, immediately contact your dentist in order to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and begin the correct treatment.
Herpetic rash – If a characteristic herpetic rash develops, see your dentist immediately.The blisters usually heal in about a week. Since herpes infections cannot be completely cured, rashes can reappear during nervous shocks, sun exposure, allergies or the flu. Over-the-counter local anesthetics may provide temporary relief. Prescription antiviral medications can help treat these types of viral infections.
Leukoplakia – A doctor’s consultation is mandatory. The main treatment is aimed at combating the factors that cause leukoplakia.For some patients, this means quitting tobacco. For others, this means replacing dentures with ones that are more fitting to the jaws. Your dentist will monitor your condition, examining you at intervals of 3-6 months, depending on the type, location and size of the lesions.
Candidiasis – Serious disease requiring diagnosis and consultation with a dentist.
Prevention of fungal infection consists in avoiding situations leading to disease.
The main cause of illness is often antibiotic therapy or oral contraceptives. In these cases, lowering the dose or changing the drug can help to avoid the development of the disease.
To avoid any trouble with dentures, they need to be cleaned. You should also remove your dentures at night.
Saliva substitutes can help with dry mouth.
In some cases, after examination by a dentist, it becomes necessary to prescribe antifungal drugs that suppress the vital activity of the fungi that caused the disease.
Careful oral hygiene is mandatory.


Cold sores	Stomatitis

* Complete Dental Care Guide. – Jeffrey F. Taintor, DDS, MS, and Mary Jane Taintor, 1997.

Aphthous stomatitis – forms of the disease, causes, prevention and treatment

Co-author, editor and medical expert – Dmitry Dmitrievich Volosov.

Number of views: 170 748

Last update date: 08/27/2021

Average reading time: 8 minutes

Content:

Forms of the disease
Causes of the disease
Prevention of the disease
Treatment of aphthous stomatitis
Gel METROGIL DENTA ^® for the treatment of aphthous stomatitis

Aphthous stomatitis is one of the most frequent inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, which, according to various sources, affects 10 to 40% of children and adults of different ages.A characteristic feature of this form of stomatitis is the presence of aphtha – ulcerative defects on the mucous membrane. These painful, gradually healing wounds can occur anywhere in the mouth. Ulcers can be single or multiple.

Forms of the disease

Acute aphthous stomatitis.

Inflammation of the oral mucosa, in which its surface layer suffers and tissue erosion is formed. The appearance of aphthae is accompanied by a burning sensation and sharp pain, aggravated by eating, swollen lymph nodes, and in some cases, fever.Aphthous ulcers heal completely in 7-10 days.

Chronic aphthous stomatitis.

With weak general and local immunity, as well as the presence of various systemic diseases, stomatitis can become chronic and manifest itself from time to time.

A characteristic sign of an exacerbation is the formation of ulcers with a white-yellow coating and swelling of the mucous membrane. The disease is sluggish, symptoms periodically appear and disappear.

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Causes of the disease

Oral cavity injuries.

Burns from hot food or drinks and scratches of the mouth with hard food can provoke the disease. Many patients themselves note the connection between trauma and ulceration. Chronic aphthous stomatitis sometimes develops after biting the tissues on the inside of the cheek or damage to the mucous membrane by the sharp edges of the teeth or elements of prostheses.

Allergy.

The occurrence of aphthous stomatitis may be associated with allergies to certain foods. Most often, the disease develops after eating foods made from wheat and other grains that contain a lot of gluten.

Tomatoes, apples, pineapples, citrus fruits, strawberries, figs, chocolate, seafood, cheeses and various spices can also provoke aphthous mouth ulcers.

Genetic predisposition.

The predisposition to the development of the chronic form of the disease can be inherited. In about a third of patients, one or both parents also suffered from aphthous stomatitis.

Lack of vitamins.

Many patients with chronic aphthous stomatitis have a lack of vitamins and minerals due to an unbalanced diet.Deficiency of B vitamins, vitamin C, folic acid, zinc, iron and selenium negatively affects the condition of the oral cavity and creates favorable conditions for the appearance of ulcers.

Systemic somatic diseases.

In patients with aphthous stomatitis, the complex examination often reveals diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and circulatory system, immunodeficiencies. As a rule, after successful treatment of the underlying disease, the signs of aphthous stomatitis completely disappear.

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Prevention of disease

Regular oral hygiene.

Flossing twice a day or after every meal will help remove food debris from the mouth and reduce the number of germs that irritate the mucous membranes and increase the risk of stomatitis. Care must be taken to clean the spaces between the teeth so as not to scratch the gums: this can lead to the appearance of new ulcers.

Replacing toothpaste.

Aphthous stomatitis can occur in people who use sodium lauryl sulfate toothpastes.This foaming ingredient dries out the oral mucosa, which leads to a decrease in local immunity and increases the risk of developing the disease.

Therefore, for daily hygiene it is recommended to use products that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate.

Diet change.

To prevent the disease for people prone to recurrence of aphthous stomatitis, it is recommended to limit the consumption of foods that can irritate the oral mucosa (milk, coffee, cheese, tomatoes, sour fruits, chocolate, etc.).etc.). It is necessary to exclude from the daily menu salty and spicy dishes, which also negatively affect the soft tissues in the oral cavity. To avoid scratching the mucous membrane, be careful when eating hard biscuits, crackers, chips and other tough foods.

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Treatment of aphthous stomatitis

In the absence of timely therapy, aphthous stomatitis can turn into a chronic form. The goals of treatment include reducing pain and discomfort, healing the affected area, and reducing the number and frequency of ulcers.The course usually includes local and general therapy, while the selection of drugs should be carried out only by a doctor. Medicines are prescribed based on the symptoms and severity of the disease.

Local therapy.

First of all, it is necessary to treat the oral cavity and the ulcers themselves with antiseptic and / or antibacterial agents. Various dental ointments, gels, sprays, absorbable tablets with antimicrobial action can also be used.

The basis of treatment is regular rinsing of the mouth with special antiseptic solutions and herbal decoctions (as prescribed by a doctor).As physiotherapy, electro- and phonophoresis, laser therapy can be prescribed.

General therapy.

Depending on the causes and symptoms of the disease, if necessary, antiallergic, antipyretic and other drugs are prescribed to improve the general condition of the patient. If the development of aphthous stomatitis is triggered by a viral infection, antiviral therapy may be prescribed. If the disease is accompanied by neurological disorders, sedatives are indicated.

Power supply correction.

Treatment of aphthous stomatitis involves nutritional correction. It is necessary to follow a special diet in which the consumption of hot, spicy and acidic foods that can irritate the oral mucosa should be limited as much as possible. You should also exclude coarse food so as not to re-injure the healing sores. It is recommended to diversify the diet with foods rich in vitamins C and P, which help accelerate the healing of the mucous membrane.

Immunity maintenance.

Strengthening the body’s defenses is an important step in the treatment of aphthous stomatitis. To maintain immunity, the doctor may prescribe the intake of vitamins (usually, these are complexes with an emphasis on vitamins C and B group), as well as prescribe immunomodulating and immunostimulating drugs.

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Gel METROGIL DENTA

^® for the treatment of aphthous stomatitis

Dental gel METROGIL DENTA ^® not only helps to eliminate the symptoms of aphthous stomatitis, but also fights inflammation, which almost always complicates treatment.The antimicrobial and antiseptic components of the drug (metronidazole and chlorhexidine) destroy pathogenic bacteria that release toxins that make the mucous membrane looser and more vulnerable.

For the treatment of aphthous stomatitis, adults over 18 years old should use METROGIL DENTA ^® gel 2 times a day. The composition is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas of the mucous membrane. After the procedure, you should refrain from eating and drinking for half an hour. For maximum effect, the gel should not be rinsed off.Local treatment of ulcerative stomatitis is carried out on average 7-10 days.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a specialist. In case of symptoms of the disease, consult a specialist.

Metrogyl Denta ^® is contraindicated for use in children under the age of 18.

Where does the child get his “geographical language”?

If a problem arises in the human body, our tongue can signal it.Why does our organ of touch and taste become like a map? Geographic or desquamative glossitis is an inflammatory-dystrophic disease of the actual mucous membrane of the tongue. The reasons for its occurrence have not been finally clarified. This symptom is common in children and causes some concern for parents. When a bright “pattern” of red epithelium with white epithelium borders appears on the mucous membrane of the child’s tongue (areas of desquamation – desquamation of the epithelium), the parents, without hesitation, take the child to the doctor.Usually, children do not express any complaints, and the child’s geographical language is revealed during examination by otorhinolaryngologists or dentists. But it happens that babies are worried about unpleasant sensations – burning, itching, tingling when eating spicy or salty, hot or cold food, during oral hygiene procedures. In the acute period, glossitis can manifest itself with profuse salivation, bad breath, burning sensation of the tongue, sensation of a foreign body in the mouth, difficulty in mobility of the tongue.

What signal does the tongue give us? Most often, this symptom speaks of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, allergies, helminthic invasion, vitamin deficiency (especially a deficiency of B vitamins). This symptom is also associated with diseases of the liver, circulatory system, disorders of the nervous system, weakened immunity, autoimmune, infectious and pancreatic diseases (such as pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, tumor neoplasms), malabsorption syndrome (impaired absorption of food in the small intestine), dysbiosis.There are supporters of the point of view of a hereditary predisposition to the disease, since often members of the same family have signs of this disease.

If a child has desquamative glossitis, the doctor conducts diagnostics in order to identify the cause of the inflammatory process and treat the underlying disease. Laboratory tests are carried out (complete blood count, urine analysis, biochemical blood test, feces tests for helminth eggs). And if there is information about diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, additional examination methods are prescribed.It is also recommended to exclude from the child’s diet food that can lead to irritation of the tongue: hot, salty and spicy foods, rough food, and after eating, rinse the mouth.

If the child’s geographical language is not accompanied by other symptoms and is not caused by diseases of the internal organs, specific treatment is not carried out. Treat the disease that led to this problem.

Measures for the prevention of geographical language are, first of all, timely diagnosis and treatment of somatic (associated with disruption of the functioning of organs and body systems) diseases that could cause this symptom.And also:

prevention of vitamin deficiencies – eating foods containing B vitamins (dairy products, fish, cereals from cereals, whole grain bread, greens), taking multivitamin complexes;
hygiene and sanitation of the oral cavity: a timely visit to a dentist, identification of teeth affected by caries and their treatment – this will eliminate infection of the damaged layers of the mucous membrane of the tongue;
rejection of bad habits (exclusion of alcohol, smoking, excessive consumption of coffee, sugar).

It is recommended to rinse the mouth with anesthetic solutions, but only if there is pain. For quick healing of wounds on the surface of the tongue, wound healing applications are used: with retinol acetate, keratoplastic agents, calcium pantothenate, applications with anesthetics (drugs that reduce sensitivity and itching) – on the surface of the tongue. Also, therapy is used to reduce allergic activity.

An important condition for successful treatment is oral hygiene and personal hygiene – brush your teeth twice a day, rinse your mouth after eating with hygiene products, use dental floss, do not forget to wash your hands before eating, after visiting public places.With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, following the doctor’s recommendations, the child quickly recovers.

Head of the Dental Department of the 15th City Children’s Polyclinic Healthcare Institution

Skorobogataya A.I.

Glossalgia – ProMedicine Ufa

Glossalgia – pain in the area of the tongue without visible changes. It is manifested by a burning sensation, tingling, soreness, tingling in the tongue, a feeling of dry mouth, not associated with food intake and other irritants.Glossalgia is always secondary to the underlying disease (neurosis, gastrointestinal tract diseases, liver, endocrine disorders) or trauma (denture placement, tooth extraction, oral surgery, etc.). Elimination of the cause of glossalgia leads to its disappearance.

Reasons

Tongue trauma is attributed to external causes of glossalgia symptoms. You can get such an injury when eating nuts, chips, crackers. It is quite easy to scratch the surface of the tongue with such products.It can also be burned with hot drinks, strong alcohol.

Many patients with chronic glossalgia notice that symptoms of it appear when they are under stress for a long time, encounter problems at work or in their personal life. Hence, experts conclude that the disease is psychological in nature. Glossalgia is often noted in people diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia.

There are a number of diseases of the human body systems, accompanied by chronic glossalgia.These include:

Gastrointestinal tract infections, eg gastritis;
diabetes mellitus;
hypothyroidism, leading to dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
advanced stages of syphilis. The disease first affects the skin and mucous membranes, then the internal organs. A special form of the disease is neurosyphilis, in which pale treponema affects the components of the human nervous system;
encephalitis of any origin. Distinguish between allergic, infectious, etc.encephalitis. The disease is often associated with tick bites;
ischemic heart disease.

It is known that signs of glossalgia are often observed in people with weakened protective functions of the body. Permanent trauma to the tongue with an improperly sized denture, braces, filling, or a chipped tooth leads to increased symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of glossalgia are rawness, tingling, burning sensation in the tongue and mouth.These signs can be constant or appear intermittently. It is difficult for patients to talk for a long time. Approximately 30% of patients with glossalgia develop dry mouth. These signs are more pronounced with stress or overwork.

Symptoms of glossalgia can appear periodically at crucial moments (public speaking, serious conversation). Interestingly, during a meal, the manifestations of glossalgia decrease or disappear altogether. This can contribute to the development of bulimia or weight gain.

Glossalgia symptoms are most felt at the tip and lateral zones of the tongue. Less commonly, tingling and burning sensation occurs at the root and back of the tongue. In this case, the localization of pain changes, without a permanent lesion focus. Sometimes glossalgias go away without treatment, but then reappear elsewhere.

Most patients have no changes in the oral cavity and tongue. Only some of them have swelling of the tongue, coating with plaque, hypertrophic (enlarged) individual papillae of the tongue.In elderly patients with glossalgia, varicose veins of the tongue appear. In the affected areas, pain sensitivity decreases, dystrophic changes in the salivary glands occur, causing a decrease in their secretion.

Diagnostics

Glossalgia must be differentiated from fungal infections of the oral mucosa – candidiasis and leptotrichosis. There are many similarities in the clinical picture of these diseases: dry mouth, burning sensation, discomfort, taste disturbance. Microbiological analysis of scraping from the tongue helps in making the correct diagnosis: with candidiasis and leptotrichosis, a large amount of candida fungus is sown.

It is important to distinguish true glossalgia from galvanic syndrome of the oral cavity, which occurs in the presence of orthopedic structures made of dissimilar metals. At the same time, patients are worried about a strong burning sensation and a metallic taste.

Treatment

If the treatment of glossalgia is not carried out, then it can progress over months and even years with periodic periods of remission, which after a while will be replaced by exacerbations. Occasionally, glossalgia comes on its own without additional medical intervention.

Initially, after the patient’s visit to the doctor, it is required to organize a complete readjustment of the oral cavity, including prosthetics and treatment of malocclusion.

Pain is relieved by local anesthetic drugs.

First of all, you need to find out what caused the disease. If it is caused by injuries in the oral cavity, then it will be necessary to eliminate the original causes of the injury, that is, replace dentures or tooth fillings, grind sharp edges, etc.

If another pathology has become the reason for the development of glossalgia, then it is important to visit an appropriate specialist for its relief.

In the treatment of glossalgia, various keratoplastic drugs are often used, for example, rosehip oil, as well as medications that increase saliva production when severe dry mouth occurs.

In accordance with the clinical picture of pathology, sometimes during the entire treatment sessions of hypnosis, psychotherapy and physiotherapeutic procedures, such as electrophoresis, electrosleep, iontophoresis and others, can be implemented.

90,000 Geographical language. What is this disease and how to deal with it?

Geographic tongue (benign migratory glossitis) is an inflammatory disorder that manifests itself as lesions on the back and sides of the tongue.

Typically, the affected tongue has a “bald” red area of varying sizes, which is partially surrounded by an irregular white border.

The appearance of the affected part of the tongue is the result of the loss of the finger-shaped projections (papillae) that cover the surface of the tongue.From time to time, similar lesions appear on other parts of the mouth – the palate, cheeks, under the tongue, or on the gums. This is called geographic stomatitis or erythema migrans.

Geographic language can vary in color, shape, and size – hence the name. Manifestations can persist for different time intervals – days, months, and even years. They often disappear completely on their own. But later they may appear again.

What causes geographic language?

The causes of this disease are not fully known.Factors such as emotional stress, bad habits, allergies, diabetes and hormonal imbalances are suggested. A link has been reported between geographic tongue and psoriasis. However, none of these factors were definitively associated with geographic language.

Who has a geographic language?

Geographic language is a fairly common condition. Several reports in the medical literature indicate that geographic language affects women slightly more often than men.This can happen at any age, including childhood. It is estimated that it can occur in 1-2.5% of the population.

Can they get infected?

No, geographic language is not contagious. There is no evidence that the disease is transmitted in any way.

How is geographic language diagnosed?

Based on clinical examination and detailed history.

Are there complications?

Geographic language is a disease that does not pose a threat to general health.

Does geographic language require treatment?

In most cases, there is no need for treatment for this condition.

Apart from the appearance, the geographical language in most cases does not manifest itself in any way. Sometimes it can cause discomfort: burning, tingling of the tongue, most often associated with the use of spicy or acidic foods.

If the discomfort persists, anti-inflammatory drugs (topical corticosteroids such as triamcinolone in toothpaste are applied several times a day as needed) or pain relievers (local analgesics) that are applied directly to the affected area can be used as directed by a doctor.Antiseptics and anesthetics can also be effective.

Some authors report that the use of cyclosporine, topical and systemic antihistamines, and topical retinoids can sometimes be beneficial.

Can geographic language be transformed into cancer?

There are no recorded cases of geographic tongue causing cancer.

Do I need to see a doctor if you suspect a geographic tongue?

Geographic tongue is an uncomfortable condition that does not cause health problems.However, damage to the tongue can be a sign of other serious illnesses.