What happens to the mucous membrane of the tongue
The surface of the tongue is covered with small filiform papillae, which give it a velvety appearance. With desquamative glossitis, these papillae temporarily disappear in certain areas, the mucous membrane becomes smooth and appears redder because the vessels are visible. Along the edge of the lesion, the cells, on the contrary, grow, forming a light ridge. The area gradually heals, and a new one appears nearby - that’s why the pattern looks migrating. The tissue is not destroyed, no scars remain, and the papillae are completely restored.
- Temporary loss of filiform papillae
- Red smooth areas with a light rim
- The pattern changes within days
- Healing without scars
- Often combined with a folded tongue
Reasons and what is associated with it
The exact reason is unknown. A family predisposition has been noted, as well as a connection with psoriasis: some people with geographic tongue have skin manifestations, and mucosal changes are considered a variant. More often than usual, the condition occurs with allergic diseases, in people with a folded tongue, with deficiency of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. Exacerbations often coincide with stress, hormonal changes, and taking certain medications. Diet and hygiene are not a direct cause, although spicy and sour foods increase the burning sensation.
- Hereditary predisposition
- Psoriasis and other skin diseases
- Allergic conditions, bronchial asthma
- Folded tongue
- Deficiency of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12
- Stress and hormonal changes
Symptoms and course
For most people, the only sign is the pattern on the tongue itself, discovered by chance or noticed by the dentist. Some patients complain of burning and tingling, which are aggravated by spicy, sour, hot, salty foods, carbonated drinks and some toothpastes. Unpleasant sensations appear and then disappear for a long time. Periods of exacerbation are replaced by complete external well-being. Children experience the condition in the same way as adults and usually do not experience pain; Parents are more likely to experience anxiety.
- Red spots with a white rim on the back and sides of the tongue
- Changing the pattern within a few days
- Burning sensation from spicy, sour and hot foods
- Periods of complete disappearance of manifestations
- No fever or general complaints
When is an examination needed?
The diagnosis is made upon examination: the migrating nature of the lesions is quite characteristic. An examination is needed when the picture is atypical. The white coating, which is removed with a spatula, makes you think about candidiasis; a persistent white spot that does not migrate for weeks is a sign of leukoplakia and requires attention; painful ulcers - about aphthous stomatitis or other causes. If the burning sensation is severe, the doctor checks the level of iron and vitamins, and also examines teeth and dentures that can injure the tongue.
- Oral examination by a dentist
- Scraping for fungi for suspected candidiasis
- Complete blood count, ferritin, vitamin B12
- Evaluation of sharp edges of teeth and dentures
- Biopsy for persistent white or ulcerative lesion
What to do and whether it is necessary to treat
There is no need to treat the drawing itself: it does not become complicated and does not turn into a tumor. The goal is to reduce the burning sensation and remove provoking factors. Avoiding spicy, sour and very hot foods during an exacerbation, choosing a soft toothpaste without strong fragrances, quitting smoking and strong alcohol, regular hygiene and caries treatment help. In case of severe discomfort, the doctor may prescribe local painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, and in case of confirmed deficiency, iron or vitamin supplements. You cannot scrape plaque off your tongue yourself.
- A gentle diet during the burning period
- Gentle toothpaste without harsh additives
- Quitting smoking and strong drinks
- Treatment of caries and correction of dentures
- Local remedies prescribed by the dentist
- Replenishment of confirmed iron and vitamin deficiencies
- Observation without attempts to remove plaque