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Tongue Diseases

Top Doctors
Top Doctors editorial
Top Doctors
Created by: Top Doctors editorial

What are Tongue Diseases?

The tongue is one of the most important muscles and organs in the body, although it is also undervalued. Its functions consist of detecting flavors through the taste buds, as well as intervening in chewing, but also in phonation, vocalization and swallowing. In addition, the salivary glands keep the mouth moist. But there are many diseases that can affect the tongue and, in some cases, spread to the rest of the body.


Some of the most common diseases that affect the tongue are:


Macroglossia. It is a process that makes the tongue larger than normal in relation to the rest of the parts of the mouth. It is not a serious pathology but it is annoying, since it prevents the patient from talking, eating or chewing well. It also has an unsightly effect in the mouth. The origin of macroglossia is usually congenital or hereditary, and it frequently occurs in patients with Down syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or hypothyroidism. It usually affects mostly children, so it is important that parents go to the Specialist as soon as possible. In this way, the best treatment can be established early, which will depend on the associated discomfort. In the event that the patient cannot bear the associated discomfort, surgery may be performed to reduce the size of the tongue.


Oral Candidiasis. It is an infection caused by an excess of the candida fungus in the mouth. It is characterized by producing white lesions in some part of the mouth, which are normally the gums or the tongue. Underneath these lesions there is usually a reddened undercoat that can bleed. It is a disease that affects, above all, people with a weak Immune System. Hence, it can affect adults with Chronic Diseases or HIV, after Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy, but also babies, since they have a less developed immune system. It is an infection that can be easily spread, with a simple kiss, for example. That is why it is important that precautions are taken when someone suffers from Candidiasis


Leukoplakia. It is another of the most common tongue diseases, which mainly affects adults. It is characterized by producing white spots in the mouth, in areas such as the tongue and the inner face of the cheeks. Its origin is normally irritative, which can be produced by the teeth themselves, Dental Prosthesis and even alcohol or tobacco. As soon as the source of irritation disappears, the Leukoplakia will disappear


Oral Lichen Planus. It is the most common infectious pathology in the oral mucosa in general (internal part of the cheeks, floor of the mouth and tongue). It is characterized by producing spots (white or red), of different sizes, which may be asymptomatic or produce symptoms, such as itching or rash. It is an inflammatory and chronic disease, so it will appear and disappear periodically. Its main cause is immunological disorders or diseases such as Hepatitis C. Oral Lichen Planus is not contagious but, as in any oral lesion, it is important to go to the Specialist


Ankyloglossia. It is a problem related to the lingual frenulum, which is too short and does not allow proper movement. Its origin is not 100% known but it could be genetic. It is an alteration that is detected in newborns or babies, since children with a short frenulum have problems sucking during breastfeeding. But the problems spread when sticking out the tongue, eating, swallowing or speaking


Geographic Tongue or Benign Migratory Glossitis. It produces red or white spots on the surface of the tongue, as well as cracks, which give the pathology its name, because it resembles a map. The causes can be many but the most common are a vitamin deficiency, Anxiety or Stress, hormonal changes in women, genetic predisposition, etc. Sometimes the symptoms of geographic tongue disappear suddenly but, to help this, you have to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and not consume very hot or spicy foods


Fissured or Scrotal tongue. It is a pathology that is characterized by producing cracks in the upper part of the tongue, which can spread to the sides. It is not a serious or contagious disease, but it can affect aesthetics. Nor does it produce discomfort, normally, except for some inflammation or pain in the tongue, as well as Halitosis


Hairy Black Tongue. It is a disease that causes the tongue to become dark and hairy. Its origin is in an accumulation of dead cells in the taste buds. Despite its unpleasant appearance, it does not usually cause health problems or pain. It is something temporary that is solved with a thorough hygiene of the Tongue and Teeth, in addition to restricting tobacco, alcohol, coffee or black tea


Tongue cancer. It is the most important and most serious disease. It can manifest as an ulcer or sore that does not heal after two weeks, or as a nonspecific red or white spot. Early diagnosis is essential, so it is very important to go to the Specialist as soon as possible


Prognosis of Tongue Diseases

Any injury to the Tongue should be reviewed and supervised by the Specialist in Dentistry and Stomatology, the General Practitioner or the Otolaryngologist, as it could be a sign of a possible Tongue Cancer or Oral Cancer.


Most tongue diseases are benign and curable, or they can be overcome without problem. Tongue Cancer will be the most serious pathology, so an early diagnosis and timely treatment is essential for the good prognosis of the disease.


Symptoms of Tongue Diseases

Tongue problems or diseases include the following symptoms:

Pain

Change in color or texture of the tongue

Swelling

Difficulty moving the tongue or abnormal movements

Taste disorders

White or red spots or lesions

Ulcers or sores


Medical tests for Tongue Diseases

In the event of any injury to the tongue or the knock, it is important to go to the specialist. In the consultation, the most indicated treatment will be determined, previously carrying out a sample of the lesion (Biopsy) if necessary, or medication will be prescribed directly.


What are the causes of Tongue Diseases?

The causes of Tongue Diseases can be infectious, irritative or genetic, basically. There are characteristics that make the patient more prone to suffer some of these disorders, or to develop in a specific way.


Can they be prevented?

There are a series of basic and simple tips to maintain proper tongue health. First of all it is necessary that the tongue is clean, brushing it well after brushing the teeth. This will help remove possible bacteria and dead cells. This cleaning of the tongue can be done with the brush or with special scrapers.


There are also other tips for maintaining Tongue Health. In this sense, it is important to eliminate all those factors that may be irritating, such as broken teeth, crowns or poorly fitted dental prostheses. Tobacco and the abuse of coffee and alcohol should also be eliminated. The diet must be balanced, and rich in fruit and vegetables, to avoid vitamin deficiencies that can affect the tongue.


Treatments for Tongue Diseases

Treatment will depend on the cause of each Tongue Disease. While some will need medical or dental treatment, others will heal on their own.


In the case of Oral Candidiasis, for example, it is usual for the Specialist to prescribe an oral antifungal and for the patient to perform several rinses a day.


In Ankyloglossia, the Specialist must evaluate the possible discomfort caused by the patient having a short lingual frenulum. If they are not bearable, a surgical intervention may be recommended.


What Specialist treats it?

Any injury to the tongue should be reviewed and supervised by the Specialist in Dentistry and Stomatology, the General Practitioner or the Otolaryngologist, who are the three Specialists who will be able to best address any oral injury.