Glossitis is a medical problem that consists of a smooth-looking, swollen tongue which also develops a color change, usually to a very rare dark red coloration. Glossitis is also known as "burning tongue syndrome" or "smooth tongue".

The human tongue consists of muscles and helps an individual swallow, talk, chew and taste. The upper part or surface of a tongue consists of papillae that are tiny bumps that aid in gripping food as a person chews and includes taste buds. This condition involves both short term as well as chronic inflammation of the tongue resulting in the destructions of the papillae. Glossitis might cause not only discomfort as well as interfere with vital everyday activities involving the mouth and tongue. For example it can interfere with chewing, swallowing and speaking and in some cases this condition can also block the airway and therefore interfere with breathing.

Glossitis may happen alone or it may be caused by disorders, diseases as well as conditions that often lea to complications that are serious. Glossitis may be caused from inflammation, infection, trauma, allergy as well as certain disorders such as anemia. For instance glossitis can develop from a yeast infection in the mouth, burns or other injuries of the tongue, ill-fitting dentures or some individuals might just have a susceptibility that is genetic to the condition.

Management of glossitis consists of treating the tongue inflammation and any underlying root of the glossitis. Dependent on the root cause, management might include diet change, better oral hygiene, medications as well as other therapies.

There are several cases of glossitis that can be caused by serious and even some life-threatening conditions or diseases, such as a viral or bacterial, Syphilis or several types of Anemia. It is vital to seek medical care that is prompt if the individual has discomfort or changes in the appearance of the tongue or other tongue and mouth symptoms. Prompt diagnosis as well as treatment may lower the risk of any serious complications such as severe swelling of the tongue that blocks the airway interfering with breathing.

Glossitis Symptoms
Symptoms and signs of glossitis can include: mouth pain or burning that affects entire mouth, oral lesions, mouth ulcer, tongue pain or tingling sensation, redness of the tongue, swelling of the tongue, hairy tongue, tongue sores, change in taste, dry mouth sensation, sore throat, increased thirst, loss of taste.