DENTAL MATTERS
Postmenopausal individuals can also experience tongue burning. Exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke might also cause it. If your tongue is burning, consult a physician to identify the root cause and the best course of action.
The tongue is a muscle-based organ that extends back into the pharynx and rests against the floor of the mouth.
Humans and many other animals use the tongue as an organ to aid in the chewing and swallowing of food. Your ability to talk also depends on how your tongue moves in relation to your palate and teeth.
Many tongue-related issues are frequently not significant. Yet, there are situations when your symptoms could be the result of a serious illness that needs to be treated. Good oral hygiene can help you avoid numerous tongue issues.
Symptoms
The symptoms of tongue problems include:
- A partial or total loss of taste or changes in your capacity to taste sour, salty, bitter, or sweet sensations are examples of possible tongue-related symptoms.
- Having trouble moving your tongue
- Swelling of the tongue;
- Change in the colour of your tongue or patches of colour that are white, bright pink, black, or brown;
- Pain that may be present throughout or only in certain areas;
- A change in the size of your tongue, such as with swelling;
- A burning sensation that may be present throughout or only in certain areas of your tongue; and
- A furry or hairy appearance of the tongue.
Causes
Your doctor will be able to determine the root of your tongue issue using the precise symptoms you are now experiencing. These factors could be:
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)
Burning may occur on the tongue or in other parts of the mouth due to this persistent illness. Furthermore, oral dryness and a shift in flavour perception to a bitter or metallic taste may be related to it.
Typically, a clinician would only diagnose BMS after ruling out other possibilities. Postmenopausal individuals can also experience tongue burning. Exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke might also cause it. If your tongue is burning, consult a physician to identify the root cause and the best course of action.
Macroglossia
When your tongue is larger than it should be, you have macroglossia.
Although inheriting the ailment without an underlying reason is uncommon, you can either be born with it or develop it later in life.
Other causes of tongue swelling
Acromegaly, which is an overproduction of growth hormone (GH), or amyloidosis, which is an abnormal overproduction of the protein amyloid, can both cause a large tongue.
Myxedema, a severe hypothyroid condition
Rhabdomyoma, an uncommon tumour that can develop in the aerodigestive tract, base of the tongue and floor of mouth.
The most frequent cause of a sudden swelling of the tongue is an allergic reaction. Angioedema on the tongue or breathing issues may develop from this. A medical emergency is when breathing becomes difficult because of tongue swelling. Make sure to see a doctor if it happens.
Atrophic glossitis
When the tongue has atrophic glossitis, some or all of its papillae are lost, smoothing down the normally rough surface.
As a result, you can have difficulty tasting food if you have this illness. You might also feel discomfort, burning, and numbness in the tongue.
Herpes stomatitis
Oral herpes, cold sores, and fever blisters are other names for herpes stomatitis. HSV-1, the type 1 herpes simplex virus, is typically the culprit.
On the lips, gums, throat, and tongue, cold sores can develop. Oral herpes sores can occasionally be accompanied by other symptoms such as a sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, nausea, and other aches and pains.
HSV-1 is predominantly responsible for tongue herpes, however, unprotected sex can also transmit HSV-2. An uncomfortable or itchy spot that may be red and swollen will be the first sign of an issue.
It will appear either white or yellow after the sore forms.
How are tongue problems diagnosed?