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Red smooth tongue,
smooth tongue, or glossitis
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- In this condition, the papillae (tiny, red,
raised areas), which normally cover the surface of the
tongue, shrink or disappear and the tongue (a muscle) wastes away
-- giving the tongue a thin, shiny appearance
(smooth). The tongue may also show patches of redness and
inflammation (swelling, irritation, and
pain).
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- Red patches on the tongue
- Red, swollen, painful tongue
- Sensitivity to spicy foods
- Bad Breath
- There may be ulcers (open sores) on
the tongue or mouth
- Other signs depending on the
underlying cause
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- History of symptoms, medications,
illnesses, allergies, habits, nutritional habits
- Medical exam may reveal abnormality
in tongue or other areas within the mouth and signs of
underlying disease.
- Referral may be made to a dentist or
oral (mouth) surgeon for further evaluation.
- Biopsy or taking a piece of the area
involved may be necessary.
- Blood tests may be done which
include tests for anemia and vitamin levels.
- Cultures (using KOH, a dye that can
pick up candida and other fungi) or scraping the tongue may
reveal an infection
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- Nutritional deficiencies
- Poor areas with inadequate nutrition
such as third world countries
- Smoking
- Chewing tobacco
- Alcohol
- Excessive use of mouth wash, tooth
paste
- Hot foods
- Spicy foods
- Burns
- Dentures
- Poor oral hygiene
- Weakened immune system (natural body defenses) as in AIDS and cancer
- Chemotherapy (cancer-killing drugs)
and other toxic
medications
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- Treat underlying cause (i.e., use
vitamin therapy for particular deficiencies)
- Pain may be treated with anesthetic (numbing) mouth rinses, such as viscous Lidocaine, Benadryl solution, Orabase, and even Sodium bicarbonate.
- Nystatin suspensions can be used as
a rinse for treatment of candidiasis.
- Antifungal (Diflucan) or antibiotic
(penicillin) pills may be necessary if more severe fungi or
bacterial infections are involved.
- Avoid alcohol or tobacco.
- Use mild toothpaste or mouth washes
without alcohol.
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Speak to
your dentist or doctor as soon as convenient. If severe
tongue swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash appear
rapidly (over several minutes or within one hour) call 911.
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