What causes glossitis

The occurrence of glossitis may be related to genetic factors, environmental factors such as diet and oral hygiene, physiological factors such as vitamin deficiency or low immunity, trauma, infectious diseases and other systemic diseases. According to different causes, corresponding treatment measures need to be taken.

1. Genetic factors

Some people may be more susceptible to glossitis due to genetic reasons. For example, "geographic tongue" is often associated with family inheritance, which may cause irregular red spots on the surface of the tongue. For glossitis caused by genetics, it is usually necessary to avoid triggering factors, such as irritating foods or excessive mental stress, and mainly relieve symptoms.

2. Environmental factors

An important external factor of glossitis is eating habits and poor oral hygiene. For example, consuming too much spicy or hot food can irritate the tongue and cause inflammation. Lack of a balanced diet may cause nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of B vitamins or iron, which can also induce glossitis. It is recommended to improve eating habits, consume more foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as green leafy vegetables, eggs, and fish, and pay attention to oral cleaning after meals.

3. Physiological factors

Some problems inside the body may also cause glossitis. For example, vitamin B2 deficiency can cause redness, swelling, and burning sensation on the tongue. Or when the immune system is low, the surface of the tongue is more susceptible to bacterial infection. In this regard, supplementing with vitamins or increasing the intake of high-quality protein, such as milk and nuts, can effectively relieve symptoms.

4. Mechanical or chemical trauma

Trauma to the tongue or frequent contact with sharp objects, such as dental braces or rough tooth surfaces, may cause chronic irritation and lead to tongue inflammation. At the same time, long-term use of certain chemical substances, such as low-quality mouthwashes, can also destroy the tongue's protective mechanism. It is recommended to remove external irritants and, if necessary, adjust the shape of the dental braces or replace with a mild mouthwash.

5. Infectious and systemic diseases

Viral, bacterial or fungal infections, such as herpes and candidal infections, can all cause tongue lesions and inflammation. Furthermore, some systemic diseases such as diabetes or anemia may also be potential causes. For infectious inflammation, antibacterial or antiviral ointments, such as acyclovir or nystatin, can be applied topically. For glossitis caused by systemic diseases, the primary disease needs to be actively treated.

There are many specific causes of glossitis, and measures must be taken to address the root cause to relieve symptoms. If glossitis persists or symptoms are severe, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to obtain a professional diagnosis to identify the cause and initiate treatment. A healthy lifestyle and diet are important safeguards against recurrence of glossitis.