Treatment for Glossitis
The methods of treating glossitis vary depending on the cause. If glossitis stems from a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection, your medical or dental professional may prescribe a medication to alleviate the symptoms and heal the infection. A doctor can recommend a routine plan to treat the symptoms at home for viral or genetic conditions. Otherwise, your dental professional might suggest diet changes and avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco.
Symptoms usually resolve with excellent oral hygiene, which means brushing twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily with floss, water flossers, or another interdental cleaning device. An anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving mouthrinse can also soothe symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe or if you notice a change in color, size, texture, or sensation in your tongue, reach out to your dental professional to set up an examination. They’ll likely examine your tongue and ask you about your medical history to get to the root of the cause so that they can recommend a proper treatment plan.
While an inflamed tongue can be irritating, glossitis is often nothing to worry about. If you think you’re experiencing symptoms, reach out to your dental professional for their suggested at-home care, and take note of any causes that might be the source of your discomfort. Luckily, symptoms should subside with excellent oral care—so you can get back to eating and smiling in no time.