Shingles, Symptoms, Treatment and Complications

Red spot tongue is a problem that occurs when small bumps on the tongue become red. This condition can be caused by various conditions, ranging from allergies to oral cancer. By knowing the cause of red spots on the tongue, various preventive steps can be taken

The tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth that allows humans to taste and swallow food and speak. The taste buds are covered by a pink membrane (mucosa) and small bumps (papillae) which make the texture of the tongue rough.

Failing to maintain tongue hygiene or living an unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking and consuming excessive alcoholic drinks, can trigger problems with the tongue, including red spots on the tongue.

Various Causes of Red Spots on the Tongue

As previously mentioned, red spots on the tongue can be caused by various things, ranging from allergies, scarlet fever, to oral cancer. The following is an explanation of the conditions that can cause red spots on the tongue:

1. Food allergies

Red spots on the tongue can be a symptom of food allergies. This condition refers to an erroneous reaction by the immune system that considers the proteins in certain foods, such as milk and dairy products, eggs or nuts, as dangerous.

In addition to red spots on the tongue, food allergies can also cause itchy skin rashes, swollen lips or eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and wheezing.

2. Inflammation of the papillae (papillitis)

On the surface of the tongue there are small bumps (papillae) which function to detect taste and temperature. When the papillae are irritated and inflamed, red spots on the tongue accompanied by pain may occur.

This condition, known as papillitis, is usually caused by injury due to biting the tongue, consuming food or drinks that are too hot, and consuming spicy or sour food.

3. Scarlet fever

The next cause of red spots on the tongue is scarlet fever. This infection is caused by toxins produced by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes).

In addition to red spots on the tongue, scarlet fever can also cause complaints in the form of fever, rashes almost all over the body, as well as swelling of the tonsils and lymph nodes in the neck.

4.Geographic tongue

Geographic tongue is a condition when changes occur on the surface of the tongue due to inflammation. This condition causes the surface of the tongue to be covered in fine red spots with a shape resembling an island on a map.

Not only red spots on the tongue, geographic tongue is also sometimes accompanied by burning pain, especially when brushing your teeth with toothpaste or consuming hot, spicy, salty or sour foods or drinks.

5. Fungal infections (oral candidiasis)

The fungus Candida albicans normally lives in the mouth. However, uncontrolled fungal growth can cause infections on the tongue and white plaque which is sometimes accompanied by red spots on the tongue.

This condition, known as oral candidiasis, can affect anyone. However, babies and the elderly are more susceptible to experiencing red spots on their tongue because their immune system is weaker.

6. Oral cancer

Oral cancer can also cause red spots on the tongue. These complaints can arise if cancer occurs in the cells of the tongue. This cancer is caused by changes or mutations in the cells of the tongue, causing these cells to continue to grow.

There are several factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer, such as smoking, consuming alcoholic drinks, having a family history of oral cancer, and not maintaining oral hygiene and health.

How to Prevent Red Spots on Your Tongue

Red spots on the tongue can be prevented by maintaining a healthy tongue and mouth, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. The following are steps to maintain the cleanliness and health of the tongue:

• Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride.
• Clean your teeth using dental floss after every meal.
• Brush your tongue gently using a tongue scraper.
• Gargle with antiseptic fluid to maximize oral hygiene.
• Do not smoke or consume alcoholic beverages.
• Limit consumption of foods that are too spicy and sour.
• Avoid consuming food or drinks that are too hot.
• Have your teeth and mouth checked by a dentist regularly, at least twice a year

Don't worry if you are experiencing red spots on your tongue because this condition can disappear by itself in a few days. However, red spots on the tongue can be treated when new symptoms appear by consuming cold food or drinks and gargling with salt solution or mouthwash. That way, red spots on the tongue don't last for a long time.

If you have tried several tips to prevent and treat red spots on your tongue above, but the complaints do not improve, even accompanied by changes in the shape or size of the spots, don't delay seeing a doctor.

By carrying out an examination, the doctor can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment for the red spots on your tongue.

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