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Inflammation of the tongue is generally not dangerous and can be caused by a lack of certain nutrients or sores on the tongue. However, inflammation of the tongue can cause swelling and pain, making it difficult for you to eat or talk. To overcome this, there are several easy ways that can be done.

Inflammation of the tongue, also known as glossitis, is a condition when the tongue is swollen and feels painful. Apart from swelling and pain, other symptoms that can appear when the tongue is inflamed are a reddish tongue, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and the surface of the tongue feeling smooth.

Causes of Tongue Inflammation

There are many causes of tongue inflammation, starting from allergies to nutritional deficiencies. The following are various causes of tongue inflammation and their explanations:

Lack of nutrition

Vitamin B12, folic acid and iron are needed in the formation of blood cells. If these three nutrients are not sufficient, blood cell production can be reduced and the blood supply to the tongue can be disrupted. As a result, the tongue lacks oxygen. This is what causes inflammation of the tongue.

Inflammation of the tongue is also at risk for anemia sufferers due to a lack of vitamin B12 and iron. In people with anemia, the number of red blood cells is too few, so the oxygen supply to the tongue can be reduced.

Infections

Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or Fungi can also cause inflammation of the tongue. Inflammation of the tongue due to fungal infections, such as candidiasis, can occur in people who have a weak immune system such as HIV/AIDS. Apart from that, viral infections, such as oral herpes, can also cause inflammation on the tongue.

Allergies

Allergic reactions to food, drugs and substances Other triggers are one of the most common causes of tongue inflammation. This is because these substances can irritate the papillae and muscle tissue of the tongue.

In addition, exposure to chemicals in dental and oral care products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, can also cause inflammation of the tongue.

Autoimmune disorders

Autoimmune diseases or disorders are conditions when the body's immune system attacks normal and healthy body tissue. When the tongue is attacked, this can cause the tongue to appear reddish, swollen, dry, and feel painful or sore.

Some autoimmune diseases that can cause inflammation of the tongue include Sjögren's syndrome, Celiac disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Wounds on the tongue

The tongue is an organ that is prone to injury. Injuries to the sense of taste can occur when the tongue is accidentally bitten while chewing food or scratched by braces. If not treated properly, this wound can cause inflammation of the tongue.

Apart from that, consuming food or drinks that are too hot can also cause burns and inflammation on the tongue.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes in the body can also cause inflammation of the tongue. This generally occurs in pregnant women and women who are experiencing menopause or approaching menopause.

In pregnant women, inflammation of the tongue due to hormonal changes can heal itself after giving birth. Meanwhile, in menopausal women, inflammation of the tongue will usually subside after the body can adapt to hormonal changes during menopause.

Apart from the various causes above, inflammation of the tongue can also occur due to unhealthy habits, such as rarely cleaning your teeth. and tongue, frequent smoking, and frequent consumption of alcoholic drinks.

How to Treat Inflamed Tongue

An inflamed and painful tongue can certainly cause discomfort. To overcome this, there are several things you can do to improve tongue inflammation. Here are several ways to treat inflammation of the tongue:

1. Maintaining oral hygiene

A clean mouth can prevent various dental and oral diseases, including inflammation of the tongue. Maintaining oral hygiene can protect you from various microorganisms that can cause the tongue to become infected and inflamed.

Therefore, regularly brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste 2-3 times a day. Apart from that, brush your tongue gently.

2. Reducing smoking habits and consuming alcoholic drinks

Smoking and consuming alcoholic drinks can irritate the tongue. If left untreated, an irritated tongue can become inflamed. Therefore, you need to reduce your consumption of alcoholic drinks and avoid smoking so that the inflammation of the tongue can subside.

3. Avoid foods that are too spicy or hot

Food that is too spicy can irritate and inflame the tongue. Food or drinks that are too hot can also cause mild burns on the tongue. Therefore, avoid these foods so that inflammation of the tongue can improve.

4. Consuming vitamin B12 and iron

If your inflammation of the tongue is triggered by anemia or a deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid or iron, you can consume foods that contain these nutrients. Some foods that are rich in these nutrients are eggs, milk, fish, meat, chicken, nuts and liver.

If necessary, you can also take vitamin B12, folic acid and iron supplements. . However, consult your doctor first before taking these supplements.

5. Taking medication

To treat inflammation of the tongue due to infectious disease, medication is needed. If inflammation of the tongue is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Inflammation of the tongue caused by a fungal infection will be treated using antifungal drugs.

Meanwhile, inflammation of the tongue due to a viral infection will be treated with antiviral drugs. If necessary, the doctor will also prescribe corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation of the tongue.

If the inflammation of the tongue does not improve even though you have tried various methods to treat it, you need to consult a doctor. Consultation with a doctor is necessary so that the cause of the inflammation of the tongue you are experiencing is known for certain and appropriate treatment is given.

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