Q: What is glossitis?

A: Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue. It is characterized by a disappearance of the normal hair-like projections on the upper surface of the tongue. The tongue surface takes on a bald appearance and may have a reddish purple color. The whole tongue may become painful and develop a burning sensation. With a condition called migatory glossitis, patches of the tongue may lose their hair-like projections--called papillae--leaving uneven areas of white or yellow. This condition is sometimes called geographic tongue because of the illusion that the patches are moving. Individuals who suffer from geographic tongue commonly have a fissured tongue. This is a congential condition in which a deep fissure runs along the top surface of the tongue. The fissure is deep enough that food and bacteria can collect in it. An effective treatment for fissured tongue is to keep it clean with a toothbrush or a special tongue brush available at most drug stores. Speak with your dentist if you are having problems or questions about your tongue.

Presented as a service to the community by Peter A. Tzendzalian, DDS