Your tongue helps you taste, swallow, and chew. You also use it to speak. Your tongue is made up of many muscles. The upper surface contains your taste buds.

Problems with the tongue include

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Changes in color or texture
  • Abnormal movement or difficulty moving the tongue
  • Taste problems

These problems can have many different causes. Treatment depends on the underlying problem.

Symptoms of Tongue Disorders

The following features are indicative of Tongue Disorders:
  • smooth, red, irregularly shaped patches on tongue
  • discomfort
  • pain
  • burning sensation
  • frequent changes in the location, size and shape of lesions
It is possible that Tongue Disorders shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Tongue Disorders

The following are the most common causes of Tongue Disorders:
  • changes in the normal bacteria or yeast present in the mouth after antibiotic use
  • poor oral hygiene
  • dry mouth
  • regular use of mouthwashes
  • tobacco use
  • drinking excessive amounts of coffee or black tea
  • excessive alcohol use

Risk Factors for Tongue Disorders

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Tongue Disorders:
  • family history
  • older age
  • being overweight
  • wearing ill-fitting shoes
  • toe injury

Prevention of Tongue Disorders

No, it is not possible to prevent Tongue Disorders.
  • family history

Occurrence of Tongue Disorders

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Tongue Disorders cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Tongue Disorders can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Tongue Disorders can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Tongue Disorders

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Tongue Disorders:
  • Physical exam: To check for signs of infection, tenderness or unusual changes in the tongue's texture or consistency

Doctor for Diagnosis of Tongue Disorders

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Tongue Disorders:
  • Dermatologist

Complications of Tongue Disorders if untreated

Yes, Tongue Disorders causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Tongue Disorders is left untreated:
  • anxiety

Self-care for Tongue Disorders

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Tongue Disorders:
  • Avoid spicy or acidic foods or beverages: To reduce discomfort associated with geographic
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco use: To reduce discomfort associated with geographic

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Tongue Disorders

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Tongue Disorders:
  • Intake vitamin B supplements: Helps managing discomfort or sensitivity

Time for Treatment of Tongue Disorders

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Tongue Disorders to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Tongue Disorders.
Mouth Disorders
Oral Cancer
Speech and Communication Disorders
Taste and Smell Disorders

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