Taking care of our oral health is important for our overall well-being, and inflammation under the tongue can be a sign that we need to be alert. This symptom, also known as glossitis, can tell us a number of problems in which we will require medical attention. Inflammation under the tongue can cause significant discomfort and affect us in our day to day, so it is important to know its causes and treatment.
Why we have inflammation under the tongue
The salivary glands under our tongue and other glands in our mouths are very important in producing saliva. Inflammation under the tongue may be for the following reasons:
Infections
This problem can arise due to bacterial or viral infections. Among the viral infections we have mentioned are mumps (epidemic mumps). Bacterial infections, on the other hand, are more frequent in the mouth and can cause various problems, from caries to more serious infections such as periodontitis.
Dehydration and bad daily habits
If we do not stay hydrated regularly and adopt harmful daily habits, such as smoking tobacco, this can seriously affect saliva production and cause inflammation under the tongue. Dehydration reduces the amount of saliva we produce, which is essential to keep the mouth moist, protect against infections and facilitate digestion. Smoking tobacco, on the other hand, not only reduces saliva production, but increases the risk of periodontal diseases and other oral problems.
Causes of inflammation under the tongue
Inflammation under the tongue has a number of causes that cause it to appear:
- Oral infections: caused by bacteria, viruses and fungal infections.
- Tongue injuries: caused by bites, sharp objects, or poorly fitting dentures.
- Allergic reactions: to foods, medicines or oral hygiene products.
- Certain medicines: there is the possibility that the intake of some medicines, either by medical prescription or not, causes the appearance of lesions in our mouth such as inflammation under the tongue.
- Smoking and alcohol excess: this type of causes very dry mouth, so it causes multiple problems in oral health.
- Stress and anxiety: if you are a person who suffers from constant stress, it can be seen reflected in our mouth.
Treatment of inflammation under the tongue
But calm, it is possible to treat inflammation under the tongue, just follow the following tips that we give you:
- Treat infections: the appearance of bacterial infections that cause such problems in our mouth, can be treated with antibiotics. But if we are talking about viral infections, it is necessary to go to a specialist.
- Remove mouth obstructions: as mentioned above, we may have sialolites or stones in our mouth. If they are not removed naturally, they will need to be removed surgically.
- Stimulate the production of saliva: for this it is necessary that we have adequate hydration, stop smoking, take chewing gum or candy without sugar to stimulate the production of saliva.
- Good oral hygiene: having good dental care at home is very important to avoid this and other problems or diseases in the future.
Inflammation under the tongue can be a nuisance for our day to day, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to manage it effectively. It is important to consult a professional before any symptoms to maintain good oral health. At Gross Dentists, we are a dental clinic in and around Malaga and we have a team of professionals who can guide you in case you suffer from inflammation under the tongue. If you want to know more about our treatments, do not hesitate to make an appointment with us.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.