It’s not a canker sore or a new piercing – a tender feeling tongue with a burning sensation and a red color, swollen with a smooth appearance indicates glossitis – inflammation of the tongue. The causes of an inflamed tongue may stem from local factors like contact with irritants – tobacco, alcohol, spices, hot food and liquids. Dental conditions can also contribute to an inflamed tongue, such as chipped or rough tooth surfaces. Viral infections like herpes simplex, canker sores and even allergic reactions – food, toothpaste, mouthwash – can all contribute to glossitis as well!

An inflammation of the tongue (glossitis) typically leads to a change in the appearance of the tongue surface. Protrusion projections on the tongue’s surface layer (called papillae) may be lost, losing the classic bumped appearance, making the tongue appear completely smooth. Red or irregular patches of pale skin is called geographic tongue, and usually has no symptom but is a chronic condition that does not go away. An overly sensitive tongue might lead to difficulty speaking or swallowing. In some cases, glossitis may result in severe tongue swelling which can impede the throat, making it very difficult to breathe, a medical emergency that would require immediate attention.

Though not widely known, the tongue is a great indicator of our body’s general health. Experienced practitioners in alternative medicine can often diagnose an individual’s physical condition by just looking at a patient’s tongue! An inflamed tongue can be associated with a disease, disorder or condition like anxiety, depression, hypothyroidism, hormonal changes, immune system alterations, drugs reactions, leukemia,a vitamin deficiency in folic acid, B12 and iron, or even cancer.

So what are the treatments of glossitis? We do need to differentiate the cause of the inflammation of the tongue first.As previously mentioned, a vitamin deficiency such as iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia and other B-vitamin deficiencies are the most common reasons for a painful tongue. Oral lichen planus, erythema multiforme, aphthous ulcer, pemphigus vulgaris, syphilis, and others can also be culprits of causing glossitis. Irritants such as alcohol, tobacco and spicy foods and even certain medication may also cause temporary glossitis.

The important thing to remember with an inflamed or burning tongue is that reversing the inflammation is the primary treatment goal – if the inflammation is treated, other side effects (like burning sensations, redness etc) will almost always dissipate. Take both vitamin C and vitamin B complex every day, as these are the most common vitamin deficiencies associated with a painful tongue.

Cutting back on bad daily habits (like drinking and smoking),watching your diet for possible allergic reactions and better managing your daily stress will also aid in healing your tongue back to a healthy and normally functioning condition. If the symptoms of a painful tongue persist after two to three weeks of home self management, visit your health care professional to rule out any other possible medical conditions.

Tooth sensitivity is a problem that many, many people suffer from caused by a multitude of reasons – but does it merit a visit to your dentist? Yes, it is in your best interest to receive a proper diagnosis. This will allow you to make an educated plan of action to have a trouble-free healthy mouth.

In some situations, the toothache or sensitivity comes and goes and is most likely a reversible inflammatory response of the tooth. Once the irritant is removed, the symptoms subside. The transient inflammation of the pulpal tissue (within the tooth) or the gum could reverse on its own because our body is capable of repairing and regenerating itself at a molecular and cellular level. As long as irritating and / or destructive factors are controlled (such as thermal, bacterial, mechanical and chemical forces) and your body is in healthy shape, your body should do its job and heal properly. At the inflammatory stage, diagnosis will rely on a clinical exam (visual and instrumental exploration, and a tooth vitality test), as well as your oral history and x-rays.

Once you have properly diagnosed your source of pain, a solution can be found. If the exam shows your tooth already has irreversible pulpitis or infection, a root canal will likely be advised. If the toothache is from decay or damaged, insufficient tooth structure, the tooth should be cleaned and restored. If the sensitivity is from gum recession and root exposure, fluoride desensitization, gum grafts or the wearing of a night guard (if bruxism or TMJ is a contributing factor) may be recommended. If you are going through orthodontic treatment (braces) or are in a transitional stage of dental treatment, ask your dental professional to check if something can be improved to make you feel better. If you have a poor diet or drink soda or alcohol, acidic erosion is likely stripping your tooth structure away, exposing dentin and causing sensitivity. Poor oral hygiene and plaque retention is also likely a factor (your mouth is like an acid bath to your teeth in this situation).

Perhaps the most important factor in preventing (and treating) sensitivity is controlling your oral environment and the destructive forces that lie within. If you suffer from night grinding, wear a night guard. If dentin and root exposure has already occurred, wearing a night guard and using desensitizing fluoride toothpaste will promote forming of secondary dentin which will block out the dentinal tubules (which conducts sensitivity) and work as a barrier to protect the tooth. Sensitivity can caused by caries decay – a cavity. Of course, cavities need to be treated by a dental professional, but if you are able to find the source of your discomfort before a cavity develops, you will be on the fast track to good health. A proper diet and oral hygiene will also vastly improve your oral health and reduce risk of decay – brush and floss twice a day, and after meals!

Learn your body inside and out, and reflect. Take time each day to notice how you feel, and if your health has shifted for the better or worse. If you feel you have a weakness in your mouth, think about what the cause is, diagnose the problem, and find a solution. Ask questions and learn from your dental professional , contol of your dental health is in your hand!

Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease causing inflammation around the gums affects over 50% of America’s population! See blood when rinsing your mouth after brushing? If so, you’ve got gingivitis. Bacterial biofilms, also known as plaque, as well as tartar adhere to tooth surfaces throughout the day. These bacterial substances build up in the small gaps between your teeth and produce toxins that cause the periodontal tissues like the gum and supporting bone to inflame. Over the years, this inflammation can cause deep pockets between the teeth and gums and loss of bone around the teeth, which is when gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. Gingivitis is reversible, but periodontitis can only be managed after treatment. Early detection, treatment and prevention is the key to save your teeth!

The loss of bone around the teeth can cause serious structure issues within the jaw; eventually leading to tooth loss. The signs of gum disease include red and swollen gums, blood appearing when brushing or flossing, mouth sores, bad breath, loose teeth and gum recession.

The causes of gum disease, besides the bacterial factors, are systemic and host resistance which needs to be revealed, such as stress, medication, hormonal changes, illness, bad habits (smoking, poor hygiene, poor diet), genetic history, etc… There are different approaches to treat the disease.

The mouth-body connection has been a hot topic for the past decade. We have learned about the association of gum disease with other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and alzheimer’s disease. Believe it or not, gum disease can even cause your physical health to deteriorate into a stroke, endangering a pregnancy.

So be kind to yourself! Treat those bleeding gums! Cosult with your dental professional. Treatments provided from a dental professional include cleaning up the “bad stuff” through deep scaling, root planning, laser gum treatment, medication applied locally or systemically, home care education and home care programs. Please take action to treat bleeding gums!