Treatment of glossitis

Glossitis is an inflammatory process of the tongue tissues. The causes of this disease may be different, so the treatment of glossitis may differ slightly. Our task today is to consider all possible treatment options, from conservative drug therapy to folk methods.

Drugs for the treatment of glossitis

If glossitis is not treated in time, the disease can lead to swelling of the tongue, which will significantly affect swallowing, chewing and breathing functions. Inflammation can spread to nearby tissues and organs, and this will significantly worsen the prognosis of the disease.

The treatment regimen should pursue the main goals: to eliminate the cause of inflammation and to relieve the inflammatory process itself. To do this, first of all, a gentle diet is prescribed, excluding from the menu any food that can irritate the inflamed mucous membrane.

Local treatment involves rinsing with antiseptic solutions. For this, you can use furacilin, a weak solution of potassium permanganate, chlorhexidine, etc. To relieve pain, anesthetic solutions are used locally.

If there are erosions or ulcers on the surface of the mucous membrane, they are periodically cleaned of fibrinous or necrotic plaque. This is done with a cotton swab or tampon, after which the mucous membrane is lubricated with an antiseptic solution.

You can use Sorcoseryl as an application, combining it with retinol, carotolin, and rosehip oil.

To support immunity, you should take multivitamin complexes (with vitamins B and E), immunostimulants (echinacea, ginseng), antihistamines (suprastin, tavegil). If the factor in the appearance of glossitis was a lack of vitamins, then appropriate replacement therapy is prescribed.

Vinisol for glossitis

The drug Vinizol is often used to treat not only various wound and burn surfaces, poorly healing ulcers, but also to restore the affected inflamed surface of the tongue. This medication is available in the form of a spray and consists of the active components of vinylin, citral, linetol and propellant. The anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect of the drug explains its therapeutic properties.

Before applying Vinizol, the tongue should be cleaned of films, plaque and pathological accumulations in the area of ulcerative and erosive elements. The product is sprayed on the damaged mucous membrane for 2-3 seconds, keeping some distance. This procedure is repeated from 1-2 times a day to 2-3 times a week, depending on the indications and doctor's orders.

When applying the drug, it is necessary to take into account that Vinizol can cause allergic reactions in people with increased sensitivity of the body. In order to avoid irritation and allergies, be careful not to let particles of the drug get into the eye area.

The duration of the course of treatment with Vinizol is determined by the doctor individually.

Solcoseryl for glossitis

Solcoseryl is a stimulator of regenerative processes in tissues, that is, this drug restores damaged tissue:

• accelerates the healing of injuries;
• improves local metabolic processes at the tissue level;
• helps cells overcome the lack of oxygen and nutrients;
• increases the production of collagen fibers;
• activates cell renewal.

Solcoseryl creates favorable conditions in the skin structures for the formation of granulation tissues and the elimination of pathological discharge from ulcers. The drug creates an invisible protective film on the surface of the wound, which creates protection against the penetration of various microbes and viruses into damaged areas.

Before applying the ointment, the wounds are cleaned of dead tissue, plaque, and discharge. Before starting to use the drug, it is necessary to make sure that there is no allergy to Solcoseryl.

The ointment is applied directly to the wound area, in a thin layer, up to 3 times a day. The duration of use of the drug is until visible granulation changes form and the ulcers dry up.

To enhance the effect, Solcoseryl injections in ampoules can be additionally used. The standard course of therapy involves intramuscular administration of 1-2 ampoules of the drug per day (in severe cases - up to 4 ampoules).

As a rule, in most cases, patients tolerate such treatment well. In rare cases, burning of the mucous membrane is possible, which is not dangerous and does not require stopping treatment.

Chlorhexidine for glossitis

The antiseptic and disinfectant Chlorhexidine can have both bacteriostatic (inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria) and bactericidal (kills bacteria) properties - this depends on the concentration of the active component.

Chlorhexidine affects gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, does not affect fungal infections. Allergy to Chlorhexidine is extremely rare. Therefore, the drug is considered hypoallergenic and safe for patients with allergy tendencies.

To treat the tongue in case of glossitis, a solution of the drug from 0.05% to 0.5% is used for irrigation, rinsing, lubrication of the mucous membranes, usually 2 to 3 times a day.

If the solution is accidentally swallowed, it is practically not absorbed internally, but if necessary, symptomatic treatment is carried out.

With prolonged use, the color of tooth enamel may change, dental plaque may appear and the taste may change.

Chlorhexidine is not recommended for use simultaneously with other antiseptics and detergents, as well as with substances containing iodine.

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Treatment of glossitis with antibiotics

Antibiotics are not used in all cases of glossitis. Most often, such therapy is prescribed for purulent-phlegmonous (deep) inflammatory process, when the inflammation affects not only the deeper tissues of the tongue, but also the nearest surfaces of the oral cavity, as well as peripheral lymph nodes. The reason for antibiotic therapy is the deterioration of the patient's general condition: the temperature rises, the general intoxication of the body worsens. Often, such a condition even requires surgical intervention, also with subsequent antibiotic therapy.

• Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic, semi-synthetic. It is usually prescribed orally, at a dosage of 200 mg per day on the first day of therapy, then 100-200 mg 1-2 times a day. It is not used during pregnancy, for children under 8 years of age, and also in case of a tendency to allergies.
• Suprax (Cefixime) is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic. The average dosage for adults is 400 mg/1 time per day, or 200 mg/2 times per day. Duration of therapy is 8-10 days.
• Rocephin is a cephalosporin antibiotic (Ceftriaxone). It has a broad spectrum of action and is used in adults at 1-2 g once a day (maximum 4 g/day). The solution is administered most often intramuscularly, sometimes intravenously. It is used until the general condition and the picture of the local inflammatory process are normalized.
• Tetracycline is a well-known antibiotic that affects a large number of bacteria, except for most fungi and small viruses. It is prescribed for adult patients orally 250-500 mg every 6 hours. It is used locally 3 to 5 times a day.

In postoperative therapy, several types of antibiotics (usually two) can be used, which are prescribed taking into account the sensitivity of microorganisms.

Treatment of candidal glossitis

Candidal (fungal) glossitis often appears as a result of treating any infectious diseases with strong antibiotics: dysbacteriosis of the mucous membranes occurs, and intensive growth and reproduction of fungi begins. Characteristic signs of fungal glossitis are swelling of the tongue, a dense white coating in the form of stripes or furrows.

The treatment regimen for fungal glossitis may include treatment with a 10% solution of borax in glycerin, rinsing with chamomile infusion (you can add a little soda), and irrigation with 2% boric acid. Antifungal agents are prescribed internally:

• Nystatin 250-500 thousand units 3-4 times a day. The tablets are swallowed whole, without chewing or grinding, regardless of food intake. Duration of therapy is from 10 to 14 days;
• Lamisil 250 mg (1 tab.) once a day. The duration of treatment is selected based on the type of fungal infection, the extent of the fungal infection, and usually ranges from 2 to six weeks;
• Exifin (Terbinafine) is an antifungal agent of the allylamine group, a fungicidal drug. It is used in the form of tablets. The standard dose is 1 tablet (250 mg) once a day. Treatment can last for several weeks, depending on the severity of the disease.

Treatment of desquamative glossitis

Desquamative (wandering) glossitis is treated with local and systemic methods. •

Systemic measures involve the following stages in therapy:

• normalization of digestive function, simultaneous treatment of concomitant diseases;
• oral hygiene, daily observance of hygiene rules;
• assistance of a psychotherapist (if necessary);
• sedative therapy (taking valerian, sedative infusions, valocordin, novo-passit, etc.);
• antiallergic therapy using tavegil, suprastin, fenkarol;
• taking B vitamins for 3-4 weeks;
• use of vascular agents such as cavinton, trental for a month;
• intramuscular injections of Dalargin 1 mg twice a day (relieves pain, activates healing processes);
• biostimulating drug Biotrit-C three times a day, 1 tablet sublingually (under the tongue), for 3 weeks. •

Local procedures:

• in case of pain syndrome, painkillers are used (Pyromecaine solution, Pyromecaine ointment, 2% anesthesin based on peach oil or glycerin);
• if you feel a burning sensation, rinse with Citral (1% solution, 30 drops per 150 ml of water);
• rinsing with oil solutions with vitamin A, rose hips, carotolin;
• pain-relieving novocaine blockades (10 procedures);
• treatment with fish oil concentrate – Eikonol;
• rinsing with a solution of the anti-inflammatory drug Tantum Verde;
• rinsing with dental elixirs and balms, daily after brushing your teeth;
• Physiotherapy – 10-12 phonophoresis procedures with analgin.

As a rule, complex treatment gives a relatively quick positive result. General strengthening immunostimulating therapy can also be used.

Treatment of catarrhal glossitis

Catarrhal glossitis can have many reasons for its occurrence:

• injuries, including thermal and chemical damage to the tongue;
• oral thrush;
• stomatitis;
• infectious diseases (viruses, bacteria);
• anemia, vitamin deficiency, metabolic disorders, somatic diseases, etc.

Since catarrhal glossitis can be a consequence of other diseases, the main stages of treatment can be called the following:

• It is necessary to detect and influence the factor that caused the inflammatory process. This stage includes, for example, caries treatment, correction of dentures, change of bite, which leads to tongue injuries, etc. Influence on the cause ensures a stable cure, without repeated exacerbations of the disease.
• An important point in treatment is the elimination of painful sensations, for example, by treating the surface of the tongue with 10% lidocaine.
• It is equally important to get rid of the inflammatory process. To do this, the oral cavity should be treated with antiseptic solutions or herbal infusions (chamomile flowers, sage, calendula).

Following all the doctor’s instructions allows you to get rid of signs of inflammation in just 4-6 days.

Treatment of plicated glossitis

Folded glossitis is most often a congenital anomaly: folds of varying depth are located along or across the surface of the tongue. Various microorganisms, food debris, and plaque elements often accumulate in such folds, which provokes the development of the inflammatory process.

Since the disease is congenital, it does not require special therapy. As a rule, the doctor prescribes basic oral hygiene rules, with brushing the teeth and tongue. Inflamed surfaces are treated with antiseptic solutions listed earlier - this can be Solcoseryl and Chlorhexidine.

If any additional symptoms are present, such as pain or itching, appropriate medications may be prescribed for symptomatic treatment.

General treatment recommendations are supplemented with advice on gentle nutrition, general strengthening procedures, and measures aimed at supporting the immune system.

Treatment of rhomboid glossitis

Rhomboid glossitis may accompany chronic diseases of the digestive tract, so treatment is carried out taking into account the underlying disease.

Flat rhomboid glossitis does not require treatment; it completely goes away after the underlying cause is eliminated.

Experts can only give some recommendations for the general treatment of tongue inflammation, which are also applicable to rhomboid glossitis:

• you should carefully adhere to sanitary and hygienic standards and observe hygiene rules, brush your teeth and the surface of your tongue daily;
• get rid of bad habits – don’t smoke or drink alcohol;
• maintain beneficial microflora in the body, promptly treat fungal infections, prevent the occurrence of dysbacteriosis, both in the intestines and on the mucous membranes;
• if necessary, resort to psychotherapy, avoid stressful situations, use sedatives and tranquilizers;
• take B vitamins, in particular vitamin B5 in the form of Pantothenate, 0.1-0.2 g three times a day for a month.

If papillomatous growths increase, sometimes surgical intervention is required – excision of the affected tissues with subsequent histological analysis. In some cases, cryodestruction is possible.

Treatment of superficial glossitis

Treatment for superficial glossitis is based on eliminating irritating factors and treating the underlying disease. To relieve the inflammatory process more quickly, it is recommended to exclude irritating foods from the menu: spicy, salty, sour, hot.

Local treatment consists of regular rinsing, irrigation or baths with antiseptic solutions: furacilin, potassium permanganate, chlorhexidine, etc. To eliminate pain, you can use anesthetics - solutions of painkillers.

If ulcers or erosions form on the surface of the tongue, the dead tissue on them should be cleaned with a cotton swab. After cleaning, the surface is treated with an antiseptic solution.

To speed up wound healing, you can apply applications using special ointments, or with retinol, rosehip or sea buckthorn oil. In rare cases, keratinized tissue is removed surgically.

Treatment procedures for superficial glossitis include the use of external anesthetics to relieve pain and eliminate discomfort. They use anesthesin with glycerin, chloral hydrate, emollient oils, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Orally, you can take multivitamin complexes, antihistamines (suprastin, tavegil, calcium chloride), as well as immune-boosting agents (ginseng tincture, echinacea extract).

Treatment of glossitis with folk remedies

Treatment of the inflammatory process on the tongue is best done after consulting a doctor. However, sometimes this is not possible, and you have to resort to folk medicine. Folk remedies, unfortunately, do not always get rid of glossitis completely, but they can alleviate the patient's condition.

• Chamomile infusion – to prepare it, brew 1 tbsp. of flowers in 250 ml of hot water (95°C), leave for about an hour and filter. Use this infusion for rinsing, after each meal, and at night.
• Bedstraw infusion – brew the same way as chamomile, leave for half an hour, filter. Rinse your mouth several times a day after meals. You can also drink this infusion, a quarter of a glass 3 times a day.
• Sage – prepare an infusion. For 1 tbsp. of dry sage take 0.5 l of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, filter. Use for rinsing the mouth, 3-4 times a day.
• Basil decoction – pour 0.5-1 tbsp of dried basil into a glass of water, boil for 10 minutes, remove from heat and leave for one hour. Filter and use as a rinse solution.
• Coriander infusion – pour 1 teaspoon of coriander seed into 220 ml of boiling water, leave overnight to infuse. Use for rinsing.
• Infusions can be combined, that is, use not one, but several types of herbs. For example, it is useful to use a medicinal collection of sage, nettle, oak bark, calamus root. Mix everything, pour boiling water and cook for about 20-30 minutes. After half an hour, filter, cool and use for rinsing.
• You can make an infusion from raspberry leaves, mallow, coltsfoot, sage. For 3 teaspoons of dry herbal mass take 250 ml of boiling water.
• A mixture of calendula flowers, eucalyptus leaves, rapeseed and knotweed helps well. This infusion is also used for rinsing the mouth.
• Sage, bay leaf, chamomile, celandine in equal proportions are brewed with boiling water and infused for 2 hours. Used for rinsing.
• Infusion of oak bark with St. John's wort. Pour boiling water over, let it brew, filter and rinse your mouth several times a day.

In addition to medicinal herbs, a good remedy is considered to be the juice of raw freshly squeezed potatoes. For rinsing, it is enough to get 100 ml of juice, which should be used to rinse the mouth after meals.

After any rinsing, you must not eat or drink for 30 minutes.

Treatment of glossitis at home

It is possible to treat glossitis at home. Of course, it is better to do this under the supervision of a doctor, especially if the course of glossitis is severe, with extensive damage to the tissues of the tongue.

In mild cases, simpler treatment methods can sometimes be used:

• Nutrition – food should be consumed only warm, mashed, boiled or stewed. It is not allowed to add spices, marinades, salt to dishes. Fried and smoked products are also prohibited.
• Drinking – you should drink a lot. Herbal teas are recommended, warm and with a minimum of sugar, or without it. Mineral water is allowed, but only without gas and not cold. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Fermented milk products are allowed.
• Oral hygiene is mandatory, regular and thorough. The toothbrush should be clean and soft. Toothpaste and elixir (balm) should not contain sodium lauryl sulfate. It is useful to rinse your mouth with chamomile, sage, and oak bark infusions after eating and brushing your teeth. Do not forget to clean the spaces between your teeth: use dental floss or special interdental brushes for this.

Glossitis can be treated at home, because many herbal preparations have an antimicrobial effect and destroy pathogenic flora in the mouth. It is advisable, of course, to consult a doctor first.

Treatment of glossitis in children

You cannot treat glossitis in a child on your own. Only a specialist should select medications, taking into account the age of the child, the main cause of the disease, its form, severity of the course, the child's allergic tendency, the presence of concomitant diseases, etc.

Treatment should not be one-sided, but should combine several methods of influence:

• compliance with new nutritional principles;
• use of medications;
• sometimes – bed rest.

For childhood glossitis, the following medications are most often used:

• antiseptics, since the main cause of inflammation is a bacterial or viral infection. Herbal remedies can be used as antiseptics, for example, rinsing with chamomile or oak bark infusions. Antiseptics also include lozenges Hexaliz and Hexaspray. They do not have a strong odor that can scare children, so these drugs are successfully prescribed to children from 6 years of age;
• antibiotics – can be prescribed for moderate or severe inflammation. As a rule, antibiotics may be justified if the child has a fever (over 38°C) and ulcers form on the tongue, as well as in the case of severe intoxication syndrome (headache, weakness, apathy). Antibiotic therapy should only be prescribed by a doctor;
• Immunomodulatory agents - used to support weakened immunity. Ascorbic acid, echinacea extract, etc. are prescribed for this purpose;
• antihistamines - used in case of swelling of the tongue;
• analgesics – both local and systemic can be used, but only as prescribed by a pediatrician.

It is necessary to consult a doctor in time and begin treatment for glossitis in order to prevent the worsening of symptoms and the development of complications.