Glossitis is the medical term representing the inflammation of the tongue. This disease is also called smooth tongue, tongue inflammation, glossodynia, tongue infection and burning tongue syndrome. Under this disease, the tongue gets swelled up and it also changes colour. Papillae or finger like projections present on the surface of the tongue disappear and the surface may become smooth totally.

Glossitis is basically a side effect of a secondary infection. This may occur when there is acute or chronic edema of the tongue of the patient. This disease may be due to presence of an underlying bacterial or viral infection, such as oral herpes simplex virus. The glossitis may also occur due to certain kinds of mechanical injury from teeth, burns while consuming hot food, etc.  Eating tobacco, spices and alcohol may also lead to this disease. Any kinds of allergic reaction due to dyes in candies, mouthwash, plastic in dentures, toothpaste may lead to this disease. Pernicious anemia, oral lichen planus, pemphiqus vulgaris, syphilis and iron deficiency anemia are few of the other diseases causing glossitis. Yeast infection and dry mouth may also lead to this disease.

Always try to avoid any food component that may be allergic to the tongue. Avoid the intake of extremely hot food. Drugs may also be administered to prevent the inflammation of the tongue. Maintain good oral hygiene to avoid infections by the microbes.