It is treated with antifungal medication. Predisposing factors include use of corticosteroid sprays or inhalers or immunosuppression. Benign migratory glossitis
Geographic tongue, also termed benign migratory glossitis, is a common condition which usually affects the dorsal surface of the tongue. It is characterized by patches of depapillation and erythema bordered by a whitish peripheral zone. These patches give the tongue the appearance of a map, hence the name. Unlike glossitis due to nutritional deficiencies and anemia, the lesions of geographic tongue move around the tongue over time. This is because in geographic tongue, new areas of the tongue become involved with the condition whilst previously affected areas heal, giving the appearance of a moving lesion. The cause is unknown, and there is no curative treatment. Rarely are there any symptoms associated with the lesions, but occasionally a burning sensation may be present, which is exacerbated by eating hot, spicy or acidic foodstuffs. Some consider geographic tongue to be an early stage of fissured tongue, since the two conditions often occur in combination. Geometric glossitis
Geometric glossitis, also termed herpetic geometric glossitis, is a term used by some to refer to a chronic lesion associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I infection, in which there is a deep fissure in the midline of the tongue, which gives off multiple branches. The lesion is usually very painful, and there may be erosions present in the depths of the fissures.
Infections
Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can cause glossitis. Chronic Candida infections of the tongue can cause an atrophic glossitis known as median rhomboid glossitis.Syphilis is now relatively rare, but the tertiary stage can cause diffuse glossitis and atrophy of lingual papillae, termed "syphilitic glossitis", "luetic glossitis" or "atrophic glossitis of tertiary syphilis". It is caused by Treponema pallidum and is a sexually transmitted infection. Other causes
Many conditions can cause glossitis via malnutrition or malabsorption, which creates the nutritional deficiencies described above, although other mechanisms may be involved in some of those conditions listed. Alcoholism
Sprue (celiac disease, or tropical sprue), secondary to nutritional deficiencies
Crohn’s disease
Whipple disease
Glucagonoma syndrome
Cowden disease
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Carcinoid syndrome
Kwashiorkor amyloidosis
Veganism and other specialized diets, without B12 supplementation. Poor hydration and low saliva in the mouth, which allows bacteria to grow more readily
Mechanical irritation or injury from burns, rough edges of teeth or dental appliances, or other trauma
Tongue piercing Glossitis can be caused by the constant irritation by the ornament and by colonization of Candida albicans in site and on the ornament
Exposure to irritants such as tobacco, alcohol, hot foods, or spices
Allergic reaction to toothpaste, mouthwash, breath fresheners, dyes in confectionery, plastic in dentures or retainers, or certain blood-pressure medications (ACE inhibitors)
Administration of ganglion blockers (e.g., Tubocurarine, Mecamylamine). Oral lichen planus, erythema multiforme, aphthous ulcer, pemphigus vulgaris
Heredity
Albuterol (bronchodilator medicine)A painful tongue may be an indication of an underlying serious medical condition and nearly always merits assessment by a physician or dental surgeon. Diagnosis
Classification
Glossitis could be classified as a group of tongue diseases or gastrointestinal diseases.