Atrophic glossitis is a non-specific finding, and has a great many causes, usually related to iron-deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, B vitamin complex deficiencies, unrecognized and untreated celiac disease (which often presents without gastrointestinal symptoms), or other factors such as xerostomia (dry mouth).
What causes atrophy of the tongue?
Background: Traditionally, total atrophic tongue has been due to nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12, folic acid, or iron deficiencies, and partial atrophic tongue has been well known as median rhomboid glossitis or geographic tongue. The other cause of atrophic tongue is oral candidiasis.
What are the causes of glossitis?
Causes of Glossitis
- Various nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of iron or one or more of the B vitamins.
- An allergic reaction to food or medication.
- Bacterial, yeast, fungal or viral infections.
- Trauma, such as a burn or abrasion.
- Reaction from eating irritable or spicy foods.
- Geographic tongue.
- Acid reflux.
- Dry mouth.
