Tongue peels off - causes, treatment, photos

There are many factors that can change the normal color and texture of the tongue. When your tongue begins to peel, it may be a sign of poor overall and oral health. People usually talk about this phenomenon when they observe white films peeling off the surface of the tongue. Let's start with the conditions under which this happens.

Causes

Hot food and drinks

One of the most common causes is a burn while eating. If you eat foods that are too hot, blisters may form on the inside of your cheeks, gums, palate, and tongue. Before these blisters heal, they often burst and consequently lead to peeling of areas of the tongue and mouth as a whole.

These blisters usually heal within a few days, but sometimes persist for a long time. They can make swallowing and eating in general very difficult.

Sour and spicy foods

The second reason why your tongue may peel is from eating very sour or spicy foods. These foods include some fruits, spicy tomato chili sauces and salsas, and carbonated soft drinks. If you continue to eat such foods frequently, the degree of tongue peeling may increase.

Geographic language

Geographic Tongue
Geographic tongue is another likely cause. This is a condition in which smooth, bright red spots appear on the top or sides of the tongue, surrounded by a whitish rim of sloughing epithelial cells (superficial mucosal cells).

The main cause of the occurrence has not yet been precisely established by doctors, but most likely it is related to heredity. People who have this pathology also have a higher risk of encountering problems such as cracked tongue.

Initially, small whitish-gray areas appear on the surface of the tongue (up to 5 mm), after which swelling and protrusion occur in their central part with further desquamation of the epithelium and papillae. As a result, an area of underlying mucosal tissue that is bright red or bright pink is exposed. Areas of peeling quickly increase, flaps of tissue are located along the rim of the spots. Such lesions can appear on any side of the tongue, for example, on the sides, on top and even on the back, which gives the tongue the appearance of a geographical map.

Moreover, people with geographic tongue, if they like to take hot, spicy, spicy food and drinks, are likely to suffer more from effects such as mucous peeling. This is due to the fact that such foods increase the sensitivity of the tongue.

Peeling of the mucous membrane of the tongue during sexually transmitted infections

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another during sexual intercourse. It is important to note that the infections that cause these diseases can be transmitted through anal, vaginal and oral sex. The consequences of STDs can be either minor and visible only to a doctor, or major, leading to infertility or even death.

Also, some medications used to treat these infections can cause the lining of the tongue to peel off. In addition, with some STDs, the tongue becomes peeling, and this is one of the symptoms of the disease.

Medications

The use of certain medications can cause peeling of the tongue mucosa. This depends on the group of medications and duration of use.

Below are a number of medications that can cause your tongue to peel.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are first on the list in importance. These medications may cause red spots and thinning of the lining of the tongue. Therefore, both adults and children who take these drugs for several years have a very high risk of mucosal peeling.
Antibiotics are second in importance. These drugs can cause peeling of the mucous membrane of the tongue within two to three days from the start of use. This phenomenon may persist for a period of two to three weeks even after stopping their use.
Diuretics – There are diuretics that cause changes in the normal coating of the tongue. When diuretics are taken for many years, they can cause the tongue to peel.
Cancer drugs are another group of drugs with antitumor activity. This group of medications causes the formation of a thick (brown to black) dry plaque that may flake off after some time.
Steroids – When using this group of drugs, the tongue may become red and the surface lining of the tongue may peel off.
Bronchodilators (drugs that relax the bronchi and are used to treat asthma) cause the tip of the tongue to become red and increase the risk of the tongue becoming loose.

Causes of glossitis

Glossitis occurs under the influence of provoking factors. The most common of these is damage to the mucosa. Damage can occur due to the consumption of hard, spicy, hot foods. Often the tongue is injured by crowns, tooth fragments, braces or improperly made removable dentures. For infection to penetrate, a microscopic defect is sufficient, which does not cause discomfort and is visually invisible.

The source of infection in the oral cavity increases the likelihood of inflammation during injury. These include carious teeth, gum inflammation, stomatitis, and chronic tonsillitis. Failure to comply with hygiene rules, using someone else's utensils, toothbrushes, and dirty hands while eating increase the risk of infection entering the oral cavity. Children who can put dirty hands and foreign objects into their mouths are at particular risk.

Smoking and alcohol reduce local immunity and make the mucous membrane more vulnerable. In this group of patients, glossitis occurs more often than in other people.

Constant exposure to chemicals that destroy the mucous membrane eventually leads to chronic inflammation. Glossitis can even be caused by poor-quality toothpaste or mouthwash.

Dysbacteriosis, carriage of the herpes virus, reduced immunity are predisposing factors in the occurrence of glossitis.

White coating on tongue peeling off

“White coating on the tongue usually occurs due to the colonization of bacteria, as well as fungi (of the genus Candida), and this is due to the accumulation of dead cells on its surface” [askthedoctor.com]. Such plaque can develop due to pathologies of the respiratory tract and ENT organs, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, nutritional deficiencies, stomach diseases, general diseases such as diabetes, fever, etc. White plaque can also appear due to physical/chemical trauma, but it is usually very painful.

Typically, this plaque can be easily removed with a brush and gentle brushing of the tongue. A white coating similar to cottage cheese (curd coating) can also occur due to yeast (fungi, candida) and is usually accompanied by burning, redness and the appearance of white flaking patches of mucous membrane.

Causes of white plaque

Flaky white coating on the tongue
Most often, a flaking “white coating” appears for the following reasons:

poor oral hygiene;
dry mouth;
congenital heart defects in adults;
smoking tobacco products, chewing tobacco;
alcohol consumption;
mechanical irritation from sharp edges of teeth, dentures, braces, etc.

Some other conditions also cause white spots and other discoloration of the tongue. Most common with certain medications (long-term use of antibiotics), oral thrush, geographic tongue, leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, cancer of the mouth and/or tongue, and STDs (eg, AIDS/HIV and syphilis).

The above causes of white tongue can cause changes in anyone, including young children and the very elderly. The problem of white coating on the tongue may be accompanied by other symptoms such as bad breath, sores, spots. In some cases, the plaque can be so dense that it can be difficult to remove.

Diagnosis and treatment methods for glossitis

In most cases, the basis for diagnosis is the patient’s complaints and visual examination of the oral cavity.

When visiting a doctor, be sure to indicate when the pathological manifestations appeared and what they are associated with. If any dental treatment was performed, be sure to mention it. It is better to seek medical help at the first signs of illness. Avoid taking any medications, especially antibiotics. This may make diagnosis difficult and reduce the effectiveness of subsequent therapy.

To determine the cause of glossitis, additional diagnostic methods are used: examination of scrapings from the mucous membrane under a microscope, ELISA, PCR. These methods make it possible to determine what pathogen caused the disease, as well as to confirm or exclude syphilitic glossitis.

Determining the causative agent of the disease is the basis for successful treatment. The emphasis is on etiotropic therapy, that is, eliminating the cause of the disease. If glossitis is bacterial in nature, properly selected antibiotics will give an excellent result, but these drugs are completely useless for viral or candidal glossitis. For fungal infections, antimycotic drugs are prescribed; for viral infections, antiviral and immunomodulators are prescribed. If the cause of glossitis is anemia, treatment of the underlying disease is necessary. Special tactics are necessary for the pathological process caused by Treponema pallidum. A dermatovenerologist must be involved in the treatment of syphilitic glossitis.

An integral part of glossitis treatment is diet. In the acute period, eating food causes serious difficulties for patients, so porridges, purees, and pureed soups are recommended. Food should not be cold or hot. Solid foods, spicy, salty, sour are excluded. This avoids irritation of the mucous membrane, which minimizes discomfort and speeds up the healing process.

In some patients, the pain syndrome is significant. In such a situation, unpleasant sensations can be relieved with the help of applications with anesthetics. To moisturize excessively dry mucous membranes, products containing glycerin are used.

Local therapy includes removing plaque from the tongue and treating with antiseptic solutions. Substances such as chlorhexidine, furacilin, and potassium permanganate are widely used. To speed up the recovery of the mucous membrane, vitamin A is used topically.

Systemic antibiotics and antiviral drugs are prescribed according to indications. This tactic is used in severe cases. With a mild clinical course of glossitis, a positive result can be achieved with local treatment.

In severe cases, swelling of the tongue can be significant and make breathing difficult. In such situations, it is necessary to take glucocorticosteroids. More often they are used in the form of ointments.

During treatment you need to give up smoking and alcohol. These substances irritate the mucous membrane and prevent its regeneration.

Some patients with glossitis have keratinized areas on the tongue. Such changes cannot be treated conservatively and can only be removed surgically.

If you consult a dentist in a timely manner and follow all his recommendations, the outcome of the disease will be favorable. Glossitis responds well to treatment if its cause is determined and targeted. If the disease is not treated, it can be complicated by an abscess or phlegmon. These conditions require surgical treatment and long-term antibiotic therapy, so it is better to start treatment at the initial stage.

Tongue peels during pregnancy

You're pregnant and your tongue is peeling. What could be the problem? Below is how you can solve this problem.

While pregnant, some women sometimes develop a “blue tongue.” This staining may intensify after a while, and the tongue begins to peel off. This condition can develop due to nutritional deficiencies. In this case, it is necessary to urgently undergo a dental examination. Also, the problem of “blue tongue” can be associated with bloating, sleep disturbances, probably due to anxiety and certain eating habits.

Additionally, tongue peeling during pregnancy can sometimes occur due to an imbalance in thyroid hormone levels. If this is the case, then you need to seek help from an endocrinologist.

It is also important to note that some of the reasons that have already been discussed above can lead to peeling of the tongue mucosa during pregnancy.

Pain and burning of the tongue: how to treat?

Probably every gastroenterologist in his practice has encountered a patient with complaints of pain or burning of the tongue. Turning to this specialist in the first place is probably due to the following logical chain: the tongue is in the oral cavity, where the digestion process begins, which means that if a problem arises, you should visit a gastroenterologist. Old publications also come to the aid of patients and doctors of other specialties, in which chronic diseases of the digestive organs were considered as the causes of burning tongue.

But is it really that simple? Is pain and burning of the tongue a separate disease and who should treat it?

A little history and terminology.

Pain/burning in the tongue has many synonyms: glossalgia, glossodynia, stomatodynia, glossopyrosis, oral paresthesia, neurogenic glossitis, tongue neurosis, glossalgic syndrome. This condition is traditionally part of the so-called burning mouth syndrome or “burnt mouth syndrome,” in which pain/burning sensations are localized in various areas: tongue, upper palate, gums, lower lip, pharynx.

Burnt mouth syndrome (SMS) was first described back in 1880; in the 20th century, the term glossodynia, i.e., appeared. pain in the tongue, since unpleasant symptoms from the tongue were most common. This syndrome was first identified as a separate disease in 2004.

Almost all existing review articles and recommendations consider glossodynia within the framework of the SOP. General recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of ROP may be applicable to the special case of glossodynia.

Definition

The International Association for the Study of Pain has designated glossodynia and oral burning as chronic pain, specifically “burning pain of the tongue or other mucous membranes of the mouth.”

Later, a detailed definition was given for ORS: “a burning sensation or sensation of altered sensitivity in the oral cavity, repeated daily for more than 2 hours a day for more than 3 months, without obvious causative lesions on clinical examination and examination.”

Epidemiology

Data on the prevalence of ROP and tongue pain/burning separately still vary from study to study. The average incidence of all cases of oral burning (including but not limited to tongue burning) is 0.1-3.7% of the population. Women suffer from this syndrome 2.5-7 times more often than men, especially often over the age of 60 and after menopause.

Common causes of pain and burning in the mouth.

There are two groups of reasons why patients notice a burning sensation in the mouth:

1) Primary (idiopathic), when there are no diseases of the oral cavity and other organs and systems, this will be the true SOR.

2) Secondary, caused by local (localized in the oral cavity) and systemic causes (autoimmune diseases, deficiency conditions, etc.)

Causes of secondary burning sensation in the mouth/burning tongue.

Possible causes of secondary burning sensation in the oral cavity are diverse and, oddly enough, are rarely associated with pathology of the digestive organs. A review published in 2022 on this problem identified the following conditions and diseases responsible for the occurrence of burning sensation in the mouth:

Local factors:

A. Diseases, conditions and damage to the oral cavity:

fungal infection (eg candidiasis)
lichen planus
pemphigoid
pemphigus

B. Trauma

1) Mechanical

2) Chemical

A. From the patient's side:

toothpastes with abrasives
use of mouth rinses with ethyl alcohol
medications such as aspirin (applied to the sore tooth); over-the-counter medications containing phenols, peroxide, sulfuric acid
vitamin C (citrus fruits)
sour drinks
lozenges and cough suppressants with high menthol content

b. From the dentist:

Irrigation of the oral cavity with solutions containing methyl methacrylate, formaldehyde, formocresol, sodium hypochloride
acrylic resin
eugenol

3) Thermal: spicy or hot food or drink

C. Parafunctional habits

Tongue sticking out, cheek biting, excessive tongue brushing
mouth breathing

D. Xerostomia or impaired quality/quantity of saliva

consequences of radiation or chemotherapy, Sjogren's syndrome, pathology of the salivary glands
side effects of medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, steroid hormones, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, amphetamines)
smoking

E. Allergic reaction/contact hypersensitivity

products, additives, flavors
colorings and flavors from oral care products
dental materials (nickel sulfate, cobalt, zinc)

System factors

A. Deficiency conditions: decreased levels of iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12

B. Endocrine pathology

diabetes
hypothyroidism
hormonal disorders (changes in cortisol/sex hormone levels)

C. Autoimmune diseases

Sjögren's syndrome
lichenoid reactions
systemic lupus erythematosus

D. Other diseases

gastroesophageal reflux disease
celiac disease
multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease
Fabry disease

E. Medicines

angiotensin-converting factor inhibitors
antiretroviral therapy

F. Peripheral and central neuropathies

diabetic polyneuropathy, neuropathy due to renal failure, neuropathy due to systemic connective tissue diseases, neuropathy due to HIV infection, postherpetic neuropathy, neuropathy due to chemotherapy

As can be seen from this huge list, most cases of burning of the tongue and in the oral cavity in general are caused by a dental problem/pathology, neurological, endocrine and autoimmune diseases. Gastroenterological causes (for example, gastroesophageal reflux disease) are rather the exception to the rule.

Primary burning sensation in the oral cavity (BOR) and its causes.

If there are no indications of secondary causes of burning in the oral cavity, most likely there is a true SOR. This is an independent disease, the cause of which is still unclear. In its development, the role of psychological factors and mental disorders, changes in the nerve endings and conductive nerve fibers of the oral cavity, as well as the central nervous system is assumed.

Clinical manifestations of ROP.

Symptoms that may bother patients with ROP are:

1) Pain and/or burning in the mouth of varying intensity. Some patients describe these sensations as tingling or irritation, as well as impaired sensitivity. The pain often occurs spontaneously, is often symmetrical and does not necessarily affect only one area. In the case of glossodynia, pain/burning is most often localized in the anterior 2/3 of the tongue, on its back, and lateral surfaces. The pain is minimal in the morning immediately after waking up, increasing in intensity throughout the day. Eating spicy, hot foods and drinks, as well as stress and fatigue increase the pain/burning sensation.

2) More than 70% of patients, in addition to pain/burning, note changes in taste, a decrease in its intensity, as well as the appearance of a foreign taste (bitter, metallic, or a combination of both). Most often, the sensation of sweet and salty tastes is reduced, and sour tastes are perceived more intensely.

3) Dry mouth (xerostomia) is noted by 46-67% of patients with SOP, while according to research data, an objective decrease in the amount of saliva is not observed in them.

4) Association with burning/pain from other mucous membranes has also been described in patients suffering from ROP. Most often this is a burning sensation in the rectum and genital tract. An alternative may be a feeling of dry mucous membranes (eyes, genital tract in women)

5) Night sleep disturbances are common (in 80% of cases) in people with SRS

6) Anxiety and depression are frequent companions of SOR and glossodynia separately. A meta-analysis of clinical studies showed that anxiety conditions increase the risk of developing RAS by 2.6 times, and depression by 3.2 times. Cancerophobia, social phobia, neuroticism, etc. are also often noted.

7) ODS is characterized by an association with other diseases that manifest as chronic pain: fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, chronic pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.

Treatment of SOR.

1) Patient information and support

Many patients with chronic oral burning and pain do not understand why their symptoms persist for so long. An important task of the doctor is to explain to patients with SRS the possible mechanisms of the formation of unpleasant sensations. Patients should be reassured that their symptoms are not imaginary or related to any form of cancer. This support will reduce anxiety, depression, fear and frustration, especially in individuals who have had previous unsuccessful treatment experiences.

2) Local therapy

Local use of clonazepam in the form of mouth rinses showed good results in reducing the severity of pain/burning in the mouth. There is encouraging evidence for the topical use of capsaicin (a chili pepper alkaloid) in low concentrations.

3) Systemic therapy

Tricyclic antidepressants, antidepressants from the group of serotonin and serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, clonazepam, and antiepileptic drugs (pregabalin and gabapentin) are actively used as drugs for the treatment of ORA. The use of alpha-lipoic acid has shown little effectiveness.

4) Non-drug psychotherapy

Given the frequent association of ODS with anxiety disorders, phobias and depression, non-pharmacological psychotherapy is an integral part of the treatment of this problem. Cognitive behavioral therapy, individual and group psychotherapy should be considered as methods of choice.

5) Physiotherapy and alternative treatments

Low-level laser therapy and acupuncture have been studied as methods for reducing pain. These methods were effective in some people with cerebral obstruction, but are not widely used.

Conclusion.

Identifying the causes of pain/burning in the oral cavity is a challenge for doctors of different specialties, but their friendly work allows us to solve the problem and improve the quality of life of patients.

What to do if your tongue peels off?

If you notice signs of peeling of the tongue mucosa, please simply consult a doctor. Your doctor will give you the right treatment before your symptoms become serious. A list of essential medications that your physician or dentist may recommend includes:

Anti-inflammatory drugs.
Supplements containing zinc.
Anesthetics for mouth rinsing.
Corticosteroids that are applied directly to the tongue.
Over-the-counter pain relievers.

In order to speed up healing and get rid of peeling of the tongue mucosa, you should avoid or limit:

the use of tobacco and medications, which can cause the tongue to peel off;
consumption of hot, spicy, sour foods, dried and salted nuts;
using toothpaste with added whitening ingredients or strong flavors.

Dangerous symptoms

Typically, cracks in the tongue do not cause any discomfort; their appearance is often discovered at a doctor’s appointment. But this is not always the case. Sometimes unpleasant symptoms may appear that indicate health problems:

pain;
burning, change in taste;
itching or swelling;
pain when chewing, problems with speech;
temperature increase.

If cracks appear on the tongue, there are several of the listed symptoms, then perhaps the cause is an inflammatory process in the oral cavity - glossitis. If the tongue becomes covered with cracks and ulcers, the cause is ENT diseases (tonsillitis, pharyngitis). In any case, professional treatment is necessary.

Home Remedies

Apart from the medications prescribed by your doctor, there are some home remedies that can be successfully used to solve the problems associated with tongue peeling.

Salt

Salt may be the best remedy for a white coated tongue. Its rough texture can act as a natural scraper to remove dirt and dead cells. Another important fact about salt is that it has antiseptic properties that will help kill the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Options for using salt to remove white plaque:

First, you need to sprinkle some salt on your white coated tongue and gently rub (scrub) it with a toothbrush for a few minutes. After this, rinse thoroughly with warm water. To achieve good results, this process must be repeated three times a day.
Another method that may be useful is to stir one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with salt water and then spit it out. This procedure must be repeated several times a day until the condition improves.

Probiotics

Using probiotics is another good way to treat a white coated tongue, especially if it is caused by Candida. The ingredients in these medications, such as acidophilus and lactic acid bacteria cultures, actually help in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mouth.

How are probiotics used?

The powder of one probiotic capsule is mixed with a small amount of water. Then after you have brushed your teeth, you need to rinse your mouth with this solution. This should be done at least once a day for one week. In addition, yoghurts with live bacterial cultures can be successfully included in the diet.

Uses of vegetable glycerin

Another very important home remedy for tongue peeling is the use of vegetable glycerin. It is especially successful in using it in cases where the mucous membrane of the tongue, covered with a white coating, peels off. Its use is even more effective if you have dry mouth.

To use this remedy, you need to apply some vegetable glycerin to your tongue and gently brush it with a toothbrush. When finished, rinse your mouth with warm water. This procedure must be repeated until the tongue acquires its natural pink color.

Other Home Remedies

Other home remedies that can help solve the problem of tongue peeling include:

vegetable oils;
hydrogen peroxide;
Aloe Vera juice.

Clinical manifestations

The first thing those suffering from glossitis encounter is pain, burning, and severe discomfort in the oral cavity. Over time, the intensity of these manifestations increases, making it difficult to eat food. Taste sensations are dulled and may be completely absent. Some patients have a phenomenon called perverted taste.

The tongue swells, which causes severe discomfort. The patient's speech is impaired, any movements of the tongue bring pain. Hyperthermia and deterioration in general health are possible.

Upon examination, you can reveal an enlargement of the tongue, a change in its color to a brighter one, up to crimson. Ulcers, blisters, spots, erosions, plaque, and lesions with altered epithelial structure may appear on the mucous membrane.

The most dangerous complication of glossitis is phlegmon. A focus of purulent inflammation is formed, which rapidly spreads to the chin and neck. Soft tissues are destroyed. Such patients require emergency medical care.

Tongue color and general health

Do you have time to stick out your tongue and check its condition? Let's now look at how the condition of your tongue can reveal a picture of your health. We are going to look at the coloration, texture and possible coating on the tongue.

Tongue color

A child's tongue peels due to irritation, which could be caused by various reasons.
Do you know what the color of a healthy person's tongue is? Normally, the tongue is pink in color and has no plaque or tooth marks.

Below are options for changing the color of your tongue and what they can tell you about your health.

Pale – If your tongue and/or mucous membranes are a pale pink hue, this may be a sign that there is not enough hemoglobin in your blood. In this case, the person may suffer from weakness and fatigue. Make sure your diet contains iron-rich foods and consult a doctor.

Bright red - when the color of the tongue is this, it is a clear sign of a lack of iron and B vitamins. Be sure to consult a gastroenterologist and dentist. It is also important to choose the right diet and make sure that her diet is rich in nutrients.

A purple or violet tongue color may mean that you are suffering from high cholesterol. This problem, if not taken care of as soon as possible, can result in serious heart disease. A purple tongue can also occur with diseases of the respiratory system and indicate a constant lack of oxygen.

Tongue texture

Dry Tongue – When your salivary glands become swollen and poorly functioning, it can lead to a dry tongue by reducing saliva production. This condition is often caused by stress. Therefore, a good remedy for this is to find enough time for rest. Again, you need to visit a doctor who will prescribe medications that stimulate saliva production.

Raised red spots – If the tip of your tongue turns red, which may be accompanied by bleeding, you may be deficient in vitamin C. Taking extra vitamin C (in food or supplements) helps strengthen the tiny blood capillaries deep inside the tongue.

Causes of desquamative glossitis

To date, the final causes of desquamative glossitis have not yet been fully identified and it has not been established why an adult’s tongue peels off. But experts identify a number of factors that have the most direct impact on the development of the disease:

If your tongue is peeling, the reasons may be related to vitamin deficiency. One of the main reasons for the development of pathology is considered to be a failure in vitamin metabolism - most often we are talking about metabolic disorders of B vitamins. Such failures are accompanied by digestive and nervous system disorders, increased dryness and irritability of the skin, and disturbances in the process of hematopoiesis. Also, disruptions in vitamin metabolism are characterized by bleeding gums and inflammatory changes in the oral mucosa.
Common causes of desquamative glossitis in children and adults include various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Among such diseases are gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroduodenitis, malabsorption syndrome (pathology in the normal process of transporting and digesting food in the small intestine).
Hepatitis and other pathological conditions of the liver are a common reason why an adult’s tongue may peel off.
Various diseases of the endocrine system and pancreas - diabetes, acute and chronic pancreatitis.
The presence of neoplasms of a benign or malignant nature.
Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis).

If a child’s tongue peels, this may be due to vitamin deficiency or long-term use of certain medications.

In addition, if parents notice that the baby’s tongue is peeling, this may be a reaction of the child’s body to vaccinations.

Also in children, the appearance of desquamative glossitis often acts as a reaction of the body to helminthic infestations, a manifestation of colitis and enterocolitis. Pathological changes in the mucous surface of the oral cavity in girls may be associated with puberty, or more precisely, with a hormonal imbalance in the child’s body.