Did you know?

The medical world is teaching doctors what to look for when they see patients so they can refer them to the dental world. Are you doing the same with patients who are diabetic or have an illness that needs attention by the medical providers?

If not integration is going to be the Gold Standard so start your education and what and how to work in the new field of dentistry and medical collaboration.

Tongue conditions occur in 15.5% of the US population. The most common tongue conditions are geographic tongue, fissured tongue, and black hairy tongue; these conditions do not require treatment.

 Median rhomboid glossitis can be associated with a candidal infection; symptomatic lesions usually improve with the use of antifungals. Atrophic glossitis is often linked to nutritional deficiency and resolves with treatment of the underlying condition.

Oral hairy leukoplakia is caused by Epstein-Barr virus and is most often present in patients with severely compromised immunity; it can be treated with oral antivirals. Growth of the tongue usually requires biopsy to differentiate benign lesions (e.g., traumatic fibromas, squamous cell papilloma’s) from leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma.

Referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, otolaryngologist, or a dentist experienced in oral pathology may be indicated.

Burning mouth syndrome often involves the tongue, and if it does not resolve spontaneously, studies have shown improvement with gabapentin, topical clonazepam, capsaicin, and cognitive behavior therapy.

Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect the tongue and is best treated with topical or systemic corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors.