REVIEW ARTICLE
Diagnosis of Lingual Atrophic Conditions: Associations with Local and Systemic Factors. A Descriptive Review
M. Erriu1, *, F.M.G. Pili1, S. Cadoni2, V. Garau1
Article Information
Identifiers and Pagination:
Year: 2016Volume: 10
First Page: 619
Last Page: 635
Publisher ID: TODENTJ-10-619
DOI: 10.2174/1874210601610010619
Article History:
Received Date: 03/04/2016Revision Received Date: 09/10/2016
Acceptance Date: 15/10/2016
Electronic publication date: 16/11/2016
Collection year: 2016
open-access license: This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International Public License (CC BY-NC 4.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode), which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited.
Abstract
Atrophic glossitis is a condition characterised by absence of filiform or fungiform papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue. Consequently, the ordinary texture and appearance of the dorsal tongue, determined by papillary protrusion, turns into a soft and smooth aspect.
Throughout the years, many factors, both local and systemic, have been associated with atrophic glossitis as the tongue is currently considered to be a mirror of general health. Moreover, various tongue conditions were wrongly diagnosed as atrophic glossitis. Oral involvement can conceal underlying systemic conditions and, in this perspective, the role of clinicians is fundamental.
Early recognition of oral signs and symptoms, through a careful examination of oral anatomical structures, plays a crucial role in providing patients with a better prognosis.
