Glossitis is defined as an inflammation of the tongue and may be a condition in itself or a symptom of disease elsewhere. This condition may appear as a beefy red coloration of the tongue with a smooth, bald texture as a result of the loss of tiny finger-like projections that cover the top surface of the tongue (papillae). geographic tongue is the most common form of glossitis, where areas of lost papillae resemble the pattern of a map. 

Glossitis may result from several factors, including allergies, infections, reactions to irritants and various medical conditions (e.g., anemia, vitamin deficiency, certain skin diseases). Patients with glossitis typically experience swelling of the tongue. While the tongue tends to become dark red, in some cases it may turn other colors. Glossitis also causes tenderness and soreness of the tongue. Patients with geographic tongue experience irregularly shaped red, smooth, swollen patches on the tongue, sometimes surrounded by a white border.

A dentist will examine a patient’s mouth when trying to diagnose glossitis. In particular, the dentist will look for swelling and will check to see if papillae are absent. Glossitis is not dangerous to a patient's health and usually does not require treatment. In many cases, the condition disappears on its own, but it may take years before this occurs.