smooth tongue


atrophic glossitis

Complete atrophy of lingual papillae, seen in pernicious or iron-deficiency anaemias, pellagra (bald tongue of Sandwith) and syphilis. The condition is more common in alcoholics and linked to poor nutrition.
Clinical findings
Pain, burning, beefy colour of the tongue.

smooth tongue

A tongue with atrophic papillae. It is characteristic of many conditions, such as anemia and malnutrition. See also: tongue

a·troph·ic glos·si·tis

(ă-trō'fik glos-ītis) Erythematous, edematous, and painful tongue condition that appears smooth because of loss of the filiform and sometimes the fungiform papillae due to nutritional deficiencies.
Synonym(s): smooth tongue.