HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is glossalgia?

1. Pain in the tongue

2. Inflammation of the tongue

3. A cleft palate

4. Herpes simplex of the lip

The correct answer is: Pain in the tongue

Glossalgia refers specifically to pain occurring in the tongue. This condition can manifest as a burning, tingling, or painful sensation and may result from various causes, including irritations, infections, or systemic conditions. The term itself is derived from the Greek words "glossa," meaning tongue, and "algos," meaning pain. This precise definition distinguishes glossalgia from other similar conditions. In contrast, inflammation of the tongue, known as glossitis, pertains to swelling and redness rather than pain specifically. A cleft palate is a congenital condition affecting the roof of the mouth and is unrelated to tongue pain. Herpes simplex of the lip refers to a viral infection causing sores on or around the lips, again not involving tongue pain directly. Understanding these distinctions can clarify why glossalgia accurately describes the specific symptom of tongue pain.