A sore or painful tongue is usually caused by something obvious and visible. There are a few less obvious causes that may need treating. See your GP or dentist if you have persistent pain and you haven't accidentally bitten or burnt your tongue. If you have a sore or painful tongue, there may be an underlying problem that needs treating. Your dentist can diagnose what the problem is and advise you about pain relief. Depending on the cause, your GP may also be able to help. On this page, you can find information on some of the most common causes of tongue pain, as well as less common causes. You shouldn't use the information on this page to
diagnose yourself. You should always leave that to a healthcare professional. Geographic tongue is a condition where irregular smooth, red patches that have a white or light-coloured border occur on the tongue. It's called geographic tongue because the patches have a map-like appearance. The patches can vary in size. They may occur on one area of the tongue before moving to another area after a few days, weeks or months. In some people, the patches can feel sore or sensitive when consuming certain foods and drinks. Some people with geographic tongue find it improves over time. For others, it may be more persistent. See your dentist or GP if you have persistent, discoloured or painful patches on your tongue. The cause of geographic tongue isn't clear. There's no specific treatment for it. You may be able to manage the pain by taking over-the-counter painkillers. You should ask your pharmacist for advice. You should also avoid anything that makes it worse, such as acidic, spicy or hot foods. Oral thrushOral thrush (oral candiasis) is an infection caused by a type of fungus called Candida. It causes white patches (plaques) to develop in the mouth. You may experience a loss of taste or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. It can also be painful, making eating and drinking difficult. Median rhomboid glossitis is a condition that can affect your tongue if you have oral thrush. It causes a red, smooth patch or lump to develop in the middle of the top part of your tongue. This can be sore. You're more likely to develop oral thrush if you:
See your GP if you think you have oral thrush. If it's left untreated, the symptoms will continue and your mouth will continue to be uncomfortable. Oral thrush is treated with antifungal medicines. This is often in the form of a gel or liquid that you apply directly to the inside of your mouth. You'll usually need to use it several times a day for around seven to 14 days. Aphthous mouth ulcersAphthous mouth ulcers are painful round or oval sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth. They are common on the underside of the tongue. Mouth ulcers are sometimes caused by damage to the mouth. This can be due to accidentally biting your tongue or eating something hard and sharp. Ulcers that keep recurring may be caused by:
Most mouth ulcers heal within a week or two without treatment. In the meantime, you may be able to manage the pain by taking over-the-counter painkillers, or treatments (speak to your pharmacist). You should also avoid anything that makes it worse, such as eating spicy foods. See your dentist or GP if you:
Less common causesLess commonly, tongue pain may be caused by:
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The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website. For further information see terms and conditions. How do you get rid of ulcers on your tongue?A pharmacist can recommend a treatment to speed up healing, prevent infection or reduce pain, such as:. antimicrobial mouthwash.. a painkilling tablet, mouthwash, gel or spray.. corticosteroid lozenges.. a salt (saline) mouthwash.. What causes ulcers on tongue?Mouth ulcers can sometimes be caused by certain medical conditions, such as: viral infections – including the cold sore virus, chickenpox, and hand, foot and mouth disease. vitamin B12or iron deficiency. Crohn's disease– a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system.
Is tongue ulcer serious?While uncomfortable, tongue ulcers usually are not serious. Most respond to OTC treatments to address symptoms such as discomfort or slight pain. However, if a tongue ulcer does not improve with home care, becomes more painful, or starts to bleed, this could indicate a more serious condition.
How long does an ulcer on tongue take to heal?Mouth ulcers are rarely contagious and usually go away after 1 to 2 weeks, even without treatment. If you get a mouth ulcer that is large, is extremely painful, or lasts for a long time without healing, seek the advice of a doctor or dentist.
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