Fact Checked
A sore tongue can be caused by infections such as oral thrush, mouth ulcers, burning mouth syndrome or burning tongue syndrome. The tongue is the part of the body that is very sensitive and having a sore tongue causes a lot of pain and discomfort.
Causes of a sore tongue
- Accidentally biting the tongue
- Injuring the tongue using a toothbrush or a toothpick
- Viral infection
- Heredity
- Hormonal changes in the body
- A weak immune system
- Intestinal and stomach disorders
Pain and soreness can be felt over the tongue. - Eating too spicy and salty foods
Symptoms
- Pain and soreness over the tongue
- Pain is felt in the affected area of the tongue
- Dull, shooting or stabbing pain
- Red and swelling
- Burning and tingling sensations
- Pain becomes persistent and worsen
- Discoloration of the tongue and presence of patches that are colored white or cream
- Yellow spots over the tongue
- High fever
Treatment
- If accidentally bitten, rinse it off using cold water to remove food, dirt, blood or debris present in the area and stop infection from developing. After washing with cold water, suck ice to lessen the swelling and pain. It numbs the sensation of pain and makes the tongue comfortable. The melting ice keeps the tongue hydrated and prevents drying out and worsens the condition.
- Use a salt water mouth rinse in cleaning the tongue to lessen the pain. In a glass filled with warm water, add a tablespoon of salt to the water, stir until totally dissolved. Swish the solution in the mouth for at least 30 seconds, concentrate on the affected area of the tongue, and spit it out.
- Avoid eating foods that worsens the pain such as spicy or acidic foods or tobacco.
- Eat foods that are soothing and cooling to the tongue such as porridge, smoothies and soft fruits such as bananas. Ice cream and yogurt are also good for the condition. Avoid tomatoes, soft drinks, orange juice and coffee to prevent worsening of the pain.
- Drink more fluids throughout the day for fast healing of the condition. Drink plenty of cool water or juices to keep the mouth moist.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter throat lozenges or sprays that have mild analgesics to lessen the pain from a sore tongue. Take throat lozenges or sprays every 2-3 hours for best results. Avoid swallowing the throat lozenges to prevent numbing of the throat.
- Capsaicin cream is a topical analgesic that lessens the pain. Apply this cream to the affected tongue at least 3-4 times every day.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to treat infections in the tongue. It also lessens pain and swelling.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/tongue-problems-2