8 causes of tongue ulcers and how you can treat them

The causes of tongue ulcer and ways to manage it

Dr Anitha Anchan | Updated: August 17, 2016 10:56 am

Tongue ulcers are painful sores that appear on the tongue. They vary in size. They are usually harmless but can be very uncomfortable, especially while eating.

Causes

Ulcers in the tongue may arise from a variety of reasons. Some of the causes are:

1. Trauma

Injury from accidentally biting your tongue, eating scalding food, improper brushing, chewing hard foods and ill-fitting dental implants such as braces can cause tongue ulcers. A misaligned or crooked tooth can rub against your tongue causing ulcer and pain.

2. Stress

Stress releases a host of chemicals in the body that affects the entire body, triggering ulcers on the tongue as well.

3. Certain foods

Intake of foods such as citrus fruits and vegetables like oranges, lemons or tomatoes can trigger or worsen ulcers of the tongue. Chocolates, peanuts and almonds may also put you at high risk of tongue ulcers. A lack of vitamin B6 causes recurrent mouth ulcers that can involve the tongue too.

4. Smoking

Smoking can irritate the tongue and cause sores. And quitting smoking can cause the same as well! First time smoking quitters may temporarily develop tongue ulcers.

5. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes can cause ulcers usually in women during their monthly menstrual cycle.

6. Some medical ailments

Herpes simplex infection can cause painful sores on the tongue. Painful red lesions on the tongue are one of the classic symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease too. Very rarely, a tuberculous ulcer may form on the tongue in a patient suffering from tuberculosis. Conditions like Behcet’s disease, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, pemphigus or vulgaris, can cause ulcers in the mouth, including the tongue. Some people suffering from impaired immune function and gastrointestinal disorders are also at a risk of developing the ulcers.

7. Certain medications

Occasionally, some drugs like painkillers or beta-blockers used to treat diseases can cause ulcers on the tongue.

8. Oral cancer

Tongue ulcers may arise from oral cancer too. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue. The sores are usually painless in the initial stage of cancer. But they can be unbearable in the advanced stages. Consult a doctor if you have a persistent ulcer on your tongue.

Treatment

Most often, the ulcers clear up by themselves within a week or two. Some cases may need specific treatment. Tongue ulcers may be resolved by treating the underlying cause and improving the oral hygiene. Over-the-counter topical gels or sprays may help to alleviate the pain. Antimicrobial mouthwash may quicken the healing time and also help prevent infection of the ulcer. Multivitamin medications can help make up for the nutritional deficiencies. Avoid spicy and sour foods. There are some effective natural home remedies to deal with tongue ulcers.

Seek immediate medical care if there the ulcer is accompanied by high fever and swelling of the tongue. It could be a sign of severe infection. Likewise, a persistent tongue ulcer may need to be tested for oral cancer.

Image source: Shutterstock (image for representational purpose only)

Published: August 16, 2016 6:19 pm | Updated:August 17, 2016 10:56 am

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