a viral infection – such as an infection that causes hand, foot and mouth disease or cold sores. vitamin deficiencies and anaemia – a sore tongue can sometimes be a symptom of iron deficiency anaemia and vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia.
Common causes of a sore or white tongue
Biting or burning your tongue with hot food or drink can cause pain and swelling. This should only last a few days. A white tongue can be a sign of a health condition, such as lichen planus, leukoplakia, geographic tongue, mouth ulcers or oral thrush. But do not self-diagnose.
Call your doctor or dentist if you notice any changes in your tongue that concern you. These changes may include anything from a change in color, lumps, and sores to pain that continues for two weeks or longer.
Allergies or reactions to foods, food flavorings, other food additives, fragrances, dyes or dental-work substances. Reflux of stomach acid (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) that enters your mouth from your stomach. Certain medications, particularly high blood pressure medications.
Summary. The causes of a swollen tongue can include allergies, infections, trauma, GERD, drug reactions, autoimmune diseases, or rare disorders. While it's less common, tongue cancer can also cause a swollen tongue. If you have a swollen tongue that isn't very bad, make an appointment to see your provider.
Make an appointment with your doctor or dentist if: You're concerned about changes in your tongue. Your tongue hurts. Your white tongue persists for longer than a few weeks.
That may sound strange, but your tongue can tell a lot about your health. For example, a black and hairy looking tongue can signal poor oral hygiene, or diabetes. If your tongue is bright red like a strawberry, it could signal a deficiency in folic acid, vitamin B12, or iron.
An unhealthy tongue. If your tongue is a different colour than pink, or has large patches of white, brown, black, or another colour, this might indicate a specific health issue. Similarly, if you have large bumps or no bumps at all, you may also want to speak to a doctor.
The symptoms of tongue cancer might include: a red or white patch on the tongue that won't go away. a sore throat that doesn't go away. a sore spot (ulcer) or lump on the tongue that doesn't go away.
Signs of your body undergoing excessive stress can show up on your tongue as unusual redness, sores, and ulcers. Also, if your tongue appears to have marks around the edges, that could signify consistently biting your tongue as a reaction to stress.
Most tongue sores are not caused by a serious problem. The sore on the tongue can heal on its own. However, if a condition last longer than two weeks, you should consult your dentist.
Lingual thyroid is an abnormal mass of ectopic thyroid tissue seen in base of tongue caused due to embryological aberrancy in development of thyroid gland. Most of the ectopic tissue is seen in the tongue.
Glossitis is a condition in which your tongue becomes inflamed and swollen. Causes include allergic reactions, infections and dry mouth. Glossitis treatment depends on the cause, but may include antibiotics, dietary changes and improved oral hygiene. Once treated, glossitis usually goes away.
Some people with anxiety disorders often experience a tingling sensation on their tongue, commonly referred to as “anxiety tongue” or “stress tongue.” Anxiety tongue may also involve swelling, muscle spasms, or burning sensations. Anxiety as an emotional response is linked to your stress response.
A common cause of tongue pain or discomfort is glossitis, a condition characterized by swollen tongue and color changes. Bacterial, yeast, and viral infections can cause glossitis. Other causes include a variety of irritants and exposure to very hot foods or drinks, spicy foods, tobacco, and alcohol.
Swelling and inflammation of the tongue typically resolve after several days. If symptoms are still present after 10 days, contact your doctor. You should also contact your doctor if you have trouble swallowing, breathing, or speaking. Severe swelling of the tongue that blocks the airway is a medical emergency.
Creamy white lesions on your tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes on the roof of your mouth, gums and tonsils. Slightly raised lesions with a cottage cheese-like appearance. Redness, burning or soreness that may be severe enough to cause difficulty eating or swallowing.
A black and hairy tongue may look concerning, but it's usually harmless. Bacterial overgrowth on the tongue most commonly causes it. Your tongue may look dark yellow, brown, or black. Also, the papillae may multiply, giving off the “hairy” appearance.
A pink tongue is healthy and normal. A red tongue may indicate heat in the body like a fever or a hormonal imbalance. A reddish purple tongue is a sign that there may be inflammation or an infection in the body. A pale pink tongue may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system or a lack of energy.
Sometimes, anxiety causes tics, which are sudden, uncontrolled, repetitive movements. Some tics, such as chewing or sucking motions, can injure the tongue. Some injuries may lead to numbness, pain, or tingling. Although anxiety is ultimately the cause, it is important to seek medical treatment for the injury.
When someone is dehydrated, the tongue appears dry and typically has a white or white-to-yellowish coating. In some cases, the tongue can appear patchy or splotchy. If your tongue commonly sticks to the roof of your mouth, you are dehydrated!
Oral anxiety is the stress effects on oral health. Stress or anxiety can impact your oral health; when you are stressed, your immune system is compromised, and while the cause of canker sores is not proven, there is some correlation or higher likelihood between lowered immune and those nasty painful canker sores.