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Treatments for a sore tongue

The tongue is sensitive to pain. Canker sores, injuries, or infections may cause discomfort across part or all of the tongue. Treatments will largely depend on the cause.

A person can treat a sore tongue with some simple home remedies. However, certain health conditions may trigger tongue pain, and these will need medical attention.

There are many ways to treat a sore tongue. Home remedies and other methods include:

Maintaining good oral hygiene:

Keeping the mouth clean could help heal a sore tongue. Brushing teeth and mouth rinsing reduces harmful bacteria, which lowers the risk of infection.

A person should use a soft toothbrush to avoid irritating and scratching the mouth. They should also avoid using strong mouthwash, as this could aggravate sore tongues.

Rinsing the mouth with saltwater:

If a person has a tongue injury, keeping the wound clean could promote healing. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggest a gentle saltwater rinse may reduce the risk of infection.

To create a rinse, add half a teaspoon of salt to a small glass of warm water. Gently swill the saltwater around the mouth a few times, then spit.

Rinsing the mouth with cool chamomile tea:

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, chamomile is a herbal remedy that can soothe mouth sores. Although it is generally safe, there is limited evidence for its benefits.

Using sage as a herbal remedy:

Sage is a herbal remedy and could reduce inflammation of the mouth. A person should steep sage leaves in boiling water and allow it to cool before rinsing. This may help alleviate canker sores on the tongue.

Being mindful of foods and drinks:

Spicy, salty, or acidic foods may irritate the tongue and mouth. People should try to cut out spicy curries and meals that contain a lot of citric acid until a sore tongue heals. They should also avoid crunchy foods with sharp edges, such as chips, which could injure the tongue.

Soda can also irritate sore tongues or canker sores, so if a person wants to drink these beverages, they should use a straw.

Avoiding smoking:

Tobacco can slow wound healing and irritate the tongue. People with a sore tongue who smoke regularly may wish to try nicotine patches to help break their habit.

If home remedies are not effective, a person may consider using over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as pain relievers. For infected sores, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Pain medication:

OTC pain medication may reduce the discomfort of a sore tongue. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, could help reduce swelling. For severe canker sores, a doctor may prescribe stronger corticosteroids to treat swelling and pain.

Topical gel:

Topical gels may ease canker sore pain by numbing the area. According to the ADA, they also provide a barrier against further irritation. This medication is available over the counter, but stronger topical gels may need a prescription.

Prescription mouthwash:

A doctor may prescribe a medicated mouthwash to ease painful tongue sores. Therapeutic or medicated mouthwashes contain active ingredients that cosmetic mouthwashes do not.

Vitamin supplements:

A lack of certain vitamins may increase the risk of developing canker sores. People can take supplements to reduce this risk and support their immune system.

Antibiotics:

If a sore tongue is due to a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Symptoms include pain, inflammation, and the wound not showing any signs of healing.

There are many triggers for a sore tongue, with some more serious than others. These can include:

Canker sores:

Canker sores are small ulcers that are usually white or grey, and can sometimes appear with a red border. They usually heal within 2 weeks.

Trauma:

It is easy to burn or bite the tongue when eating food. Loose wires from a brace or broken dentures may also injure the tongue.

If a person breaks their braces or dentures, they should get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the tongue and mouth.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy and some medications may cause sores on the tongue. These sores should heal after the treatment ends. A prescription mouthwash may help. People should seek medical advice when they choose a mouthwash, as there are several options.

Oral thrush:

According to the ADA, some fungal infections affect the tongue. Oral thrush causes red and white patches on the tongue and in the mouth. Other symptoms may include pain, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing.

(09/19/2020)
by Claire Sissons

More Information: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sore-tongue-treatment

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