Sores on the tongue appear as ulcerative wounds, which affect a significant number of people and can decrease their quality of life , taking into account the usefulness of this organ for our daily lives.
In the following article, we explain what sores on the tongue are, their characteristics, and we indicate how you can cure them.
Why do sores appear on the tongue?
Sores on the tongue, also called canker sores (1) , are small ulcers or superficial wounds that appear on the tongue and make eating and speaking difficult.
Note: Sores on the tongue are a condition that does not pose a greater danger to human health.
The reasons why these sores appear are still undetermined and are sometimes attributed to multifactorial causes . Here we describe the most common causes:
1. Infections, diseases and allergies
One of the first causes in the appearance of sores is possibly suffering from infectious conditions in the oral cavity and diseases of the tongue . We must remember that sores are formed thanks to a defense mechanism of the immune system .
You should know: Viral diseases, caused by the Herpes virus, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract such as Crohn’s disease or allergic reactions, can also activate the immune system and form sores, possibly to protect it from some alteration of the organism.
2. Nutritional deficiencies
Another possible cause of the appearance of sores on the tongue has been attributed to deficiencies in the consumption of nutrients ( vitamins and minerals), many of them essential for the health of the skin and tissues.
To highlight: Thiamine, pantothenic acid, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and other B complex have proven to be an important factor in the healing process of skin and mucous membrane wounds. (two)
3. Stress and hormonal changes
Negative emotional states such as anxiety, depression and stress act on the immune system , limiting its defensive activity. In these circumstances the organism is defenseless, taking advantage of all those chemical and biological agents that participate in the formation of sores or canker sores.
On the other hand, hormonal changes that occur, for example , in the women’s menstruation stage, may represent a risk factor in the appearance of sores on the tongue, which may initially appear as reddish spots .
Note: A study concludes that stress may play a role in the etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (its main symptom is a painful sore in the mouth, making speech and eating difficult). (3)
4. Trauma, orthodontics and prosthetics
Sores or canker sores can also be generated by trauma to the oral cavity, by the use of mechanical devices used to correct the teeth such as orthodontic appliances, prostheses and dental implants .
This can occur due to the continuous friction of these devices with the soft tissue of the oral mucosa, causing small ulcerative sores, taking into consideration that the tongue is a highly mobile organ .
Important: Care is recommended in the installation of these devices to correct the teeth, since a poor position can generate greater friction with the oral mucosa and consequently a greater recurrence in this condition.
5. Food, drinks and drugs
The appearance of sores in the mouth can also arise from the consumption of certain foods. Clinically, the appearance of thrush has been reported during the consumption of some nuts such as peanuts and almonds .
This also includes the consumption of excessively acidic foods , since they can irritate the surface of the tongue, in addition to increasing the proliferation of bacteria that can cause another common condition called white tongue .
To highlight: Undoubtedly, alcoholic beverages with a very high degree of acidity and the recurrent consumption of drugs can generate sensitivity and develop thrush as an allergic reaction. (4)
How to cure sores on the tongue?
Sores on the tongue do not cause major complications beyond the patient’s own carelessness, however following the following recommendations you can achieve a quick recovery :
1. Maintain proper daily hygiene
General hygiene is very important, but particularly hygiene of the tongue and mouth. A healthy oral cavity prevents or at least can resist the formation of ulcers on its mucosa.
Therefore, oral hygiene represents one of the best alternatives to start a preventive plan against the formation of sores on the tongue. (5)
Important: Maintaining proper hygiene also means following a balanced diet that provides enough vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that improve the body’s immune function.
2. Avoid the consumption of irritating foods and substances
The next recommendation is to avoid, as much as possible, the intake of foods that can cause allergic reactions or the consumption of irritating substances such as highly acidic foods and spicy seasonings.
You should know: We must not forget that the consumption of alcoholic beverages with a high degree of acidity constitutes another risk factor in the appearance of canker sores and that therefore we must avoid.
3. Apply home remedies
There is a wide variety of natural products that you can use to cure tongue sores , among which we can mention: glycerin, salt water rinses, papaya, turmeric with milk, vitamin C, baking soda among many other home remedies .
Note: If the case warrants it, vitamin and mineral supplements should be included in the daily diet to reinforce the healing process.
4. Use drugs prescribed by a specialist
In those cases where traditional therapies and changes in oral health habits do not generate a favorable response to the patient, it is advisable to go to a specialist doctor (dermatologist, specialist in internal medicine or dentist) to make an assessment and indicate the pharmacological strategy that is right for you.
Important: You should not self-medicate without the evaluation and proper prescription of a specialist doctor.
Key Findings
- Tongue sores are small ulcerative wounds that originate on the surface of the tongue.
- They do not represent a complication for general health, since they are not considered a disease nor are they contagious.
- Although its etiology is not well defined, hygiene, nutrition and negative emotional factors predispose its appearance.
- You should go to a medical professional, when conventional therapies do not offer a satisfactory answer.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.