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How Can I Remove Tongue Warts?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Tongue warts are caused by a type of sexually transmitted disease known as the human papilloma virus, more commonly referred to as HPV, and should always be treated by a doctor. Attempting to treat these warts at home may cause them to rupture and spread the virus further or cause serious damage to the sensitive tissues of the mouth. Topical ointments and antiviral medications may be used to treat warts on the tongue, although more invasive treatment methods are often required. Cryotherapy, laser surgery, or the use of chemical injections are among the most common treatment methods. Any specific questions or concerns about the most appropriate treatment options for tongue warts in an individual situation should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.

In some cases, if the warts do not cause any bothersome symptoms, the supervising physician may decide against medical treatment. Instead, the condition may be monitored in order to see if the warts disappear on their own, as they sometimes do. If pain or other symptoms develop, the doctor will then discuss treatment options with the patient. Occasionally, an antiviral medication may be prescribed in an attempt to lessen the severity of the symptoms.

Tongue warts should always be treated by a doctor.
Tongue warts should always be treated by a doctor.

Milder cases of tongue warts may be treated with topical ointments and pain relievers. This method of treatment is typically used temporarily until a more invasive method of treatment can be scheduled. It is difficult to treat areas of the mouth with topical agents because of the natural moisture in the mouth, which prevents the symptom relief from lasting as long as is generally needed.

Liquid nitrogen may be used to freeze tongue warts.
Liquid nitrogen may be used to freeze tongue warts.

Cryotherapy is perhaps the most commonly used method of removal for tongue warts. Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the warts and cause a reduction in size. This treatment may have to be repeated on several occasions because the liquid nitrogen tends to remove one layer of the wart at a time. Even with proper treatment, oral warts have a high rate of recurrence.

Topical ointments may help treat tongue warts.
Topical ointments may help treat tongue warts.

Laser surgery or chemical injections may be used to remove tongue warts in some situations. The laser surgery can cause a bit of discomfort and may need to be repeated. Chemical injections may be used in an effort to reduce the size of the tongue warts and relieve painful symptoms. As is the case with other methods of treatment, these injections often need to be repeated at varying intervals. On rare occasions, temporary or permanent nerve damage may occur following an injection.

Discussion Comments

anon1003301

I am trying the tea tree oil now on what looks like a tongue wart that I've now had for a month. I just started the tea tree oil. My sister is an R.N. and an oils fanatic, and said it's OK to ingest it. I'll let y'all know if it works!

anon995215

Oral warts are not necessarily sexually transmitted. I believe that HPV is the same virus that causes warts all over the body.

I don't see how one would get ointment to stay on ones tongue.

A general practitioner can diagnose it and either use cryotherapy or give you a prescription. A dentist could probably do the same. A dermatologist might have other equipment at their disposal.

anon341973

What kind of doctor would you see to remove an oral wart?

candyquilt

@literally45-- Why don't you just get laser surgery?

If you don't have very many warts right now, laser surgery will be the easiest and least painful way to go about it. And it will kill the virus that's present in the wart so it won't spread and form clusters on your tongue.

I know it sounds scary, but it's really not that bad. It's just a little inconvenient because the warts are on the tongue. But if the warts are bothering you and you wan't to get rid of them quickly, this is a safe and sure way to do it. Otherwise, let them go away on their own.

SteamLouis

@literally45-- I have no idea about tea tree oil but that sounds kind of dangerous. I would not try that unless your doctor says its okay.

I would advise you however to try and improve your immune system. If your immune system becomes stronger, it will be easier to fight off the warts. So you might want to take immune-system boosting vitamins and herbs.

I think it all comes down to having a healthy, strong immune system. I don't think removing warts is really a good treatment because the warts are caused by a virus. As long as you have the virus, the warts can come back. And like the article said, if you mess around with it, you might actually make it worse by spreading the virus to other parts of your mouth.

literally45

I've heard that tea tree oil kills warts on the skin. Do you think it could also be used on tongue warts?

Is it safe to put tea tree oil on the tongue and ingest it?

Has anyone tried treating tongue warts this way?

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    • Tongue warts should always be treated by a doctor.
      By: Katrina Brown
      Tongue warts should always be treated by a doctor.
    • Liquid nitrogen may be used to freeze tongue warts.
      By: markara
      Liquid nitrogen may be used to freeze tongue warts.
    • Topical ointments may help treat tongue warts.
      By: ArenaCreative
      Topical ointments may help treat tongue warts.
    • Many doctors advise against treatment to remove tongue warts in otherwise healthy patients unless the growth is causing discomfort.
      By: Monkey Business
      Many doctors advise against treatment to remove tongue warts in otherwise healthy patients unless the growth is causing discomfort.
    • Tongue warts are caused by HPV, which is a sexually transmitted disease.
      By: pio3
      Tongue warts are caused by HPV, which is a sexually transmitted disease.