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What are Some Causes of a Sore Tongue?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Just about everyone has experienced a sore tongue at one time or another. In many instances, a sore or sensitive tongue is a symptom of a health ailment that can be easily cured. However, a tongue that is sore and sensitive to heat and cold may also be a sign of something more involved. Here are a few of the causes for sore tongue and what you can do about them.

The most innocuous reason for tongue pain is very simple and very common. Accidentally biting the tongue is extremely painful, both at the time the tongue is actually bitten and for some time afterward. As the tongue heals, the soreness will begin to subside. Using an oral rinse to keep the mouth clean will help facilitate the healing process.

Accidentally biting the tongue may cause tongue soreness.
Accidentally biting the tongue may cause tongue soreness.

Smoking can cause a great many health issues, including the development of a sore tongue. Over time, smoking will make the tongue more sensitive and thus make it easier to be negatively impacted by hot and cold beverages or register a heightened response to any type of oral disease. Choosing to stop smoking will help to reverse the sensitivity and soreness as well as be good for the rest of the body.

Canker sores may cause a sore tongue.
Canker sores may cause a sore tongue.

Various types of gum disease may lead to a tongue that is inflamed and sore. Gingivitis is one example. The presence of a canker sore or tongue tumor may also develop due to poor oral health. Often, these conditions will require treatment with antibiotics and testing to ensure that the tumor is not malignant in order to correct the core problem. From that point forward, engaging in a consistent regimen of proper dental care will help to minimize the chances of a recurring situation.

Over time, smoking can make the tongue more sensitive to heat and cold.
Over time, smoking can make the tongue more sensitive to heat and cold.

Not every cause of soreness in the tongue is found in the mouth. Ailments that compromise other organs in the body can indirectly lead to problems with the tongue. Angina can cause pains all over the body, including the tongue. Emotional imbalances such as depression and anxiety can trigger aches and pains throughout the body, with the tongue possibly becoming dry and sensitive. This type of referred pain is not uncommon at all, and will usually disappear as the originating ailment is diagnosed and treatment begins.

The tongue papillae, including the taste buds, can become inflamed.
The tongue papillae, including the taste buds, can become inflamed.

While a sore tongue may or may not be a sign of something serious, it is always a good idea to see a dentist when there is no apparent cause for the soreness. Developing and maintaining good dental health habits will go a long way toward preventing some of the causes, as well as making it easier to diagnose some of the more serious reasons for the soreness.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon340068

This started a month ago. It felt like I burned my tongue, but I didn't. If I eat salty food, it burns, and now everything tastes spicier/hotter than usual (like ketchup). It doesn't seem to be getting any better. the side of my tongue seems to touch my teeth a little now, so there must have been some swelling. Any ideas what this could mean?

WaterHopper

@momothree: I’m not sure about Tylenol or Ibuprofen relieving the pain, but I know that gargling with Benadryl elixir helps a lot. You can also get topical viscous lidocaine for temporary relief.

momothree

@waterhopper: Does Tylenol or Ibuprofen relieve the pain from glossodynia?

WaterHopper

There is a condition called glossodynia which basically means a painful, burning tongue. Most cases are idiopathic and there are typically no findings on exam unless an injury or burn has occurred. A workup is usually needed to rule out organic disease especially if there are lesions on the tongue.

Some underlying causes of glossydynia are diabetes, nutritional deficiencies such as iron and zinc, and vascular thrombosis.

As long as there are no physical abnormalities found, glossodynia is not serious. Good oral hygiene and good nutrition will clear it up.

arunil

I get swollen tastebuds from time to time, and they are very annoying and painful. I have no idea what causes them, but I understand that they may be a reaction to some foods. There doesn't seem to be much of anything that can be done about them.

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    • Accidentally biting the tongue may cause tongue soreness.
      By: mathom
      Accidentally biting the tongue may cause tongue soreness.
    • Canker sores may cause a sore tongue.
      By: leungchopan
      Canker sores may cause a sore tongue.
    • Over time, smoking can make the tongue more sensitive to heat and cold.
      By: Mr Korn Flakes
      Over time, smoking can make the tongue more sensitive to heat and cold.
    • The tongue papillae, including the taste buds, can become inflamed.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      The tongue papillae, including the taste buds, can become inflamed.
    • The tongue should be included in good dental health habits.
      By: Aaron Amat
      The tongue should be included in good dental health habits.
    • A sore tongue is not always a sign of something more serious.
      By: yanmingzhang
      A sore tongue is not always a sign of something more serious.