Sore Mouth And Tongue
What Can Cause A Sore Mouth And Tongue?
There are a number of conditions that can result on a sore mouth and tongue. Treatment is often straightforward unless the problem is especially severe. On occasion, treatment can be difficult if the cause of the sore mouth and tongue remains unknown.
Of course there are many different things that can cause a sore mouth or cause a sore tongue, but if both mouth and tongue are affected, it is often easier to zero in on the source of the problem. We'll look at one fairly common condition often affecting both the inner linings of the mouth and the tongue, but first let's look at the condition from a more general perspective.
Stomatitis - An inflammation of the mucous linings of the mouth is called stomatitis. This includes the gums, lips, and tongue as well. Stomatitis is not in itself a disease, but rather a definition and a symptom of a disease, injury or disorder. Scalding the tongue and roof of the mouth with hot coffee could result in stomatitis, and this certainly would not be called a disease. Of course if the burn were severe enough to result in open lesions and subsequent infection, stomatitis would still be present, though the underlying cause may change from the effects of a burn to the effects of infection.
Some Underlying Causes - There are a number if systemic diseases which may cause stomatitis, including hepatitis, irritated bowel disease, leukemia, measles and gonorrhea. Vitamin deficiencies or iron deficiencies may lead to a sore mouth and tongue, and other problems as well. In such cases the underlying cause must be dealt with. Effective treatment of the sore mouth and tongue may at times be possible even if the underlying cause remains.
Candida – A cause of sore mouth and tongue occasionally encountered is a presence of Candida. This fungus, always present the mouth, is normally kept in check by friendly bacteria as well as other factors. Sometimes a situation arises such that the fungus undergoes a population explosion, and a yeast infection is the result. An excess of sugar being consumed is considered to be a leading cause of this type of yeast infection. The primary symptom of Candida is a coated tongue, though other parts of the mouth may be coated with the yeast as well. Candida does not always cause a sore mouth and tongue, though it can. When the yeast infection is treated, by killing the yeast, soreness and pain often will occur, as the dead fungi, upon decomposing, release toxins onto the tongue and inner walls of the mouth. To minimize the pain, Candida is often treated in stages, killing off only a percentage of the yeast infection at any one time.
Dentures Often The Culprit - Faulty dentures or other dental problems or conditions are another frequent cause of stomatitis, usually affecting mainly the gums, but occasionally the linings of the mouth and tongue as well. Whatever the cause, a sore mouth and tongue can sometimes become a chronic situation, especially if treatment is not sought. Here again, dentures are a leading cause of chronic soreness, but not the only culprit. A certain type of toothpaste, improper brushing technique, certain mouth washes and even some medications may contribute to the problem. Eating certain foods, smoking, or excessive intake of alcohol or sweets can make a chronic situation worse.
A sore mouth and tongue may be due to a disease or disorder over which the victim has little control. But a chronic situation should usually be avoidable. This may involve certain lifestyle changes, but there is usually little excuse for allowing the pain and discomfort to linger on.