Sores On Tongue
The Unsavory Truth about Sores on the Tongue
Sores on the tongue are a painful condition that can have a number or causes, from just simple food allergies to cancer. So even before we begin, be sure to get your condition looked at by a physician—especially if it doesn’t clear up in a timely fashion. Here are the possibilities, from the most to the least likely.
Food Allergy
One of the most common causes for sores on the tongue is food allergies. If you have recently tried a new and exotic food or an old food spiced in an unusual way, this could be the cause of your sores.
If this is the case, your sores should go away after a few days and not recur so long as you don’t go back to those foods.
Allergic Reactions to a New Toothpaste or Mouth Wash
Believe it or not, even certain types of toothpaste or mouthwash can cause sores on the tongue. If you have recently changed your brand of toothpaste or mouthwash, stop using it and see if the condition clears up. If so, this is likely the cause.
New Medications
If you’ve recently started any kind of new medications this could also be a cause. Check the counter-indications or side effects for the medication (usually included in extremely hard to read text with your medication). You might also Google the active ingredients with the words “side effects” and see if “sores in mouth” or “sores on tongue” is one of the side effects.
Even if you don’t find any, you should report your problems to your doctor. She may know of certain side effects. In the case of new medicines, this side effect may not have been reported in trials.
Oral Herpes
Another condition that commonly causes sores on the tongue and mouth is herpes. Herpes can be contracted either from contact with a carrier’s mouth or genitals.
There are two different types of herpes. The milder, more common form is HSV-1, usually simply referred to as “cold sores”. It is typically contracted by casual contact. Children, for example, may get it by a simple kiss on the cheek with an infected relative. Health care specialists estimate that most Americans have contracted this virus at one point or another.
HSV-2 is the virus people usually think of when we refer to “herpes”. People usually contract this virus through receiving oral sex or having genital sex. In other words, sores on the tongue are unlikely to be related the HSV-2.
Syphilis
Although genital herpes is an unlikely cause of your tongue sores, another sexually transmitted disease, syphilis, does sometimes present as sores on the tongue in its early phases. If you believe sexual contact may be the cause, be sure to get this checked out as syphilis may cause very serious neurological problems if left untreated.
Canker Sores
Another typical cause of mouth discomfort is canker sores. Although these typically occur on the on the walls of the mouth or on the lips, they can sometimes occur on the tongue. These look like whitish bumps surrounded by reddening.
These typically clear up on their own, although there are some treatments you can take.
Immune System Problems
Cold sores may also indicate a weakening of the immune system. This may be due to various causes, but if you have a recurrence of the same condition within a year, you should get this checked out.
Cancer
This is not a common occurrence but it does sometimes occur. Typically, cancer sores occur on the sides on the tongue and not on top. Cancer sores tend to be hard.
There are treatments for this condition, and, as in most cancers, it is best when caught early. So go to your doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment
Because sores on the tongue can have so many possible causes, the wisest and safest course of action is to consult a physician. The best physician to contact would be an ear, nose, and throat doctor, although your insurance may require you to have your GP refer you. If the condition clears up by itself after a few days this may mean it was a simply allergy, but it could also mean that your condition is simply dormant. If it recurs, you should definitely consult a physician.