Can you get ulcers on your tongue

Your tongue may become smooth and even glossy in appearance because your taste buds have atrophied. This condition is usually related to nutritional deficiencies, like vitamin B deficiency or anemia, or even celiac disease. Do you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like naproxen Aleve , or beta-blockers? Some studies have suggested that these medications may make your tongue sore by causing ulcers. Mouthwashes may also irritate your tongue and make it sore.

Though rare, pemphigus vulgaris is a disorder that can cause painful sores in your mouth or on your genitals. These sores may show up as blisters in your mouth. They may rupture and ooze and become infected. You may even find it difficult to eat or swallow.

Treatment usually involves different medications or therapies like those that are used to treat severe burns. Another rare cause of tongue pain is oral cancer. Again, there are many reasons you may have a sore tongue — cancer is only a remote possibility.

In people with chronic dry mouth, the tongue can become dry and fissured, and can easily develop ulcers and infections. Call your doctor or dentist if you notice any changes in your tongue that concern you. These changes may include anything from a change in color, lumps, and sores to pain that continues for two weeks or longer. Learn about the types, causes, and diagnosis of tongue problems. A tongue bump or sore can be caused by various conditions, ranging from enlarged papillae to mouth cancer.

Find out what these bumps mean and how to…. Burning your tongue can be painful and frustrating. Drinking hot liquids and eating hot foods can put you at risk of burning your tongue. Learn more…. Spots on your tongue can signal different conditions depending on the color, shape, and location.

Learn more about ways to identify spots on your…. A tingling tongue usually isn't anything to worry about and will clear up soon. But what if it doesn't? Here's what may be causing it and when to see…. Here's what may be behind a scalloped tongue, also known as a wavy tongue. Learn about the causes and treatments for this symptom. Mouth sores are lesions that can appear on any of the soft tissues of the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and floor and roof of the….

Symptoms include a small white or yellow oval-shaped ulcer, and a painful or tingling area in the mouth. Ulcers may…. Macroglossia is usually caused by an underlying condition, or it could be present at birth without an underlying cause. It should be treated by a…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. Here are some of the most common causes, as well as when you should head to the doctor.

A sore on your tongue is a nuisance. Causes can include the foods you eat , certain medications, broken teeth and some diseases. You can look for certain signs to determine when a sore requires a visit to a dental or medical professional. Mouth ulcers can appear on the gums, roof of the mouth, cheeks and tongue. According to the National Health Service NHS , you may develop a mouth, cheek or tongue ulcer from biting the inside of your mouth.

Genetics, stress, broken teeth, spicy and acidic foods or a burnt tongue may lead to mouth ulcers. Make sure you're getting enough B, folate, zinc and iron because mouth ulcers may develop when you lack these nutrients.

This type of sore on your tongue typically goes away on its own within two weeks. You may want to rinse your mouth with a mouthwash designed for mouth ulcers to soothe the sore and reduce irritation. It is worth noting that recurrent mouth ulcers are thought to be hereditary as up to 40 per cent of people who experience them report it runs in their family, as noted by NI Direct.

If you get this type of sore regularly, your child is likely to get it. Mouth ulcers occur more often in women. Limit the acidic or rough-textured foods that your child eats.

If the problem is recurring, consult your child's paediatrician about medications they take or food they eat that may lead to frequent mouth ulcers. A sore on your tongue may be a cold sore. According to the NHS , this type of sore is caused by a contagious virus.

Once caught, the virus lives inside your body for years, and certain triggers activate the virus, causing a cold sore to develop. Triggers for the disease include illness, hormonal changes, stress and sunburn. Cold sores usually go away on their own within two weeks. Over-the-counter treatments are available to help the cold sore disappear more quickly.

You or your child can contract a cold sore from touching something that the virus has contaminated, such as a towel, toothbrush or eating utensils.

If you are not registered with any dental practice then you should read our advice on dental emergencies. Further information is available on accessing dental treatment during the coronavirus pandemic. Mouth ulcers are painful sores that appear in the mouth. Mouth ulcers shouldn't be confused with cold sores , which are small blisters that develop on the lips or around the mouth. Cold sores often begin with a tingling, itching or burning sensation around your mouth. It's usually safe to treat mouth ulcers at home, although your pharmacist may advise that yousee your GP or dentist if:.

Mouth ulcers are also a possible symptom of a viral infection that mainly affects young children, called hand, foot and mouth disease. Read about the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease. However, treatment can help to reduce swelling and ease any discomfort. This may help if you keep getting mouth ulcers or your mouth ulcer affects eating and drinking.

You can get several types of mouth ulcer treatment from a pharmacy. Speak to your pharmacist about the best treatment for you. Options include the following:. If necessary, you may be prescribed a course of stronger corticosteroids to help reduce pain and swelling, and speed up healing. Corticosteroids are available on prescription as tablets, mouthwash, paste or spray, but are not suitable for children under In a few cases, a long-lasting mouth ulcer can be a sign of mouth cancer.

Ulcers caused by mouth cancer usually appear on or under the tongue, although you can get them in other areas of the mouth. It's important to detect mouth cancer as early as possible. If mouth cancer is detected early, the chances of a complete recovery are good.