Are Tongue Ulcers Severe
No, tongue ulcers by themselves do not generally indicate anything serious. Tongue ulcers are common and self-healing. However, if you have tongue ulcers that last longer than three weeks, new ulcers appearing before the old ones heal, fever, diarrhoea, pain that does not go away with medication, ulcers spreading to other parts of your mouth, or abnormally large ulcers, you should contact your doctor because it could be a sign of something more serious.1,2
What Causes Mouth Ulcers
The exact cause of mouth ulcers is unknown. But there are several factors that can contribute to the development of these sores:
- Minor tissue injury from dental work, such as having a cavity filled.
- Accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
- Allergic reaction to certain bacteria.
- Viral, bacterial or fungal infections.
How To Treat A Canker Sore On The Side Of Your Tongue
Fortunately, over-the-counter canker sore medications abound in drugstores. Topical creams, ointments, liquids, and patches are available to treat canker sores and help them heal quickly. A number of home remedies may also provide relief.
Light therapy is another nonprescription option to treat canker sores. The Luminance RED Mouth Sore Treatment Device is an FDA-registered light therapy device designed to help you manage canker sores. Light therapy is one of the only chemical-free treatment options for canker sores with clinically proven effectiveness.
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Prescription Therapies For Canker Sores
More severe or persistent cases of canker sores need to be checked by a doctor to rule out associated conditions or to access prescription treatments.
Again, any treatments aimed at the ulcers themselves are not certain to change their course, but can ease the symptoms.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to minimize inflammatory irritation whether or not a bacterial infection is present.
Anesthetics, as well as being available in consumer products for canker sores, may also be prescribed as topical preparations to ease irritation and pain.
Some medicines designed for other conditions can sometimes be used. The American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, for example, cites an association between recurrent cases of canker sores and an overactive immune system, so topical immunosuppressant medications may help, such as locally applied cortisone.
With a similar mode of action, topical corticosteroids are often considered by doctors these include clobetasol ointment, dexamethasone rinse, and fluocinonide gel . One possible side effect of using corticosteroids against canker sores is a fungal infection in the mouth.
Particularly severe or recurrent cases of canker sores may be referred to an oral specialist who might consider systemic rather than locally applied drugs.
These specialists may also be needed to make a more specific diagnosis some rare cases of recurrent canker sores are diagnosed as Sutton disease, for example.
Being Mindful Of Foods And Drinks
Spicy, salty, or acidic foods may irritate the tongue and mouth. People should try to cut out spicy curries and meals that contain a lot of citric acid until a sore tongue heals. They should also avoid crunchy foods with sharp edges, such as chips, which could injure the tongue.
Soda can also irritate sore tongues or canker sores, so if a person wants to drink these beverages, they should use a straw.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Mouth Ulcer
Mouth ulcers are easy to spot. They usually appear as sores on your lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks or roof of the mouth. While red around the edges, mouth ulcers are typically white, yellow or gray in the center. You may only develop one ulcer, or there might be more. Other symptoms could include:
- Swelling around the ulcer.
- Increased soreness when brushing your teeth.
- Pain that worsens when eating spicy, salty or sour foods.
When To Seek Medical Help
Tongue ulcers can affect anyone. However, you should seek medical help from your doctor if you have:
- Ulcers that last for more than three weeks
- New ulcers appearing before the old one heals
- Mouth ulcers that spread to other part of your lips
- Pain that is not relieved by medication
- Large ulcers, that appear unusual
- Painless mouth ulcers
You must not rely on home remedies for the treatment of this condition you should consult a qualified doctor for any advice for the condition.
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When To Seek Treatment For Mouth Ulcers
If ulcers are interfering with your normal daily activities, or have persisted for 2 weeks, see your dentist or an oral medicine specialist.
In some cases, you may need blood tests if its suspected that you have an underlying deficiency or an inflammatory condition.
If your oral health professional cant determine the cause of your mouth ulcers, or if the ulcers dont respond to the normal treatments, you may need to have a biopsy of part of the ulcer and some of the surrounding tissue. A biopsy is a procedure where a tissue sample is taken for examination and diagnosis.
Home Remedies To Ease Tongue Blisters
Salt
Common salt is an amazing home remedy that helps to lessen the inflammation and pain caused by the blisters. Besides this, antibacterial properties of salt help to naturally fight underlying infection.
How To Do
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm get relieved from tongue blisters, water and rinse your mouth well. Repeat this several times in a day to
Yogurt
The potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of yogurt works amazingly well to cure tongue blisters. Yogurt bestowed with essential nutrients and a natural probiotic helps to lessen the pain, inflammation and infection associated with blisters.
How To Do
Regularly have a cup of plain yogurt to get respite from blisters.
Clove Essential Oils
Clove oil is loaded with active compound eugenol which works as a natural anaesthetic. This active compound exhibits amazing anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help to heal tongue blisters.
How To Do
In a cup of warm water add 3-4 drops of clove oil and rinse your mouth well. Repeat this 3-4 times daily for the best result.
Baking Soda
Baking soda possesses strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce the inflammation and heal blisters. Moreover, its alkaline nature facilitates maintaining the pH balance in the mouth which eases to get rid of tongue blisters. Also Read: 5 Incredible Health Benefits Of Baking Soda
How To Do
Ice
How To Do
Tulsi Leaves
How To Do
Turmeric
How To Do
Coconut oil
How To Do
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Causes Of Mouth Ulcers
Most single mouth ulcers are caused by things you can try to avoid, such as:
- biting the inside of your cheek
- badly fitting dentures, braces, rough fillings or a sharp tooth
- cuts or burns while eating or drinking for example, hard food or hot drinks
- a food intolerance or allergy
- damaging your gums with a toothbrush or irritating toothpaste
- feeling tired, stressed or anxious
Sometimes they’re triggered by things you cannot always control, such as:
- hormonal changes such as during pregnancy
- your genes some families get mouth ulcers more often
- a vitamin B12 or iron deficiency
- medicines including some NSAIDs, beta blockers or nicorandil
- stopping smoking people may develop mouth ulcers when they first stop smoking
If you have several mouth ulcers, it can be a symptom of:
Good Mouth Care And Mouth Rinses
Good mouth care is key to help reduce the risk or severity of mouth sores. Using a soft toothbrush or foam swab can help keep the mouth clean and reduce the risk of injuring your gums and lining of the mouth. If you use dental floss, ask your doctor if you should stop or if you can continue to floss.
Certain types of rinses can help to keep your mouth clean and can help soothe discomfort. Ask your doctor which type of rinse may be best for your situation. For example, baking soda, salt water, or saline rinses might be recommended. Mouth rinses with antibiotic agents or steroids might be recommended, depending on how severe the mouth sores are.
Benzydamine may help prevent mouth sores in people getting radiation treatment to the mouth or throat. Morphine rinses may help relieve pain from mouth sores in this same group of people. Dexamethasone has been used in mouth rinses to help with cleansing and discomfort.
Another type of mouth rinse, often referred to as magic mouthwash might be recommended by your doctor. Magic mouthwash is a mixed medication mouthwash that combines a few different medicines. But, there is not one single combination thats used by all doctors, and some experts dont recommend a combination. Some common ingredients of magic mouthwash include diphenhydramine, viscous lidocaine, aluminum hydroxide, nystatin, and corticosteroids.
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How To Heal Tongue Sores
Fact Checked
Injuries to the tongue are extremely uncomfortable 1. They can also interfere with eating, talking and smiling. Tongue sores are small ulcers caused by a number of factors including hot foods, accidental biting, viral infections or allergies. Most tongue sores will heal on their own within a few weeks however the pain can be uncomfortable in the interim. Treating tongue sores using simple remedies can alleviate the discomfort 1.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Mix the salt and water until the salt is completely dissolved. Take a mouthful of the saltwater and swish and gargle it for one minute 1. Spit and repeat at least three times each day until the sores diminish.
Create a paste by mixing the baking soda and water together.Dab the paste onto the sores using a cotton swab. Allow the paste to remain in place for at least five minutes.
Rinse your mouth using antimicrobial mouthwash three times daily until the sores heal. The mouthwash will disinfect the area, keeping the sores clean and permitting them to heal faster.
Home Remedies For Canker Sores
The home remedy below is suggested by the U.S. Library of Medicine and can be followed three or four times a day:
- Rinse with mild, over-the-counter mouthwash or salt water .
- Make a mixture that is half hydrogen peroxide and half water.
- Use a cotton swab to apply some of the mixture directly to the sore.
- Dab a small amount of milk of magnesia on the sore.
So-called alternative therapies may also be worth trying. A review of the management of canker sores written for the journal American Family Physician, listed a number of options, although it noted that there had been no randomized controlled trials to properly test safety and efficacy:
- Anecdotes of relief and better healing from sucking on zinc gluconate lozenges .
- Vitamin C, vitamin B complex, and lysine may speed healing when taken orally at the onset of lesions.
- Sage and chamomile mouthwash 4-6 times a day may help infuse equal parts of the two herbs in water.
- Carrot, celery, and cantaloupe juices have been reported as helpful.
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Here Are 7 Home Remedies For Sore Tongue
A sore tongue is a common occurrence and can be extremely irritating. Many of these can be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene but some of them are unavoidable. These can be easily treated at home. From canker sores to swollen taste buds to mouth injuries, all of these have the cure right in your home. Read on to know about the home remedies to treat a sore tongue.
What Causes Canker Sores
The cause of most canker sores is not well understood, and multiple factors may cause sores to appear. Some possible causes of canker sores include the following:
- Injury to the mouth may cause simple canker sores. The injury could be from vigorous tooth brushing, dental work, braces or dentures, or a sports accident.
- Acidic foods, including citrus fruits, may trigger a canker sore or make it worse.
- Food sensitivities or allergies
- Diets low in vitamins B12, zinc, folate , or iron
- Toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate
- Allergy to certain bacteria in the mouth
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How To Heal A Cut On Your Tongue
This article was co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a board certified dentist who runs her private practice, Tu’s Dental, in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 237,350 times.
Did you bite your tongue or cut it on something sharp such as a piece of ice or a broken tooth? Having a cut on your tongue is a common injury. Its uncomfortable, but generally heals on its own in a few days. Even if the cut is extremely severe, it will heal if given medical attention, care, and some time. Generally, you can heal a cut on your tongue by controlling the bleeding, promoting healing at home, and minimizing your pain and discomfort.XResearch source
How To Heal A Sore Tongue
This article was medically reviewed by Alina Lane, DDS. Dr. Alina Lane is a Dentist who runs All Smiles Dentistry, a general practice dental office based in New York City. After completing a DDS at the University of Maryland, Dr. Lane completed a year-long clerkship in Implantology at the University of Maryland, where she focused on the advanced restoration of dental implants. She continued her advanced education by completing a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Medical Center, an affiliate of the NYU School of Medicine. She received the Woodhull Medical Center Resident of the Year 2012-2013.There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 16 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 797,518 times.
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What To Look For
- Sores in the mouth that may be red, or may have small white patches in the middle. They may bleed or become infected.
- Swelling in the gums, mouth, or throat
- Pain or discomfort when you chew or swallow. This may also feel like a sore throat.
- Small ulcers, bleeding, or sores in mouth, on gums, or on or under tongue
- A white or yellow film, patches, or pus in the mouth or on the tongue
- Increased mucus in the mouth
- Feeling of dryness, mild burning, or pain when eating hot and cold foods
- Heartburn or indigestion
Symptoms That May Occur With Tongue Ulcers
The most obvious symptom of a mouth ulcer is the sore itself. It will appear as round or oval, and is white or yellow in the middle with a red border that may be hard to tell apart from the surrounding surface of the mouth.
These are commonly found under the tongue, inside the cheeks or lips, on the gums, on the soft palate , or on the sides or surface of the tongue itself.
It is not uncommon to experience a tingling or burning sensation in the area a few days prior to the ulcer actually appearing. Once it shows up, the ulcer will be painful and irritating when it brushes against your teeth, braces, food, or toothbrush.
A mouth ulcer is essentially a more severe form of canker sore, and as a result the two share most symptoms.
There are a few ways to tell a mouth ulcer and a canker sore apart:
- Mouth ulcers are larger and deeper and often have a more obvious border to them.
- Mouth ulcers can take up to six weeks to heal and risk leaving a scar.
- Mouth ulcers are much more painful.
It is possible for a canker sore to develop into a mouth ulcer, but mouth ulcers can also emerge on their own.
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Here Are 4 Simple Tips To Cure A Mouth Sore
1. Antacids
Most of the pain associated with a mouth sore is caused by stomach enzymes and acids within your mouth. By popping a Rolaids or Tums and allowing it to dissolve in your mouth you may be able to reduce some of the pain. The tablet will help neutralize the acids and will ultimately help heal the mouth sore faster. Of course, you should always check the antacid label for appropriate dosage information.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
It seems every day there is another use for hydrogen peroxide. It turns out you can use this everyday tool in your medicine cabinet in two ways to help cure a mouth sore fast. First, try using hydrogen peroxide as a simple mouth rinse, the same way you would use Listerine. Just be careful not to ingest any of the liquid. Or, alternatively, you can create a soothing rinse by mixing together 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Exactly like how the antacids work to ease mouth pain, the baking soda will help to neutralize the acids in your mouth. The combination of salt and hydrogen peroxide will help the sore heal faster.
3. Salt
4. Sage
We welcome you to visit our Madison, IN office to discuss any further questions you may have, and we also encourage you to schedule regular cleanings at Madison Dental Health Partners to ensure good dental health.
