Cold Sores on Tongue

There are various types of cold sores, which appear inside the mouth. Cold sores on tongue, sores on the inner cheek, gums or lips are amongst these sores. These cold sores are also referred to as fever blisters.

Causes of Cold Sores
There are many reasons which can cause cold sores on tongue. In the earlier times, people thought that the cold sores on tongue were caused due to a curse from Gods or from enemies. The causes of cold sores on tongue are enumerated below.

• Herpes virus, both HPV-1 and HPV-2 can cause cold sores on tongue. HPV-2 is the infamous of the two, as it is spread through sex.
• Temporary weakening of the immune system can cause cold sores on tongue. The weakness can be caused due to cold, flu or such other illnesses.
• It is often noted that hormonal imbalance in case of women causes cold sores on tongue.
• If you have cold sores on your tongue, it can be due to deficiency of Vitamin B12.
• Of late, if your stress levels have increased and you notice cold sores on your tongue, you probably have guessed the cause of your cold sores rightly.
• Sometimes, irritation caused due to braces, broken tooth, poorly fitting dental implant fixtures can cause cold sores.
• One of the most common reason for cold sores on tongue is eating or drinking hot food or drinks.
• Various infections can also cause cold sores on tongue. Hand-foot-mouth syndrome, bleeding disorders, malignancy are some of the reasons which can cause cold sores on tongue.
• Sensitivity to contents of certain tooth paste can also give rise to cold sores.

How to get Rid of Cold Sores?
Here are some of the cold sores on tongue treatments. The answer to the question how to get rid of cold sores on tongue is with a lot of easy home remedies.

• Gargling with cold water brings relief. Eating Popsicles is also helpful when the cold sores are caused due to burning.
• Applying ice to mouth lesions also brings relief.
• You can choose to rinse your mouth with salt water or gargle with salt water. Salt helps in cleansing of the infection.
• Mix baking soda with water to make a thin paste. Apply this paste to your cold sores. This paste will also bring you relief.
• Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water in the ratio 1:1 can also be applied. Use cotton swabs to apply this mixture to your lesions.
• Tea tree oil can be used to make a mouth rinse. Use this for your cold sores. Take adequate care that you do not swallow the rinse.
• Avoid salty, spicy foods when you have cold sores on tongue. Citrus fruits should also be avoided. It is recommend you avoid caffeine as well when you have cold sores on tongue.
• If the cold sores are caused due to fever or flu, anti-viral medications can be taken on prescription of a medical practitioner.
• Vitamin C provides great relief for cold sores. You can choose the chew-able vitamin C tablets. The tablets will help in increasing your immunity power to fight the cold sores.
• Lemon balm reduces the pain caused by cold sores. Application of lemon balm will soften the sores. It is a natural remedy and hence can be used five to six times a day.
• Often people who suffer from cold sores are advised a multivitamin tablet each day. Folic acid is also recommended along with Vitamin B.
• Use a tooth brush with soft bristles, so that it does not cause any irritation in your mouth.

Cold sores on tongue are not really dangerous, but they do cause a lot of discomfort. There are approximately three billion people who suffer from it. They are however, curable.