Sore Tongue

Sore tongue is a commonly occurring symptom which is experienced by almost everyone at one time or the other. There are certain kinds of ailments that may have sore tongue as one of their symptoms, and sometimes these ailments can be severe by nature, depending upon the soreness. Most cases can be taken care of by using over-the-counter medicines. However, medical intervention becomes necessary if the condition is taking too much time to heal or to subside. The rest of the article discusses the possible causes and the few symptoms of this condition.

Causes of Tongue Soreness

# Tongue injuries like accidentally biting the tongue is the most common and obvious cause of tongue soreness. The bite tends to be both painful at and after the time the tongue has been bitten. Oral infection, canker sores (an ulceration, especially of the lips or lining of the mouth), and cold sores can also cause the same.

# Oral thrush could be another common factor behind the problem. It is basically an overgrowth of a yeast, called Candida, that makes the tongue sour and raw. It happens due to excess consumption of sugar or yeast products. Unknowingly rubbing the tongue against the teeth out of anxiousness, also results in causing sore tongue.

# Tongue ulcer, poorly fitting dentures, anemia, tongue cancer, neuralgia (pain associated with a particular nerve) are some more causes. Prolonged smoking tends to make the tongue more sensitive towards hot or cold beverages, or more vulnerable to be affected by oral disease or infection. A habit of chewing beetle nut also contributes immensely in developing tongue soreness. It has the same effect as smoking does, i.e. it also makes the tongue more sensitive towards all factors which can easily cause a tongue to get sore.

# There are some other causes which are associated with disorders related to the bowel system, brain function, and working of the heart. The causes may also be rooted in problems such as trauma, ranula (a cyst on the underside of the tongue), gingivitis, myositis (inflammation of muscle tissue), trichinosis {infestation by trichina larvae that are transmitted by eating inadequately cooked meat (especially pork)}, antibiotic glossitis and lichen planus. It is not necessary that the causes have their origin in the tongue itself. Causes may occur indirectly, due to disorders of other organs of the body; problems such as angina, depression, anxiety and pain throughout the body are some examples.

# Tongue soreness could also point towards B-Complex deficiency or chemical imbalance in the tongue.

Symptoms that Accompany Sore Tongue

There aren't many symptoms of a sore tongue, as it is a symptom in itself. Nevertheless, affected people usually experience dryness which is accompanied by a burning sensation in the mouth, palate, lips, gum and tongue. One may feel thirsty, and experience loss of taste. Another common symptom could be a bitter or metallic taste in mouth.

Treatment

• Using a mixture of warm water and baking soda for gargling every half an hour everyday, can prove to be beneficial in reducing pain and irritation.
• Eating yogurt daily helps in reducing the symptoms, especially if the underlying cause is a candida infection.
• Some people find relief from the soreness by placing a wet tea bag on the affected part.
• Sucking on ice also helps.
• Doctors recommend applying glycerin to the sore area. It keeps the area moist and reduce irritation and burning sensation.
• While you are healing, eat more of boiled vegetables than fried stuffs.

The field of otolaryngology has helped develop different treatment options for sore tongue that can be followed for about a week. If the healing takes time or condition worsens over time, then it is time to pay the doctor a visit. Avoid putting any kind of pressure on the tongue. For this, you can use a toothbrush with soft bristles while brushing. Apart from pain-relieving treatments, it is best to seek a doctor's advice to ensure prompt diagnosis of the underlying cause, and timely treatment to manage the symptoms.