As sensitive as the tongue is, it’s not surprising to find a variety of reasons for it to become sore or irritated. Packed full of nerves, even otherwise harmless substances such as hot chili peppers can cause surprisingly intense pain. The good news is most of these problems are easily corrected. Here are some common reasons for tongue irritation:
Food Allergy
Besides hot chili peppers’ propensity to irritate the tongue of just about everyone, other people have food allergies that cause their tongue to become irritated. These foods can include raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts such as cashews. Besides an irritated tongue, people who have food allergies experience swelling of their oral cavity, itchiness at the roof of their mouth, and a scratchy throat.
Side Effect of a Drug
A sore tongue can also be a side effect of a prescription or non-prescription drug. The person should check with their health professional if a medication irritates their tongue.
Smoking
Smoking is bad for every part of the body, and the tongue is no exception. Smoking not only irritates the tongue but can put a person at higher risk for oral cancer.
Burns
The tongue can suffer burns or blisters if the person eats or drinks something too hot.
Abrasions
A ragged-tooth or dentures rubbing against the tongue can irritate it. The irritation is most often found in one area of the tongue.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
This is pain caused by pressure on the fifth cranial nerve. It causes severe pain on one side of the face, including the tongue.
Canker Sores
These are tiny but very painful ulcers that appear on the tongue and other areas in the mouth. They’re covered by a gray membrane and encircled by red halos. They often arise because the tongue has been irritated by something else such as food, dentures, or improper toothbrushing.
Biting
Even delivering a mild bite to the tongue when a person eats or speaks is painful, though the injury usually heals quickly.
Transient Lingual Papillitis
Transient lingual papillitis means swollen tastebuds. They’re also called lie bumps. White or red, they are tiny but painful. They usually go away after a few days without treatment.
Thrush
This is an infection that causes cottage cheese-like patches on the tongue. People who have compromised immune systems are more at risk for thrush than the general population. People who’ve been on a course of antibiotics or who use inhalers for their asthma are also at higher risk for thrush.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
This is a fairly common disease of childhood. It’s caused by the coxsackievirus and presents as sores and blisters on the tongue, the mouth, and the lining of the throat. There are also blisters and rashes on the feet, hands, and groin.
Sore Tongue? Call North View Dental
If you are suffering from tongue irritation, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at our comfortable and professional offices at North View Dental. Our number here is 801-782-6681.
