— Written By Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Updated on August 17, 2022
A sore tongue is any pain or discomfort of all or a part of the tongue. Pain is a sensation triggered by the nervous system in response to tissue inflammation or damage. If you have a sore tongue, you may feel a dull, stabbing, shooting, burning, or pins-and-needles sensation.
This article explains the various causes of a sore tongue and when to contact a doctor. It will also explain symptoms that may occur alongside a sore tongue.
What is a sore tongue?
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A sore tongue is pain or discomfort in your tongue making it hard to talk, eat, drink, or swallow.
A sore or painful tongue can have various causes such as:
- infection
- inflammation
- trauma
- malignancy
Depending on the cause, a sore tongue may begin suddenly and resolve on its own, such as after biting your tongue.
Tongue pain or soreness that develops and worsens over time may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as cancer.
What causes a sore tongue?
A sore tongue can be a symptom of a variety of disorders and conditions. Some causes may be relatively mild, such as from a small laceration or cut due to biting the tongue. Others may require prompt medical attention, such as from infection or oral cancer.
Glossitis
One common cause of tongue pain or soreness is glossitis. Glossitis is a condition causing the tongue to swell and change color.
Glossitis can have various causes, including:
- iron-deficiency anemia
- vitamin B deficiencies
- herpes
- bacterial infections
- viral infections
- yeast infections
- irritants such as:
- hot foods or beverages
- spicy foods
- tobacco
- alcohol
- psychological factors such as anxiety
Read more about glossitis here.
Infections
Infections that can cause a sore tongue include:
- oral herpes, which is a viral infection around the mouth
- strep throat, which is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by the Streptococcus bacteria
- syphilis
- yeast infection
Trauma or injury
Irritants and trauma can cause a sore tongue, including:
- biting the tongue
- blisters or ulcers
- burning the tongue
- canker sores
- dental appliances
- hot and spicy food
- jagged teeth, prosthetic teeth, or poorly fitting dentures
- laceration or cuts in the mouth
- smoking
Underlying conditions
A sore tongue can also be due to a variety of underlying conditions, including:
- Burning tongue syndrome: Also known as burning mouth syndrome, this is a painful condition involving a burning or scalding feeling in the mouth. It may also cause the tongue to feel sore.
- Diabetic neuropathy: Diabetes can lead to neuropathy, or nerve dysfunction. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the nerves, which may cause tongue soreness.
- Geographic tongue: This is a benign condition resulting from glossitis. Inflammation on the tongue creates patterns that resemble geography on a map. It can cause the tongue to feel sore.
- Iron deficiency anemia: This can develop if you do not have enough iron in your blood.
- Oral lichen planus: This is an infection that can develop anywhere there is mucus in the body, such as the tongue, esophagus, or vagina. If located on the tongue, it can cause discomfort when eating and drinking.
- Pemphigus Vulgaris: This is a rare, long-term condition caused by issues with the digestive system. Painful blisters form on the tongue and inside the mouth.
- Tongue cancer or oral cancer: Cancer can develop on the base of the tongue or in the front part that is usually visible. The most common type of tongue cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. Symptoms include a sore mouth, sore lumps or patches on the tongue, or a sore throat.
A sore tongue may occur with other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying condition.
Common symptoms of a sore tongue include:
- tongue swelling
- discoloration and unusual texture
- difficulty chewing
- difficulty swallowing
Other symptoms that may accompany a sore tongue include:
- bad breath
- burning sensation
- change in texture, such as a smooth tongue or a fuzzy tongue
- change in tongue color
- difficulty chewing
- excessive salivation
- loss of appetite
- oral blisters, ulcers, or sores
- swollen, enlarged, or bloated tongue
- swollen gums
In some cases, a sore tongue can be a sign of a serious or life threatening condition, such as anaphylaxis.
Symptoms accompanying a sore tongue that may indicate a serious condition include:
- swelling of the tongue, mouth, or face
- discoloration of the tongue
- warmth of the tongue and facial area
- breathing problems or difficulty
- change in consciousness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical advice.
How can you treat a sore tongue?
A sore tongue can occur for a variety of reasons, and treatment will depend on the cause.
A doctor will be able to diagnose any underlying condition and recommend treatment. However, some home remedies can help manage the symptoms of a sore tongue.
Home remedies you can use to manage symptoms of a sore tongue include:
- Oral hygiene: Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and using mouthwash to prevent infections.
- Aloe vera: Use aloe vera, which has healing properties, to soothe tongue soreness.
- Salt water: Gargle salt water to help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Coconut oil: Swish coconut oil in your mouth, as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Ice: Use ice cubes or ice cold water to numb tongue soreness.
- Avoiding irritating foods: Avoid spicy foods such as chili and acidic foods such as lemon and pineapple.
What are the potential complications of a sore tongue?
Complications associated with a sore tongue can vary depending on the underlying cause. Because a sore tongue can be due to a serious disease, failure to seek treatment can result in complications and permanent damage.
It is important to contact your doctor if you experience any persistent pain or other unusual symptoms.
Once a doctor diagnoses the underlying cause of your tongue soreness, they may recommend a treatment plan. Following this plan can help reduce the risk of potential complications, including:
- chronic pain
- difficulty breathing or blockage of the airway
- difficulty swallowing
- spread of infection
- tongue removal due to a serious infection or malignant condition
Summary
A sore tongue can be a source of pain and discomfort. It can make everyday activities such as eating and drinking difficult.
A sore tongue can have a variety of causes. These can include common causes such as accidentally biting or burning the tongue, or more serious conditions such as tongue cancer.
Home remedies to relieve a sore tongue include practicing good oral hygiene and using ice to soothe the pain.
Make sure to contact your doctor if symptoms of a sore tongue persist.