A sore tongue is a common problem that can be quite uncomfortable. The tongue is considered as “the strongest muscle in our body”. It is made up of a group of muscles, which allow us to talk, taste food, and swallow. A healthy tongue is normally pink and covered with some small nodules, known as papillae.
Because we use our tongue constantly, it could be frustrating when we experience tongue problems, as soreness and discoloration. There are various causes for a number of tongue symptoms. Luckily, the majority of those issues are not serious and can be resolved quickly.
What Causes a Sore Tongue?
There are numerous things that could cause painful bumps to form or make your tongue to become sore, including:
- Trauma – accidentally biting the tongue or burning it on something hot could result in a sore tongue until the injury cures. Clenching or grinding the teeth may also irritate the sides of your tongue and cause pain.
- Enlarged papillae – of your taste buds become irritated or inflamed, it could swell and form a painful bump on the tongue.
- Smoking – smoking excessively could irritate the tongue and make it quite sore.
- Canker sores – canker sores are mouth ulcers that many people will develop them eventually. Even though the cause is unknown, they may be worse during times of heightened stress.
- Some medical conditions – including, anemia and diabetes, may have sore tongue symptoms.
- Oral cancer – although most of the sore tongues are nothing to worry about, you need to consult your GP if you have a sore or lump on the tongue that does not go away within 2-3 weeks. Most of the oral cancers don’t usually hurt in their early stage, so do not assume a lack of pain means everything is ok.
Sore Tongue Symptoms
The most common symptoms of sore tongue are:
- Dry mouth
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Thrush (Candida infection of the mouth)
Home Remedies for Sore Tongue
As we already mentioned, this tongue problem can be really irritating and annoying. Therefore, you can use some effective natural remedies that will help you get rid of this unpleasant problem. Here are some of the best home remedies for sore tongue:
- Tea Bag
Tea is a well-known alkaline, so it will neutralize acids that irritate the bump; tea also contains potent compounds that can help relieve pain. Simply apply a moist tea bag to your canker sore for about 5 minutes. You will feel a great relief.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera gel is a great remedy for many tongue problems. It can speed healing and give soothing pain relief. You should just dry the canker sore place with a cotton swab, and slice an aloe Vera leaf. Then, with a teaspoon, dab a little bit of the gel directly on your sore tongue. Repeat as often as necessary.
- Baking Soda
It’s an alkaline and thus, it will effectively neutralize the acids that irritate the mouth ulcers; it also helps destroy bacteria in order to help your sore cure quickly. All you should do is rinse your mouth with a solution of one teaspoon of baking soda into a ½ cup of lukewarm water.
- Sage
Sage destroy viruses and bacteria and contains compounds that decrease inflammation. Just steep 2 teaspoons of dried sage into a cup of boiling water, and cover the cup. Leave it to cool down. Use it as a mouth rinse 2- 3 times per day; for better results, make sure to swish the mixture in the area of your mouth with the sore.
- Honey
Honey has powerful soothing and healing properties that could help relieve inflammation and pain caused by a bumpy tongue. This is my personal favorite sore tongue remedy. It will give you a great relief! Simply dab some honey on the sore part of the tongue, 2-3 times a day.
- Salt Water
Higher concentration of sodium chloride draws liquid from surrounding tissues by osmosis that helps heal open wounds and abscesses such as canker sores. You can rinse your mouth with salt water for about 30 seconds a few times a day. It will help you relieve pain and inflammation.
- Licorice Tea
It’s an excellent natural remedy to treat and get rid of canker sores. Simply boil a cup of water and place a tea bag of licorice tea. Cover for 10 minutes, and then use it as a mouthwash, and/or drink.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
It’s a strong disinfectant and can protect your bumpy tongue from becoming infected. You can use hydrogen peroxide the exact same way you use mouthwash, just make sure not to swallow some of the liquid. Alternatively, your can try making a cleansing mouth rinse by mixing ¼ cup of water, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. The baking soda is an alkaline and will provide extra relief by neutralizing the acids. Salt and hydrogen peroxide will both help the sore to cure.
- Vitamin E
A lack of vitamins is often a reason for the sore tongue. Vitamin E is an incredible antioxidant. It has also amazing health benefits for treating many skin conditions. Just open a vitamin E capsule and then squeeze a little bit of the liquid on the sore. The Vitamin E oil will coat the bump to help protect it from irritation and infection, and help it restore more quickly.
- Other Vitamins
According to many experts, lysine, which is an amino acid, can fix a deficiency related to cancer sores. Just check with your healthcare professional if you should take 500 milligrams L-lysine 2-3 times per day till the tongue is cured. Vitamin C also may help as it works to cure the mucous membranes of the mouth. While citrus fruits are full of vitamin C, they can actually cause tongue problems in some people; you can try 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C supplement 2-3 times per day. Zinc is another great natural remedy to try. Take 30 milligrams zinc lozenges every day till the problem is gone.
Conclusion:
Among numerous mouth infections, the sore tongue is one of the most common health disorders. It results in blisters and swollen red bumps on the tongue that may provide severe irritation. This tongue problem can also create great difficulty in speaking and chewing the food. According to doctors and other experts, nutrients and vitamins deficiency often result in bumpy tongue, which needs to be highly maintained by following a proper diet plan. Natural remedies can help you relieve pain and inflammation. If you don’t see any improvement in the next 2-3 weeks, you must visit your doctor.
Reference: Medicinenet.com 8/24/2015 Webmd.com November 29, 2015 Rd.com