Ouch! A sore tongue can be quite painful in and of itself. But if the pain also makes eating difficult, then that’s double the trouble. There are number of reasons why you may have a sore tongue, and that often dictates treatment. Read on for more information from a family dentist in Plano.
Trauma
Accidentally biting your tongue can be very painful. Similarly, eating food or drinking a beverage that is very hot can burn your tongue; blisters may even result. This kind of injury is usually not serious and will probably take a few days to heal. In the meantime, try to avoid chewing near the spot that is injured.
Canker Sores
If tongue pain is concentrated in one spot, then you may have canker sore. Take a look at your tongue in the mirror. A spot that is whitish or sometime red, yellow or even slightly gray can be a canker sore.
These happen for a number of different reasons such as:
- Biting your tongue
- Eating a very hard food
- Stress or anxiety
- Hormonal changes
- Quitting smoking
Fortunately, canker sores usually heal on their own within a week or two. Avoid eating spicy foods, which may irritate your tongue even more.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is a type of yeast infection causing tongue pain that extends back down your throat. You may see white patches on your tongue. Thrush is more common in babies and older adults that wear dentures or have a weakened immune system.
Oral thrush is more likely to develop after a round of antibiotics. People who have asthma and use steroid inhalers are also susceptible to thrush. An antifungal medication may be prescribed. This comes as lozenges, tablets or a liquid that you swish in your mouth and then swallow.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS), or burning tongue syndrome is exactly what is sounds like—your tongue feels as if you’ve eaten something very hot even when you haven’t. Some people have BMS daily while others have the condition only periodically. Other symptoms include a dry mouth, thirst, and changes in or a loss of the ability to taste.
If there isn’t an underlying cause, then BMS may be difficult to treat. Speak to your dentist in Plano if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Oral Cancer
Another cause of tongue pain is oral cancer. If you notice a lump or sore on your tongue—or on any soft tissue in your mouth—that has not healed in more than two weeks, then you should schedule an oral cancer screening with the dentist immediately.
Other symptoms of oral cancer are:
- Difficulty chewing
- A sore that bleeds
- A numb spot in your mouth
- Loose teeth or an ill-fitting denture
Don’t contend with pain in your tongue or anywhere else in your mouth. Call to schedule an appointment with the dentist today.
About the Dentist
Dr. Sam Antoon has been practicing dentistry for nearly three decades. He remains passionate about what he does and derives great satisfaction from helping his patients to enjoy all the benefits of a healthy mouth. To ask questions or schedule an appointment with Dr. Antoon, please contact our office at 972-808-7039.