Canker sores on the tongue are the most common, although these small ulcers can appear anywhere in the oral cavity.
These include the inside of the cheeks, the soft palate, the gums, and the inside of the lips.
The most common location is canker sores under the tongue, although they can also appear on the tip or sides.
These ulcers are characterized by being round or oval lesions, white, yellow, or grayish, with a red border. They are usually less than 5 mm in diameter, hence the name ” minor canker sores .”
Before they appear, there may be a tingling or burning sensation in the area.
Canker sores on the tongue are often painful and can even make eating and drinking difficult. They can also make speaking uncomfortable.
Although they can appear at any age, canker sores are more common in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Why do canker sores appear on the tongue?
In most cases, the cause of tongue sores is unknown and is usually not a cause for concern.
Therefore, treatment is usually focused solely on treating the pain and inflammation that may occur.
However, it is advisable to try to find out why the sores appear so that you can prevent them in the future.
These small ulcers on the tongue usually share the same causes as canker sores, the following being the most common.
Traumas
Accidental bites, brushing against a broken tooth, ill-fitting dentures, brushing too hard, and bumping can all cause sores and wounds on the tongue.
Stress
Stress, nervousness, and anxiety can lead to the appearance of canker sores on the tongue.
Sleep disorders are also a risk factor due to the relationship between insomnia, depression, and general mood disorders.
Tobacco
Tongue ulcers are one of the possible effects of tobacco on oral health.
Irritating foods and drinks
Certain foods, such as citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables, can irritate the oral mucosa and cause mouth and tongue sores. Also, nuts, coffee, chocolate, cheese, and spicy foods can irritate the oral mucosa.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations have an impact on women’s health.
Because of these changes, women are more likely to experience tongue and mouth ulcers at certain times during the menstrual cycle or menopause.
Nutritional deficiencies
The appearance of canker sores on the tongue or mouth may indicate a lack of vitamins and minerals.
Specifically, inadequate levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc, as well as an iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency is one of the main nutritional deficiencies in young children , and may be one of the reasons why canker sores are more common at this stage.
The needs for these nutrients are also increased during pregnancy.
Hence, it is believed that the appearance of this type of canker sores during pregnancy (especially frequent from the second trimester onwards) is due to this lack of vitamins and minerals.
Canker sores on the tongue can appear due to stress, a lack of vitamins and minerals, or hormonal changes, among many other causes.
Dental treatments
Braces or poorly fitting dentures can also cause mouth sores.
Low defenses
Canker sores in the mouth and tongue may indicate a decrease in immune defenses.
In children, the importance of iron in the immune system means that preventing iron deficiency can prevent the appearance of sores and recurrent infections .
Low immune systems (neutropenia) are common in people undergoing cancer treatment, which is why canker sores on the tongue and mouth may appear during chemotherapy. This is also true for people with HIV.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Recurrent tongue sores can be a symptom of heartburn with reflux, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease.
Autoimmune diseases
Systemic lupus erythematosus and Behçet’s disease may present with mouth ulcers.
Bacterial infections
Scarlet fever, syphilis, and bacterial infections in general can cause changes in the tongue and cause the appearance of very bothersome sores.
Viral infections
Cold sores and hand, foot, and mouth disease can cause very painful blisters on the tongue.
How to cure canker sores on the tongue
As with the treatment of canker sores, tongue sores do not need to be treated.
These usually last between one and two weeks and disappear on their own.
However, if these are very bothersome and cause problems speaking or eating, there are various recommendations and products to relieve the pain and speed healing.
This is especially important for canker sores on the tongue, as they may take a little longer to disappear.
The fact that the tongue is in constant contact with the teeth and food means that ulcers are exposed to constant friction, which can prolong the healing process.
The pain of tongue sores is most intense during the first few days. To alleviate the discomfort, here are some steps you can take.
- Avoid acidic, salty, spicy, or very hot foods, as they can irritate and make the sores more painful.
- Oral hygiene should be maintained, but should be gentle and free of products containing sodium lauryl sulfate.
- If you wear braces, you can use orthodontic wax to prevent rubbing against the canker sore.
- Many products for mouth sores are very effective at relieving pain. For canker sores on the tongue, treatment may include sprays or gels that protect the lesion and speed up the healing process. Products with hyaluronic acid are especially interesting in this regard .
- Using mouthwash for mouth sores also helps reduce pain. Daily use also prevents the formation of canker sores in cases of braces, dentures, and implants.
- For tongue sores, certain home remedies can be helpful. For example, rinses with warm water and salt.
- Medication can be used for tongue sores if the pain is severe. Specifically, a local anesthetic or topical anti-inflammatory.
- Following a balanced diet rich in foods containing vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and zinc will help prevent the recurrence of canker sores. It’s also important to reduce stress and improve sleep.
If tongue sores do not go away within two weeks or occur frequently, it is important to see a doctor or dentist.