A bleeding tongue is often caused by minor injuries, but sometimes indicates a more serious underlying condition. The tongue's location in the mouth makes it susceptible to accidental injury.
Common Causes of Tongue Bleeding:
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Accidental Injuries: The most frequent cause is simple trauma. This includes biting your tongue while eating or talking, or accidentally scraping it on your teeth or other objects. As the reference states, the tongue's position makes it prone to injury.
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Oral Thrush (Yeast Infection): A yeast infection in the mouth can cause inflammation and bleeding.
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Blood Vessel Problems: Underlying conditions affecting blood vessels can lead to bleeding, though this is less common.
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Mouth Ulcers (Canker Sores or Aphthous Ulcers): These painful sores can sometimes bleed.
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Other less common causes: In some cases, more serious issues like cancer can cause tongue bleeding. This is rare, but it highlights the importance of seeking professional medical attention for persistent or unexplained bleeding.
When to See a Doctor:
Persistent or heavy bleeding, bleeding accompanied by other symptoms (like pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing), or unexplained bleeding warrants a visit to a doctor or dentist. They can properly diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
