A sore tongue is a common problem with various causes, ranging from minor irritations to more serious conditions. Often, tongue pain stems from infection and inflammation.
Common Causes of Tongue Pain:
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Injury: Burning your tongue on hot food or drinks is a frequent cause of temporary pain and swelling. Biting your tongue, while initially painful, typically heals within a few days. [Source: Cleveland Clinic, NHS, Medical News Today, WebMD, Houston Methodist]
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Sores and Ulcers: Various sores can develop on or around the tongue, including:
- Canker sores: These small, painful ulcers usually heal on their own.
- Cold sores (fever blisters): These are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
- Mouth ulcers (aphthous ulcers): These painful sores can appear anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue. [Source: NHS, Medical News Today, nidirect]
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Infections: Oral thrush (a yeast infection) can cause a white, sore tongue. [Source: Medical News Today]
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Other Conditions: Some conditions can lead to a sore tongue including:
- Lichen planus: A chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting the tongue and other areas. [Source: Healthline]
- Geographic tongue: A harmless condition causing map-like patterns on the tongue, though sometimes uncomfortable. [Source: Mayo Clinic]
- Tongue cancer: While less common, a persistent sore or pain in the tongue, along with other symptoms like difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing, warrants immediate medical attention. [Source: Moffitt Cancer Center]
When to Seek Medical Attention:
Persistent tongue pain, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing, should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. [Source: MedlinePlus]
