Saturday, March 23, 2024

What Causes Ulcers On Your Tongue

Must read

What Are Tongue Ulcers

What causes small red patches on tongue? – Dr. Sana Taher

An ulcer on the tongue is a white-colored sore.

These ulcers, which are also known as canker sores, seem to appear most frequently on the lining of the mouth and cheeks. Although they often only affect the gingival, throat, and mouths roof, they can occasionally affect other parts of the mouth as well.

A person may see one of them alone, or they could show up in groups of two to four.

Small canker lesions often have a diameter of a few millimeters. Medical doctors classify them as significant canker sores, nevertheless, if they are 1-3 cm in size.

They cannot pass from one person to another through interaction or the sharing of objects since they are not infectious.

Sign Of Another Infection

If you or your child have several mouth ulcers, this can be a symptom of:

  • hand, foot and mouth disease – a contagious illness that also causes a rash on the hands and feet
  • oral lichen planus – a condition that causes a white, lacy pattern inside the cheeks
  • thrush infection – a fungal infection that can cause white curd-like blisters

What Is A Canker Sore

Canker sores are also referred to as aphthous ulcers. They are shallow lesions that develop instead the lips and mouth, and occasionally on the tongue. These yellow, gray, or white ulcers usually measure between 14 millimeters wide and have a bright red or pink border.

Canker sores are extremely common, and even though they can be very painful, theyre not dangerous. They also cant spread from person to person through kissing or sharing drinks.

Many people experience a burning or stinging sensation in the affected area immediately before a canker sore emerges. The ulcers usually hurt the most in the first few days after they erupt and heal within 12 weeks.

Also Check: Antibiotics For Leg Ulcer Infection

When To Contact A Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if:

  • The sore begins soon after you start a new medicine.
  • You have large white patches on the roof of your mouth or your tongue .
  • Your mouth sore lasts longer than 2 weeks.
  • You have a weakened immune system .
  • You have other symptoms like fever, skin rash, drooling, or difficulty swallowing.

Duration Of Mouth Lesions

Lupus Tongue Sores

As noted above, both canker sores and cold sores tend to go away on their own in a week or two. But complex canker sores last longer, may take several weeks to heal, and may cause scarring.

Always check with your doctor or dentist if you have unusually large or painful canker sores or sores that don’t seem to heal.

Read Also: Best Treatment For Diabetic Ulcers

Anemia And Other Vitamin Deficiencies

A deficiency in vitamin B12, folate, or iron may cause a smooth, sore tongue. Your tongue may also appear beefy red in color if your body lacks vitamin B12.

Burning tongue is also one of the symptoms of zinc deficiency. Other vitamin deficiencies may also cause any of the following symptoms:

  • Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet

Check If You Have A Mouth Ulcer

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/832116/view

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/115960/view

You may have more than 1 ulcer at a time, and they can change in size.

Mouth ulcers are not contagious and should not be confused with cold sores.

Cold sores appear on the lips or around the mouth and often begin with a tingling, itching or burning sensation.

Don’t Miss: Is Pepcid Good For Ulcers

Symptoms That Might Indicate A Serious Condition

In some cases, tongue ulcers may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious condition and should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care for tongue ulcers that occur along with other serious symptoms, including:

  • difficulty breathing
  • high fever, above 101ºF
  • sudden swelling of the tongue or throat

Types Of Mouth Ulcers

Worried About Those Bumps on Your Tongue? Here’s What You Need To Know

There are different types of mouth ulcers there are three main types which include the following:

  • Herpetiform ulceration : Herpetiform ulcers are a subtype of aphthous ulcers. Their name is related to the sores associated with herpes, as they look alike. Unlike herpes, HU is not contagious. HU ulcers reappear very quickly, and it may give the impression that the condition never gets better.
  • Minor ulcers: This type can range in size from about 2 mm up to 8 mm across. These ulcers can take you up to 2 weeks to recover, and they will only cause a little or no pain.
  • Major ulcers: These types of sores are bigger than minor ulcers. They are most of the time in an irregular shape, and maybe raised, and penetrate deeper into the tissue than small ulcers. Major ulcers will take you more time to recover from them, and they usually leave scar tissue when they clear.
  • You May Like: What Is A Decubitus Ulcer Why Does It Occur

    Use Treatment Or Medication As Needed

    An at-home ulcer treatment, holistic supplements, and vitamins can help to speed up your recovery. For instance, placing honey over the ulcer can shorten how long it takes to heal. Other people benefit from drinking chamomile tea or sucking on ice chips to lessen the irritation. You can also purchase numbing gel over the counter If youre in severe pain, ask your dentist for a prescription mouthwash.

    Are Mouth Ulcers And Canker Sores A Symptom Of Oral Cancer

    99.9% of mouth ulcers are benign, and are not a symptom of cancer.

    However, if you do have oral cancer, mouth ulcers that do not go away are a symptom.

    Cancerous mouth ulcers usually appear under the tongue.

    They can also appear in other parts of the mouth but this is less common.

    Even if you do have a resilient ulcer under your tongue, it is very unlikely to be related to cancer.

    You should however have some cause for concern if you have such an ulcer in conjunction with risk factors for mouth cancer.

    These are:

    Recommended Reading: Air Bed For Pressure Ulcers

    What Are The Symptoms Of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

    This type of mouth ulcer is common and often appears on the inside of the cheeks, on the lips, tongue or gums. Rarely will you see this type of ulcer on the roof of your mouth. It is not known why these ulcers appear but they are not infectious or inherited.

    The minor ulcers are generally the size of the top of a pencil and may come in clusters. Larger ulcers are more painful and can take a longer time to heal. If they last more than 3 weeks you should visit your dentist. If you also have ulcers on other parts of your body please make sure to let your dentist know.

    Ulcers On Your Tongue These Proven Home Remedies Will Provide Instant Pain Relief

    How to Get Rid of Tongue Sores

    Right from childhood, your parents and teachers have, no doubt, emphasized the importance of maintaining dental health, by ensuring you brush twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.

    However, in numerous households and communities at large, while preserving strong teeth and clean gums are stressed upon, to prevent a host of common medical conditions like cavities, abscess, oral thrush, pus and bleeding tissues, the tidiness of the tongue is, quite often, overlooked. Also Read:Tongue Colour: It Reveals Secrets About Your Health

    The tongue is fastened at the back of the mouth, into a robust structure called the hyoid bone. It is a very flexible, muscular assembly, that is crucial for several basic functions, including swallowing meals, chewing on hard food particles to facilitate smooth digestion, as well as for clear and cogent speech.

    It is, therefore, vital to maintain the tongue in a meticulous manner, so as to steer clear of infections, bad breath, foul odour, besides painful sores and blisters.

    Tongue Ulcers Bothering You? Choose From Our Extensive Array Of Ointments, Balms, Compress Packs, Oils And Herbal Teas, To Soothe Aching And Tenderness!

    Don’t Miss: Can Ulcerative Colitis Cause Urinary Problems

    Medications For Tongue Ulcers

    Medical care for tongue ulcers often aims to relieve the symptoms while locating and addressing any underlying disorders that may be the cause of the ulcers.

    Treatment for tongue ulcer symptoms using over-the-counter drugs can be effective. Acetaminophen or benzocaine-containing numbing gels are two options available to people for pain relief.

    It might be tougher to feel the tongue, though, due to the numbing effect. Therefore, those using the cream should take precautions to prevent further damage to the mouth, such as biting it.

    Causes Of Mouth Sores And Inflammation

    There are many types and causes of mouth sores. Mouth sores may be caused by an infection, a bodywide disease, a physical or chemical irritant, or an allergic reaction . Often the cause is unknown. In general, because the normal flow of saliva helps protect the lining of the mouth, any condition that decreases saliva production makes mouth sores more likely read more ).

    The most common causes of mouth sores are

    • Viral infections

    • Injury or irritating food or chemicals

    Also Check: Herbal Ulcer Blend For Horses

    Causes And Risk Factors Of Mouth Lesions

    Sores on the tongue or inside the mouth may also be caused or exacerbated by other infections, inflammation, stress, or, very rarely, cancer. If the sore is deep, or if it gets irritated or infected, it may also bleed.

    Some mouth sores and lesions may have more obvious causes, such as sharp or broken teeth or braces with protruding wires.

    Gritting or gnashing your teeth, especially while sleeping, can cause tiny bites on the inside of your cheeks. Gum disease and inflammation can also cause bleeding in and around the gumline.

    Biting your tongue or chewing your lips can cause pain, swelling, and even small cuts. Drinking hot liquids, smoking cigarettes and cigars, and consuming alcoholic beverages can also lead to mouth lesions, as can brushing or flossing too vigorously or using a hard toothbrush.

    Cold sores, because theyre a form of herpes, are transmitted by oral-to-oral contact and through saliva, which means you can develop them through kissing or by sharing utensils with someone who has a cold sore. This type of herpes virus can also be transmitted to the genitals through oral-genital contact and cause genital herpes.

    While cold sores are caused by a virus, the exact cause of canker sores is unknown. But there are several things that can trigger an outbreak. These include food allergies, stress, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, or even spicy foods. Acidic fruits and vegetables may also trigger canker sores.

    Is It Mouth Cancer

    What are different circularlesions present on tongue? – Dr. Jayaprakash Ittigi

    In a few cases, a long-lasting mouth ulcer can be a sign of mouth cancer. Ulcers caused by mouth cancer usually appear on or under the tongue, although you can get them in other areas of the mouth.

    Risk factors for mouth cancer include:

    • smoking or using products that contain tobacco
    • drinking alcohol smokers who are also heavy drinkers have a much higher risk compared to the population at large
    • infection with the human papilloma virus the virus that causes genital warts

    It’s important to detect mouth cancer as early as possible. If mouth cancer is detected early, the chances of a complete recovery are good. Regular dental check-ups are the best way to detect the early signs.

    Don’t Miss: How Do You Know If You Have A Stomach Ulcer

    What Is A Mouth Ulcer

    A mouth ulcer is damaged oral epithelium and its underlying lamina propria. Mouth ulcers are a common form of stomatitis and may be due to trauma, irritation, radiation, infections, drugs, inflammatory disorders, and unknown causes.

    The most common presentation of mouth ulcers is with painful, recurrentaphthous stomatitis, also known as aphthosis, aphthae, aphthous ulcerations, and canker sores.

    Mouth ulcers

    Dont Pop Your Blisters And See A Doctor

    It is not advisable to try popping them, whatever the reason. Some blisters may burst on their own, but do not ever try to force it open as this is open it up for infection.

    Also, make short notice to visit a medical specialist if you have weird ones as in some rare situations mouth sores could show signs of a more dangerous underlying problem such as an inadequate nutrient or cancer.

    Read Also: Venous Stasis Ulcer Signs And Symptoms

    Can Tongue Ulcers Be Something Else

    It is important to note that tongue ulcers can appear on your tongue due to certain other conditions.

    These are as follows:

    Swollen Taste Buds

    Swollen taste buds or papillae cause one or more of the taste buds in your tongue to become swollen and tender or painful.

    They happen when one taste bud becomes damaged. Moreover, trauma from biting the tongue, burning from hot temperatures, or other troubling food can cause this damage.

    Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

    According to CDC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HFMD is common in infants and children under 5 years of age.

    Moreover, it can cause mouth sores to appear after 1 or 2 days after a fever starts.

    It is important to note that sores usually begin as small red spots in the back of your childs mouth.

    Oral Lichen Planus

    This is an inflammatory condition that can cause a whitish, lacy rash in your mouth.

    According to the Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center, most individuals do not experience symptoms.

    However, others can have sores or ulcers in your mouth. It is important to note that you might also experience symptoms that affect your arms and legs.

    Cold Sores

    Cold sore can occur inside your mouth, including your tongue or inside the lips.

    They can occur due to an underlying medical condition that stays in your body.

    A range of triggers can cause such outbreaks to occur from time to time.

    Symptoms Of Mouth Ulcers

    Pin on Health

    The symptoms of a mouth ulcer depend on the cause, but may include:

    • One or more painful sores on part of the skin lining the mouth.
    • Swollen skin around the sores.
    • Problems with chewing or tooth brushing because of the tenderness.
    • Irritation of the sores by salty, spicy or sour foods.
    • Loss of appetite.

    Aphthous ulcers generally occur on the softer mouth lining of the lips, cheeks, sides of the tongue, floor of the mouth, back of the roof of the mouth and around the tonsil area. These ulcers are usually no larger than 5mm. You may develop more than one aphthous ulcer at a time, and sometimes these ulcers are joined together.

    Also Check: Fda Approved Drugs For Ulcerative Colitis

    Foods You Are Allergic To

    We briefly mentioned chocolate allergies. If there is a certain food that is giving you mouth ulcers time and time again, you may be allergic.

    Try and note down what foods trigger your mouth ulcers. Experiment with the foods you eat each week, cutting back on certain items and increasing your dosage of others. This way, you can figure out what ingredients are the most harmful.

    If youre in pain from eating a small quantity of a certain food, then see a doctor for allergy testing.

    How Are Mouth Ulcers Diagnosed

    Your doctor can usually diagnose a mouth ulcer by simply looking at it.

    Your doctor may also ask you questions about your symptoms, diet, medical history and what medicines you regularly take.

    If your doctor thinks that your mouth ulcer is infected, they may swab the ulcer to confirm an infection and help determine the right treatment.

    Recommended Reading: Crohn’s Disease Is Chronic Inflammation And Ulceration Of The

    Causes Of Tongue Ulcers

    Tongue ulcers can have many different causes. Rather, there are a number of possible triggers.

    Damage to the mouth brought on by any of the following might cause a person to develop tongue ulcers:

    • 1. Injury from dental work braces or retainers biting the tongue
    • 2. Burns caused by eating hot meals while wearing ill-fitting dentures
    • 3. Eating meals that are sour or hot
    • 4. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush to brush ones teeth

    Mouth ulcers can develop for a variety of reasons, according to the National Health Service of the United Kingdom:

    • 1. Hormonal changes, prescription pharmaceuticals such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , dietary allergies or intolerances
    • 2. High levels of stress

    When someone initially stops smoking, tongue ulcers can also appear. Additionally, according to a 2020 article, iron or certain B vitamin shortages may account for up to 20% of instances.

    Additionally, there might be a hereditary component to getting tongue ulcers. According to research published in Developments in Dermatology and Allergology, certain people may be genetically predisposed to developing recurrent canker sores.

    Tongue Blisters Causes: Red White Small Painful And Cures

    Canker Sores | How To Get Rid Of Canker Sores | Mouth Ulcer Treatment

    Do you have tongue blisters that are so bothersome? We have all you need to know including on causes whether white, red, small painful or painless. We will also look at case toddlers as well as cures and treatments.

    Your tongue is a small organ in the body but plays a vital role in everyday life such as speech and taste. The appearance of tongue blisters inhibits its daily activities. They may feel like small bumps or pimples filled with colorless fluids or colored fluids.

    These tongue blisters can be sore, painful or painless. They have similar characteristics with cold sores and fever blisters that are highly contagious.

    Recommended Reading: How Does Ulcerative Colitis Affect The Digestive System

    Ischaemic Ulcers: Necrotising Sialometaplasia

    This is an uncommon disorder that gives rise to large areas of deep ulcers on one side of the hard and sometimes the soft palate. This condition is probably associated with an ischaemic event and is associated with factors such as smoking, alcohol use, denture wearing, recent surgery and systemic disease. It can also be a feature of bulimia nervosa. The clinical and histopathological features may mimic those of SCC.

    Recommended Reading: What Are The Signs You Have An Ulcer

    Check If It’s A Mouth Ulcer

    Mouth ulcers are usually small, creamy-white and appear on the:

    • inside of the mouth

    These types of mouth ulcers are known as canker sores .

    You may have more than one ulcer at a time and they can change in size.

    Mouth ulcers are not contagious. But sometimes they are a symptom of a contagious illness.

    Don’t Miss: Foods To Avoid With An Ulcer Nhs

    More articles

    Popular Articles