A sore tongue usually isn’t a cause for concern, but it can be hard to ignore the feeling. Along with soreness, the tongue can have:
small bumps
white or red patches, or raised areas
pain
swelling
burning sensation
Many conditions that affect the tongue can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene. But if you have a sore tongue, there are several home remedies that can ease the soreness, depending on the cause.
If the soreness or pain lasts more than two weeks, or presents itself with other bothersome symptoms, see a doctor.
Sore tongue at-home remedies
Most causes of a sore tongue, like canker sores, swollen taste buds, and mouth injuries, can be treated at home.
Home remedies can also help you ease a sore tongue caused by more serious medical conditions, such as burning mouth syndrome or oral thrush, as part of a medical treatment plan.
Oral hygiene
Brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush, flossing, and using a mouthwash can help rid yourself of a sore tongue and prevent infection. You may also find that using a toothpaste that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate helps relieve soreness.
Aloe vera
AloeTrusted Source is known for its skin-soothing abilities. This also applies to the tongue. You can rinse your mouth with aloe juice a few times per day.
Baking soda
For pain and swelling, try rinsing your mouth with a mixture of warm water and baking soda (1 teaspoon per 1/2 cup of water). You can also make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the sore area.
Milk of magnesia
Applying small amounts of milk of magnesia, an acid neutralizer, to a sore tongue can help relieve pain and promote healing.
Hydrogen peroxide
As an antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide can treat an infection or sore inside your mouth. Use only 3% hydrogen peroxide and dilute it with water (equal parts peroxide to water).
Dab the affected area using a cotton swab. After a few seconds, rinse your mouth with warm water.
Salt water
Gargling salt water is another way to reduce pain, inflammation, and prevent infection. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish it around your mouth, gargle, and spit.
Honey
Honey is a natural antibacterial and has been shown to be effective in treating several types of wounds. You can rub a bit of honey directly on the sore area a few times per day or drink a warm tea with honey.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil may be able to heal a sore tongue because of its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Apply the oil directly to the sore area with a cotton ball, rubbing it gently. Or you can swish it around in your mouth and spit it out. This is called oil pulling.
Chamomile
Chamomile is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Scientific evidence is limited, however. To try this remedy, rinse your mouth with a strong chamomile tea once it has cooled, or apply a wet tea bag directly to the sore spot.
Antacids
Antacids are used to neutralize stomach acid and may help relieve a burning or sore tongue, especially if it’s caused by acid reflux.
Ice, ice pops, and cold water
Ice has numbing qualities, so drinking ice-cold water or sucking on an ice cube or ice pop can help relieve some tongue soreness, including soreness caused by dry mouth, or a burning mouth.
OTC treatments
You can also visit your local drugstore for OTC topical treatments that work by coating the tongue and protecting it from further irritation.
Vitamin supplements
If your tongue soreness is caused by a vitamin deficiency, consider taking a multivitamin or a vitamin B complex supplement. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Avoiding spicy and irritating foods
Spicy and acidic foods (like pineapple, lemon, and tomato) can worsen tongue soreness. Until the soreness goes away, avoid these foods. Instead, eat soft, bland foods, like mashed potatoes and oatmeal.
Medical treatments
Though home remedies might help reduce tongue soreness, infections and inflammatory conditions, as well as chronic illnesses like cancer, will most likely require medical treatment.
Antibiotics
Bacterial infections, like syphilis, can lead to mouth sores. Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Make sure to take the full course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better.
Antifungals
Antifungals, like fulcanazole (Diflucan) and clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche) are prescribed to treat oral thrush.
Prescription mouthwash
A prescription mouthwash or antimicrobial mouth rinse can help prevent infections as a sore tongue heals.
Steroids
A doctor might prescribe a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation caused by mouth sores or by another inflammatory condition, like lichen planus.
Vitamin supplements
You might need a prescription vitamin supplement, like a B-12 shot, folate, or iron to help treat a vitamin deficiency.
Medications to increase saliva production
If you have dry mouth, there are prescriptions available to help increase saliva production.
Cancer treatments
Treatment for oral cancer usually consists of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Source: www.healthline.com
