Usatine RP, et al. ", Familydoctor.org: "Canker sores: What are they and what can you do about them. You should also see your doctor if you have: During your appointment, your doctor will thoroughly examine your tongue. Often, the clues are pretty straightforward. For example, treating an oral infection or taking supplements for a low vitamin level may relieve your discomfort. Unbrushed teeth have food particles around them that promote bacteria and cause bad breath. They also are linked to Down syndrome, psoriasis, and Sjgren's syndrome. The outer covering of the tongue consists of a wet mucosa. Infection, inflammation and conditions youre born with or develop later in life can all cause symptoms affecting your tongue. Typically, a tongue that is pink and moist with a thin slightly white, shiny coating on the surface is considered healthy. Here, we look at some of the most common causes and when to see a doctor. If youre unsure, see a healthcare provider. To manage discomfort or sensitivity, your doctor may recommend medications such as: Because these treatments haven't been studied rigorously, their benefit is uncertain. All rights reserved. . Symptoms & causes Diagnosis & treatment Doctors & departments Care at Mayo Clinic Print Diagnosis Your doctor or dentist will discuss your symptoms and examine your jaw. A bacterial infection, such as syphilis, will need antibiotics. A red tongue may be a symptom of a variety of conditions, including: Red or white patches on your tongue or thickened areas that dont go away may be a sign of tongue cancer. For some people, it stains the tongue black when it mixes with saliva. Burning mouth syndrome. Jang JH, et al. Mouth cancer - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic Certain medications . Could there be any other possible causes? Ulcers may, At 4 centimeters, an aortic aneurysm is either safe to monitor with imaging or at risk of rupturing, which may require surgery to prevent serious, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. SCC clinically presents as a thickened rough surface over a red or white base. It's harmless, but it could be linked to psoriasis or lichen planus. Sjgren syndrome. What Your Tongue Can Tell You About Your Health In younger individuals, cases of SCC often are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Dental Health | Parkinson's Foundation Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Do you have symptoms all the time, or do they come and go? Sometimes pain in your tongue can be a sign of cancer, especially if you also have a lump or red or white patches. Artificial saliva and zinc supplementation may help in restoring taste for some individuals. Burning Mouth Syndrome | National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Radiation and chemotherapy treatment may also cause decreased saliva flow and changes in taste that may take time to improve or not improve at all. Tips for managing a sore tongue include avoiding hot, sharp, or spicy foods and using over-the-counter medications to manage the pain. It can happen to people infected with viruses like Epstein-Barr or HIV.. Hairy tongue can be black in color. Deep grooves can form on your tongue as you age. https://www.aaom.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=81:burning-mouth-syndrome&catid=22:patient-condition-information&Itemid=120. Possible causes include nerve damage or an underlying condition, such as hormonal changes, medication use, and others. Ren J, et al. Swallowing problems can accompany Parkinson's. Many dental and oral problems develop without any symptoms. Paresthesia of the tongue can occur with damage to the lingual nerve, the nerve of sensation for the tongue. The most common cause of lingual nerve damage occurs during wisdom teeth extractions where the nerve is very close to the tooth being extracted. Treatment involves antifungal medications for the infant and, if breastfeeding, the mother to avoid passing the infection back and forth. In addition, pain in the tongue can occur due to: A bright pink color on the tongue is most often due to a deficiency in iron, folic acid, or vitamin B-12. Oral Care Guide What Your Tongue Says About Your Health Medically Reviewed by Evan Frisbee, DMD on November 04, 2021 What's on My Tongue? Cold sores can form on the lips, gums, throat, as well as tongue. Call your doctor or dentist if you notice any changes in your tongue that concern you, such as: A doctor can prescribe medication to manage oral thrush, an infection, and any challenging symptoms. Policy. Oral lichen planus can be chronic and may increase the risk for oral cancer. (2014). Clenching, tooth grinding, or injury can all cause TMJ syndrome, but the results are often the same: pain, headaches, dizziness, even trouble swallowing. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Many spots, bumps, and colors on your tongue are harmless. It is characterized by a white lace-like pattern called reticular lichen planus. Check with a doctor if you think any of your medications may be causing a sore tongue. Drinking hot liquids and eating hot foods can put you at risk of burning your tongue. (5) Interactive Medical Media LLC Avoid smoking and using tobacco products, which can cause painful ulcers and increase your risk of oral cancer. But sometimes, your symptoms might occur due to an underlying condition that requires medical treatment. They can grow up to 18mm in length. You can prevent or relieve some tongue problems by practicing good dental hygiene. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. (2023). How do healthcare professionals diagnose tongue problems? Learn about potential causes and treatments. Last medically reviewed on January 13, 2022. An excisional biopsy is usually performed to definitively diagnose the lesion and completely excise it from the tongue. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. In addition to medical treatment and prescription medicines, these self-help measures may reduce your symptoms: Coping with burning mouth syndrome can be challenging. Learn about causes and, A canker sore isnt contagious. Are there any printed materials that I can have? In the case of sudden and rapid onset of swelling of the tongue, one should seek emergency care as breathing can become compromised. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax) may be used. Learn about potential causes and treatments. Tongue Problems: Sores, Discoloration, and Tongue Bumps - WebMD For toddlers and older children, sometimes the tongue can compensate for most oral functions, but speech may be affected. Oral Cancer Foundation. Check for signs of infection, such as fever or swollen lymph nodes in the . Dermatologic Clinics. Tongue indentations. A tongue bump or sore can be caused by various conditions, ranging from enlarged papillae to mouth cancer. See your dentist as soon as possible if your tooth aches or if you have a fever, earache, or pain when you open your mouth wide. Theyre harmless, but you should gently brush your tongue to clear food and bacteria. Symptoms that dont improve may signal an underlying condition that requires treatment. Oral cancer screening is an examination performed by a dentist or doctor to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. A biopsy may be recommended. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging.html), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dental-disorders/lip-and-tongue-disorders/tongue-discoloration-and-other-changes?query=leukoplakia), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560627/), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560545/#_NBK560545_pubdet_). Certain bacteria on the back of the tongue can interact with amino acids in foods and produce smelly sulfur compounds. A sore or burning tongue can happen for many reasons, ranging from a hot drink to an underlying health condition, such as Sjgrens syndrome. Problems with your tongue including pain, swelling or trouble moving your tongue can make these routine activities difficult. The use of various medications can sometimes lead to a sore tongue. Dentists often diagnose halitosis. If there's pain, over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help. The cause is thought to be a change in the normal bacteria in the mouth after antibiotic treatment or the use of products that contain bismuth such as Pepto-Bismol. Sudden swelling of the tongue can happen due to an allergic reaction or a side effect of medicines. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/14/2023. Oral herpes is caused by the herpes virus and appears as fluid-filled lesions. However, the risk of smoking far outweigh this benefit. White spots. This condition is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is usually related to immunocompromised individuals. Infections, stress, medication issues, and even aging can make their marks on your tongue. Some tongue problems are preventable by practicing good oral hygiene and eating a healthy, nutritious diet. It mostly results from a sensitivity or allergy to substances in raw fruits, vegetables, and certain tree nuts. You may reduce discomfort associated with geographic tongue by avoiding or limiting substances that commonly aggravate sensitive oral tissues, such as spicy or acidic foods or beverages, as well as alcohol and tobacco. Introduction Types Causes Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatments Home Remedies Prognosis Prevention What are tongue problems? Fissured tongue has been. Most tongue problems improve over time. A problem with the jaw called temporomandibular joint syndrome can cause severe pain in the jaw, face, ear, or neck. All rights reserved. Low levels of the following nutrients can lead to a sore tongue: Treatment involves eating a well-balanced diet, asking a doctor about supplements, and receiving vitamin injections, in some cases. When there are problems with the tongue, this is usually evident in the tongues appearance and sensations and your ability to use it to help chew your food and speak appropriately. Practice relaxation exercises, such as yoga. Addressing the underlying condition is the usual treatment for macroglossia. Most people with this condition experience mouth sores that are similar to canker sores.
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