Is my mouth discomfort likely temporary or long term? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. These pockets trap tartar, plaque, and food debris that eventually lead to infection and abscesses. Allergic reactions to medications, food, or even a bee sting can cause swelling of the tongue. In addition to appearance, there is a concern if the lesion or sore does not go away or grows in size. If you have hairy, white patches that you cant scrape off, it might be oral hairy leukoplakia. (2020). A smooth tongue can also result from the use of dentures. Unexplained numbness in the face, mouth, or neck. Oral lichen planus can be chronic and may increase the risk for oral cancer. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Your tongue is a powerful muscle that helps you chew and swallow food. It's covered with moist, pink tissue called mucosa. Other medical conditions include tumorous cancer, acromegaly (giantism), amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, hypothyroidism, and Kawasaki disease. Learn about the types, causes, and diagnosis of tongue problems. In addition, you may also experience pain, burning, and numbness in the tongue. People may notice sensitivity to spicy or acidic foods. Certain bacteria on the back of the tongue can interact with amino acids in foods and produce smelly sulfur compounds. In the U.S., approximately half of the individuals newly diagnosed with oral cancer do not survive after more than five years. Fortunately, most tongue problems are benign and treatable. Tongue pain may also be addressed with an oral surgeon or ENT, but a neurology specialist may be appropriate if the pain is related to neuralgia. Let your dentist know about any white patches you see. Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes? Be sure to eat a well-balanced diet. There are variations of surface texture that are normal and healthy as well. Persistent patches or other changes in your mouth need a dentist's evaluation. Learn about 15 possible causes and their symptoms. Nicole Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP, Do you have cracks in your tongue? 12. Caused by candida yeast, thrush is most common in older adults or babies. It can take up so much room that your doctor might find imprints of your teeth on its sides. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. They usually last a week or two. (5) Interactive Medical Media LLC To help you cope with the discomfort of burning mouth syndrome: You'll likely start by seeing your family health care provider or dentist for mouth discomfort. 1 /17 Also called fever blisters, you don't get cold sores from fevers or colds but they can be triggered by them. Radiation therapy can damage taste buds and salivary glands. The surface of the tongue is covered with small bumps called papillae. Oral lesions. Learn about potential causes and treatments. Hairy tongue is the third most common tongue condition and is considered harmless. Addressing the underlying condition is the usual treatment for macroglossia. Ever let an aspirin nestle in your cheek, near an aching tooth? Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Most likely, your doctor will want to check your overall health and rule out various disorders with a complete blood count (CBC) test. Risk factors for SCC are older age (age 40 and up), tobacco use, and alcohol use. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. The underlying cause is usually a fungal infection. A biopsy may be recommended after clinical evaluation by the doctor. Accessed Jan. 26, 2017. For secondary burning mouth syndrome, treatment depends on the underlying conditions that may be causing your mouth discomfort. White spots. No treatment is recommended. Diabetes Your dentist sees: Less spit than you should have. Signs of a Tongue Problem. It might mean a problem with the nerves in your tongue. If your tongue has a white coating or white spots A white tongue, or white spots on your tongue, could be an indication of: Oral thrush - a yeast infection that develops inside the mouth. 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. Optimal treatment requires a precise diagnosis. See additional information. Your health care provider or dentist likely will: Review your medical history and medicines. When periodontal (gum) disease develops, bacteria in plaque accumulate along the gum line. Dental and Medical Problems. If it causes pain or ulcers, it can be treated with oral and topical medication. It can make it hard to speak or eat. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Many dental and oral problems develop without any symptoms. AskMayoExpert. For the most part, tongue conditions that appear to have no known cause (such as an obvious injury) should be evaluated by a physician or dentist for appropriate diagnosis, monitoring, and possible treatment. A small percentage of women experience a sore tongue while pregnant. . Avoid the food or drug that causes the tongue swelling. Don't let fear keep you from the doctor -- oral cancer that is caught early is treatable and curable. Be ready to answer questions so you have time to discuss whatever is most important to you. Individuals can be born with a harmless tongue condition. Tiny chips or cracks may not be a bother. Oral herpes is caused by the herpes virus and appears as fluid-filled lesions. Some medical conditions are linked to the fissured tongue and include Sjgren's syndrome, psoriasis, Down syndrome, and acromegaly. Also see pictures. It's attached to the jaw,. Canker sores will heal on their own. Diseased tongues may be dark red, white, yellow or even black. Knowing about these PD-related dental challenges can help prevent future complications. A strawberry-red tongue could be an early sign of Kawasaki disease, a rare, serious illness that inflames blood vessels all over the body, most often in children. I have these other health conditions. Canker sores (mouth ulcers): What can you do if you have a canker sore? You might notice pain, sensitivity, swelling, or signs of infection, but you can also crack a tooth without any symptoms. lichen planus - a rash that can affect the inside your mouth or other parts of your body leukoplakia - white patches which commonly appear on the tongue, although they can also appear on the cheeks and in patches on the gums (this does not recover on its own and should be seen by a doctor or dentist) They can advise you on whether you need treatment or if you can manage the issue at home with lifestyle changes. He or she will probably: Listen to and feel your jaw when you open and close your mouth Observe the range of motion in your jaw Ever notice a small blue-gray "stain" in a soft part of your mouth after dental work? Daniels, T.E., and R.C. Terms of Use. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Oral Health Evaluator - Take the WebMD Oral Health Evaluation, Discoloration, ranging from white to black. Cancer therapy that involves chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck area can greatly affect the taste. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your burning mouth syndrome-related health concerns, Burning mouth syndrome: Why doctors sometimes fight its fire with fire, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. Immunotherapy and gene therapy are examples of newer treatments being investigated. Pain with the tongue can be associated with anemia, canker sores (aphthous ulcers), oral herpes, neuralgia, cancer, poorly fitting dentures, or irritation from dental work. Senses of pain, taste, touch, perception of temperature, and perception of relative position and movement (proprioception) may be affected. These small, harmless bumps go away on their own after a few days, but they may be uncomfortable. Davis DMR (expert opinion). Raj G, et al. But a weakened immune system, antibiotics, diabetes, or certain medications -- such as inhaled corticosteroids -- can give candida a chance to grow wild. While you may hope this relieves pain faster, instead the acid in the aspirin burns a white, rough lesion into your gums or cheek. The cause is usually an underlying condition youre born with (congenital) or acquired over time. Called amalgam tattoos, they occur when a tiny piece of amalgam filling gets embedded in your cheek or gum. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater or a mixture of warm water and baking soda. Cold sores: signs and symptoms. Additionally, leukoplakia and erythroplakia can cause white or red patches on the tongue that can be precursors to cancer. Infections, celiac disease, or some medications can also cause it. Ask your dentist to check it out. Do you frequently eat acidic or spicy foods? Many things can make your tongue become sore or cause painful bumps to form, including: There are a number of things that can cause a whitish coating or white spots to develop on the tongue, including: There are multiple factors that can cause a normally pink tongue to turn red. Or they can refer you to another health care professional for further evaluation and treatment. Burning mouth syndrome. Treatment options include topical oral antifungal agents such as nystatin (Mycostatin) or fluconazole (Diflucan). But its good to know the signs that might point to cancer: Sores that dont heal, lumps, tongue pain, and trouble chewing or swallowing. The use of various medications can sometimes lead to a sore tongue. If there is no improvement, surgery may be an option to repair the injured nerve. Practice good sleep habits, such as going to bed and getting up at about the same time each day and getting enough sleep. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Have you had any other lesions in your mouth? Hairy leukoplakia. Here, we look at some of the most common causes and when to see a doctor. If you have sores or other conditions that cause pain, it may help to avoid spicy or acidic foods. Salinas TJ (expert opinion). (2021). HIV testing should be considered if hairy leukoplakia appears without a known immune-compromising condition. A sore tongue can also be a reaction to certain foods and medications. Drinking hot liquids and eating hot foods can put you at risk of burning your tongue. Learn about causes and, A canker sore isnt contagious. 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. If you have a black hairy tongue, this can be caused by a course of antibiotics. The treatment will depend on the cause. They can grow up to 18mm in length. IMAGES PROVIDED BY: Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2016. Nov. 11, 2022. It can reduce your quality of life if you don't take steps to stay positive and hopeful. The tongue can appear smooth and dry. The soreness could also be in combination with geographic tongue where bare areas are present and disappear as well as reappear. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The teeth and the gums are not the only structures in the mouth, the tongue is an incredibly important organ. 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? The linea alba is a benign condition that is characterized by a thin white line at the lateral (side) borders of the tongue. In fact, your tongue can provide a snapshot of. Certain medications . For pain related to the tongue, over-the-counter pain-relief medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) may help. These white or red bumps are sometimes called lie bumps or transient lingual papillitis. Persistent, severe canker sores can be treated with numbing creams, prescription drugs, or dental lasers. Cigarette smoking also can affect the taste. Creamy white spots could be thrush, a fungal infection (shown here). The feeling can appear suddenly or develop over time. Causes can include smoking cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco, drinking heavily, overexposure to the sun, and a family history of cancer. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. Damage to taste buds through radiation therapy may require time for healing to occur. Ask you to describe your symptoms. Avoid alcohol and products with alcohol, as they may irritate the lining of your mouth. Specific oral rinses or lidocaine, which causes numbness to help relieve pain. Clinical trials of a new treatment may be a possible option for advanced cancers. Macroglossia refers to when your tongue is larger than what it should be. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as gels, can often help ease the discomfort. Merck Manual Professional Version. So-called "lie bumps" or transient lingual papillitis are common even if you tell only the truth. Most tongue problems are easy to diagnose and treat. Join a chronic pain support group for people who have ongoing pain. You may have a sore, tender, or swollen tongue. However, the risk of smoking far outweigh this benefit. Smooth areas of the tongue may be related to injury (food burn) or a nutritional deficiency of iron, folate, or vitamin B12. How do healthcare professionals diagnose tongue problems? You may need to try several treatments before finding one or a combination that helps reduce your mouth discomfort. It has been associated with other conditions that include menopause, anxiety, depression, acid reflux, nutritional deficiencies, and mouth conditions such as dry mouth or oral thrush. A virus can also cause lots of little bumps on the tip and sides. Burning mouth syndrome (adult). Avoid smoking and using tobacco products, which can cause painful ulcers and increase your risk of oral cancer. A biopsy may be recommended. Change in your tongues texture (smooth, covered in raised patches or hair-like growths). Cold sores are a top mouth problem. Problems with your tongue including pain, swelling or trouble moving your tongue can make these routine activities difficult. Most dentists will examine your oral cavity for any lesions that could be cancerous. For example, if you have a canker sore or a sore that occurs due to a mouth injury, you should do the following: Call your doctor if you dont see any improvement in the next 2 to 3 weeks. Usatine RP, et al. See additional information. Dentists and orthodontists are concerned with the effects of the tongue and facial muscles on the occlusion (how teeth fit together) of teeth because of the evidence proving that too much tongue pressure against the teeth on the inside and an unequal amount of facial muscle pressure from the outside - as is the case with a tongue thrust swallow . Possible causes include low vitamin B levels, anemia, the use of certain medications, and some infectious diseases. Cognitive behavioral therapy to develop practical skills to address anxiety and depression, deal with stress, and cope with ongoing pain. Reyad AA, et al. A white tongue is usually a result of smoking, drinking alcohol, poor oral hygiene, or candida infection. (8) Copyright ISM /Phototake -- All rights reserved. Macroglossia. If you see hard, flat, white areas that cant be scraped away, it could be leukoplakia, which is linked to cancer. The tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth that helps us eat and speak. Dotiwala AK, et al. A head and neck surgeon, an oncologist, a radiation oncologist, an oral surgeon, and a dentist could comprise the team of doctors that help in treating the oral cancer patient. A more serious condition such as tongue cancer can be related to risk factors such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that may help relieve nerve pain. It often occurs in people living with HIV but may also occur in people who arent. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Use a lighted instrument to check your tongue and mouth, Ask you to move your tongue around in various positions, Gently touch (palpate) your tongue to check for tenderness or unusual changes in the tongue's texture or consistency, Check for signs of infection, such as fever or swollen lymph nodes in the neck. From choosing baby's name to helping a teenager choose a college, you'll make . Some acidic foods can cause temporary redness and discomfort. The pain is often intense, like an electric shock, and you may feel it on your tongue or in your throat, tonsils, or ears, especially when you swallow. What, if anything, seems to make your symptoms worse? Possible causes include: Though troubling in appearance, a black, hairy tongue is typically nothing serious. Treatment for SCC involves a mix of surgical removal, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. An allergic reaction to gluten can also cause this. Instead, your health care team will try to rule out other problems before diagnosing burning mouth syndrome. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The tongue is made up of a mobile group of muscles that are attached to the floor of the mouth. Treatments may save your tooth, restore your appearance and prevent further dental problems. Here's what may be causing it and when to see. The four common tastes are sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP, journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/014556131509400706, ttps://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/cold-sores-symptoms, sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0929664619303481?via%3Dihub, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5369598/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8429150/, nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/fever-blisters-canker-sores, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4138463/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7556181/, sensorysociety.org/knowledge/sspwiki/Pages/Taste%20Anatomy.aspx, cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html, nhp.gov.in/UploadFiles/microsite/635846561062513669_1.pdf, What You Need to Know About Fissured Tongue, What Causes a Hairy Tongue and How to Treat It, a change from the normal color of your tongue to or, pain either all over the tongue or only in certain spots, a change in the size of the tongue like with swelling, a burning sensation either all over the tongue or only in certain spots, Nutrient deficiency, such a lack of sufficient pyridoxine, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and vitamin E, a persistent problem lasting longer than 2 weeks, tongue pain that doesnt improve with over-the-counter pain (OTC) medications or self-care measures, whether your ability to taste has changed, if you have any other issues in your mouth, if you have any history of tobacco or alcohol use. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Ill-fitting dentures can make it more difficult to . Learn about the causes and treatments for this symptom. Macroglossia involves having an atypically large tongue. Oral lichen planus. . A more definite diagnosis requires a biopsy. Signs of teeth grinding can also suggest stress or anxiety. Its a chronic condition that can cause a burning sensation on the tongue or elsewhere in the mouth. But sometimes, they can give clues to whats going on with your overall health. Pain, soreness or a burning sensation throughout your tongue or in certain parts. Learn more, Spots on your tongue can signal different conditions depending on the color, shape, and location. Wiping away the patches will cause soreness. Dyall-Smith D. (2021). There are many possible causes of tongue problems, ranging from harmless to serious. They appear as a yellow-white center with a red halo. The virus that causes cold sores is usually passed via a kiss, shared utensils,. Have you experienced any discomfort or pain? . The condition is also called big tongue or enlarged tongue.. Seeing a dentist regularly for a checkup and exam is the best way to catch a problem before it gets worse. ", Columbia University College of Dental Medicine: "Painful papillae of the tongue. Frequent follow-up and close monitoring are crucial parts of care. Monitoring is usually performed during routine dental visits or visits with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Swelling or enlargement of the tongue referred to as macroglossia can be caused by allergies, medications, injuries, or an underlying medical condition such as amyloidosis. If this occurs, you should get medical help right away. In some cases, the tumor will be present at the base of the tongue and will be difficult to detect until it reaches its late stage of development. Geographic tongue. Tongue herpes primarily occurs due to HSV-1, but you could get HSV-2 from having unprotected sexual intercourse. Toluidine blue staining can help in the early identification of precancerous or cancerous lesions. Many things can cause problems with the tongue. (4) Copyright ISM /Phototake -- All rights reserved. It usually looks like a smooth, red, shiny, and sharply defined area. The grooves might get better when your doctor treats the condition thats causing them, if there is one. It is caused by the thickening of the epithelium due to trauma or irritation from chewing. Topical pain relief can help manage discomfort, especially when eating. They may also do tests to rule out less common causes, such as Sjgrens syndrome or oral cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Pain that starts with a tingling feeling and is focused around a specific spot may be an ulcer or canker sore, also known as an aphthous ulcer. What causes bruxism? The numbness may or may not resolve. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. A tingling tongue usually isn't anything to worry about and will clear up soon. During the exam, your physician or dentist may: Geographic tongue typically doesn't require any medical treatment. 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. Treatment for aspirin burn is just as basic: Time. Sometimes pain in your tongue can be a sign of cancer, especially if you also have a lump or red or white patches. Dermatologic Clinics. (2023). Also called aphthous ulcers, canker sores can show up on the tongue, cheek, even your gums. A biopsy is a procedure whereby a sample of cells or tissue is evaluated under a microscope. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/14/2023. Tongue Problems Tongue problems can happen because of poor oral care, many people may not be aware that they should brush the tongue as well as the teeth. Tongue burning can also occur in postmenopausal people. Tongue indentations. Leukoplakia is a reaction to an irritant, like rough teeth, badly fitting dentures, smoking, and smokeless tobacco. Sometimes puzzling symptoms like persistent headaches can be from a cavity or some other tooth-related issue that's causing nerve pain. Taste buds are collections of nerve-like cells that connect to nerves running into the brain. A lesion with a combined white and red appearance is called erythroleukoplakia. 2020; doi:10.17219/dmp/120991. Based on the collective information, a diagnosis is made. In: Goldman, L., Schafer, A.I., eds. Leukoplakia can also be a precancerous condition. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. It may be one area or several areas and may even vary from time to time. In addition to medical treatment and prescription medicines, these self-help measures may reduce your symptoms: Coping with burning mouth syndrome can be challenging. A vaccine for HPV is being studied, and it may help in guarding against oral cancers, as well. Lichen planus appears to result from a faulty immune response. But anything more could lead to pain or permanent tooth damage. Dry mouth or an altered taste in the mouth may accompany the pain. Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. If they think you may have something serious like tongue cancer, they may order a biopsy of the tongue. (2021). (2021). Tongue problems include a variety of symptoms, from pain to changes in color and texture, that can have many different causes. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Your healthcare provider can recommend treatments based on whats causing the issues with your tongue. Assessment of oral lesions with tobacco usage: A cross-sectional clinicopathological study in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India. SCC clinically presents as a thickened rough surface over a red or white base. Parkinson's can alter face and tongue muscle function, affecting speech and chewing. This content does not have an Arabic version. Some tongue problems are preventable by practicing good oral hygiene and eating a healthy, nutritious diet. Accessed Jan. 27, 2017. See your dentist right away if you suspect a fractured tooth. American Dental Association. Introduction Types Causes Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatments Home Remedies Prognosis Prevention What are tongue problems? All rights reserved. What specialists diagnose and treat tongue problems? Your health care provider or dentist is likely to ask you several questions, such as: Your health care provider or dentist may ask other questions based on your answers, symptoms and needs. Can I self-diagnose tongue problems? Each of these causes can be carefully considered based on what is observed. Brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. If the tongue issue is a result of an underlying medical condition, treatment of the underlying problem can be key to solving the problem. The prognosis for oral cancer is dependent upon the stage of cancer, the location of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread to blood vessels. 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.