A sore tongue can be a symptom of a health condition, such as gum disease or smoking, or a result of accidentally biting it. Referred pain from other disorders can also affect the tongue. Good dental health habits can help prevent and diagnose the causes of tongue pain.
Almost everyone has experienced a sore tongue at one time or another. In many cases, a sore or sensitive tongue is a symptom of a health condition that can be easily treated. However, a sore tongue that is sensitive to heat and cold can also be a sign of something more involved. Here are some of the causes of a sore tongue and what you can do about it.
The most harmless reason for tongue pain is very simple and very common. Accidentally biting your tongue is extremely painful, both at the time the tongue is actually bitten off and for some time afterwards. As the tongue heals, the pain will begin to lessen. Using an oral rinse to keep your mouth clean will help ease the healing process.
Smoking can cause a variety of health problems, including the development of a sore tongue. Over time, smoking will make the tongue more sensitive and therefore make it easier to be negatively affected by hot and cold drinks or register an intensified response to any type of oral disease. Choosing to quit smoking will help reverse the sensitivity and pain, as well as be good for the rest of the body.
Various types of gum disease can lead to an inflamed and sore tongue. Gingivitis is one example. The presence of a tongue ulcer or tumor can also develop due to poor oral health. Often, these conditions require treatment with antibiotics and tests to ensure that the tumor is not malignant in order to correct the root problem. From then on, engaging in a consistent regimen of proper dental care will help minimize the chances of a recurring situation.
Not all causes of tongue pain are found in the mouth. Disorders affecting other organs of the body can indirectly lead to problems with the tongue. Angina can cause pain all over the body, including the tongue. Emotional imbalances such as depression and anxiety can trigger aches and pains throughout the body, with the tongue becoming dry and sensitive. This type of referred pain is not uncommon at all and usually goes away when the underlying disease is diagnosed and treatment begins.
While a sore tongue may or may not be a sign of something serious, it’s always a good idea to see a dentist when there’s no apparent cause for the pain. Developing and maintaining good dental health habits will go a long way in preventing some of the causes, as well as making it easier to diagnose some of the more serious reasons for the pain.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
