Wound on the tongue is a health problem that is very common in the society and can make it difficult to speak and eat.
Why Does Tongue Wound Occur?
Tongue sore can occur due to many reasons. Common causes of tongue sores:
TraumaTongue biting is quite painful. Hot foods or drinks can also burn the tongue, causing the tongue to blister. Behaviors such as teeth grinding are among the other causes that can lead to the formation of sores on the edge of the tongue. Just like when you hit your hand or arm, tongue injuries due to trauma may not heal immediately. Pain and discomfort in the tongue may continue until the wound heals.
Inflammation Swelling of the taste buds in the tongue may occur. Swollen taste buds may appear as red or white bumps on the tongue. This swelling in the taste buds can be quite painful. The taste buds usually return to their normal state within a few days. Thrush is a fungal infection that can cause pain in the tongue. Thrush lesions appear as white patches on the tongue. This infection is especially common in infants, the elderly, those using oral prostheses, and people with weakened immune systems. Again, the possibility of thrush is increased in people who have recently used antibiotic medication or used steroid inhalers for the treatment of asthma. Sores on the tongue; It may develop due to hand mouth foot disease, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and syphilis. These diseases may cause the development of a sore on the tip of the tongue in the mouth.
Oral Ulcer If the pain in the mouth is concentrated on a specific point, a sore on the tongue may have occurred due to a mouth ulcer. Mouth ulcer sores are round or oval in shape. mouth ulcer; It can occur for a wide range of reasons, from stress to biting the tongue, from eating hard foods to hormonal changes. Aphthous ulcers can cause sores under the tongue. Mouth ulcers heal within a few weeks even without treatment. Meanwhile, painkillers can be taken to reduce the pain associated with the wound. is. Oral food allergy can cause swelling of the tongue, lips and mouth. In addition, it can cause symptoms such as itching and tickling in the throat and tongue pain. Oral allergy syndrome usually begins in childhood or adolescence.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies The tongue may be smooth and painful in vitamin B12, iron and folate deficiency. In B12 deficiency, the tongue turns bright red. In case of zinc deficiency, a burning sensation may be felt in the mouth. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause sores on the tongue.
Lichen PlanusLichen planus is a chronic dermatological disease that causes itchy skin rash. Lichen planus can cause white lace-like sores on the tongue. This disease can cause redness and pain in the gums. Depending on lichen planus, white or red colored lesions that cause a burning sensation may occur in the mouth.
Behçet's DiseaseBehçet's disease is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in the body. This disease causes aphthae in the tongue and mouth. These aphthae are initially round and may enlarge over time. Although oral aphthae due to Behçet usually regress spontaneously within a few weeks, care should be taken as they may reoccur over time.
Moeller's Glossitis In Moeller's glossitis, the taste buds on the tongue atrophy. Taste buds are structures that appear as small bumps on the tongue. Taste buds that become atrophic (shrinking, withered) lose their puffiness. Therefore, the tongue appears smooth. Moeller's glossitis can cause pain, irritation and burning sensation in the tongue.
Pemphigus VulgarisPemphigus vulgaris is a chronic disease that causes sores in the mouth and genital area. Pemphigus vulgaris can cause small blisters to form on the tongue. These skin lesions may burst and become infected over time, making it difficult for the patient to eat and swallow.
Oral Cancer Oral cancer has many symptoms such as tongue sores, tongue pain, and bleeding lesions. Oral cancer can make it difficult to eat or swallow. If the wound on the tongue does not heal for two weeks and if a situation that may cause a wound does not come to mind, a doctor should be consulted. oral cancer Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis increases the probability of treatment success.
Sjögren's SyndromeSjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the salivary and lacrimal glands. This syndrome causes chronic dryness of the mouth and eyes. Chronic dry mouth can cause the tongue to dry and crack. The tongue, whose surface integrity is disrupted, becomes open to infection and ulcer formation.
What's Good for Tongue Wound?
Many people who have a sore on their tongue ask, "How does a tongue wound heal?" he asks. There are simple applications that can be done at home for wounds on the tongue. These practices help the wound heal more quickly and relieve the pain caused by the wound.
Applications that are good for tongue wounds:
- Pay attention to Oral Hygiene: Keeping the mouth clean contributes to faster healing of the tongue wound. Brushing the teeth and using mouthwash are among the practices that can reduce the risk of the wound becoming infected.
- Sucking Ice: Sucking on ice in the mouth can reduce the pain and discomfort caused by the wound. Care should be taken not to bite the ice while it is being sucked. This may cause the tooth enamel to crack or break the tooth.
- Grinding with Salt Water: Salt water accelerates wound healing by reducing the risk of infection in the wound. To prepare mouthwash, it will be sufficient to mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Foods with sharp edges, such as potato chips, can also injure the tongue. People with wounds on their tongue should stay away from these foods until the wound heals.
How is Tongue Wound Treatment?
If the applications that are good for the tongue wound are not enough for the wound to heal, medical treatment may be applied by the physicians. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain in the tongue. In more severe cases, corticosteroid drugs may be preferred to reduce pain and swelling in the tongue.
Topical gels are drugs applied on the wound. These drugs can be applied to the wound and numb the relevant area. In addition, the gel acts as a barrier between the wound and the mouth, preventing further irritation of the wound. Prescription mouthwash solutions can also be used to relieve pain associated with tongue sores. People with dry mouth may experience problems such as thrush. To prevent this situation, drugs that increase saliva production can be prescribed. Antibiotics are used in the treatment of wounds caused by bacterial infection.
Tongue sore can occur due to many different reasons. In most cases, tongue sores do not cause a serious problem and pass on their own. However, it should not be forgotten that conditions such as tongue sores that do not go away can also be a symptom of a serious condition such as oral cancer. It is recommended that individuals with long-standing tongue sores should apply to the nearest health center and have the necessary controls done. We wish you healthy days.
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