Have you ever had a sore tongue that made it hard to eat or talk? How do I make it feel better fast? Your tongue might hurt from accidentally biting it, eating something too hot, or getting a canker sore. These things can make it sore and uncomfortable. There are plenty of simple and natural home treatments for sore tongues that can help alleviate the pain and promote healing. This blog post will explore practical ways to soothe your sore tongue.

Causes of Sore Tongue

These are some of the most common reasons your tongue might feel sore. 

• Accidental bites or cuts
• Burns from hot food or beverages
• Oral thrush or yeast infection
• Allergic reactions
• Vitamin deficiencies

While most cases of a sore tongue heal independently with time and proper care, it’s essential to avoid further irritation and practice good oral hygiene for faster recovery.

Home remedies to cure tongue ulcers

These natural remedies can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with a sore tongue:

Aloe Vera Gel

A naturally occurring plant with calming and restorative qualities is aloe vera. Applying a small amount of pure aloe vera gel directly onto the tongue ulcer can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Aloe vera contains compounds that promote tissue repair and regeneration, which can aid in the healing process. For best results, apply the gel several times daily, thoroughly covering the affected area.

Honey

Honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities have been utilised for generations as a natural treatment for a wide range of illnesses.  Applying a small amount of honey onto the tongue ulcer can help reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort. Honey creates a protective barrier over the ulcer, preventing further irritation and promoting healing. Mixing honey with warm water to make a mouthwash can provide additional relief and help keep the mouth clean. However, using pure, raw honey for its medicinal benefits is essential, as processed honey may not have the same healing properties.

Coconut Oil

There are different oil to treat cancer sores. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a fatty acid with antimicrobial properties that can help fight off bacteria and promote healing. Swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in the mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Coconut oil also helps moisturize the mouth, preventing dryness and promoting tissue repair. Applying coconut oil directly to the tongue ulcer can create a protective barrier and help speed up healing. Do this multiple times a day for optimal effects.

Rinse with Salt Water

Mouthwashes with saltwater are an easy and efficient method of killing oral bacteria and reducing irritation.   Mix a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and swish it around in the mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Salt water helps remove fluid from the ulcer, reducing swelling and discomfort. It also creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria, preventing infection and promoting healing. For best results, rinse the mouth with salt water several times daily, especially after meals and bedtime.

Gentle Brushing

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently clean the teeth and tongue to remove any food particles or bacteria that could irritate the ulcer. Be careful not to brush too vigorously, as this can further aggravate the soreness. Brushing the tongue helps remove dead cells and debris, promoting healing and preventing infection. Rinse the mouth thoroughly after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste or debris. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to avoid further irritation and promote healing of the tongue ulcer.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory powers, which are perfect for calming down the ulcer. Once the chamomile tea is brewed, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, swish it around your mouth a few times a day like a refreshing mouthwash. The chamomile’s soothing properties can help ease the pain and reduce inflammation.

Avoid Irritants

Avoid spicy, acidic, and rough-textured foods that can worsen the pain and irritation. Stick to softer, bland foods like yogurt and mashed potatoes until the ulcer heals. Avoiding irritants gives your tongue the best chance to recover quickly and comfortably.

Final thoughts

Dealing with a sore tongue can be challenging, but these natural remedies can help. These remedies relieve and aid healing, whether it’s accidental bites, burns, or other issues like oral thrush. Remember good oral hygiene, avoid irritants, and be gentle with your mouth. If soreness persists, see a healthcare professional. With these remedies, you can find relief and enjoy life without discomfort.

Tongue ulcer also termed as sores on the tongue are open cuts that appear as whitish lesions on the tongue. This is one of the common types of canker sores that appear inside our mouth. It is a common oral problem and subsides on its own but stimulates sharp pain while eating and drinking.

Despite it appears harmless and occurs for an unknown cause, it is linked to various irritants at times. It can be identified with certain symptoms. Keep reading to know more about this.

What causes Tongue ulcer?

The root cause of tongue ulcers is unknown. However, dentists believe it happens as a consequence of viral infections, certain medical conditions, and traumatic conditions. The possible attributes that trigger sores on our tongue include:

• Infectious conditions
• Oral thrush
• Oral Lichen Planus
• Herpes
• Gingivostomatitis

Bodily disorders

If a person has ulcer lesions in various areas of his/her mouth, it may occur due to a disturbance in the victim’s physical health. In simply, too many sores or rashes in the mouth are a sign of an underlying problematic condition. The important ones to mention are:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Crohn’s disease
• Diabetes
• Behcet’s Syndrome
• Inflammatory Bowel disease

Traumatic conditions

Apart from the microbial invasions and bodily disorders, the tongue ulcers emanating from injuries or damages in the mouth that occur due to

• Accidental tongue bites
• Irritations from dental braces or restorative appliances
• Irritations from certain medications
• Oral tissue injuries due to vigorous brushing or flossing

Taking too much spicy foods and consuming hot foods are also responsible for soft tissue injuries that lead to tongue ulcers.

What are the symptoms of tongue ulcers?

The tongue sores caused by mouth ulcer or canker sores are whitish or yellowish lesions with red-colored borders. Mostly, the tongue ulcers are tiny-sized wounds whereas some ulcer tongue lesions are sized between 1 to 3 cm.

As they are painful lesions, the tongue ulcer is accompanied by difficulties in eating along with certain oral hardships as follows:

• Difficulty in swallowing
• Swollen tongue
• Bleeding

In the meantime, a person encounters various hassles in his/her body systems along with mouth ulcers if it happens due to the underlying disorders. Here are some signs:

• Chronic fever
• Body aches
• Diarrhea
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rashes in the skin

What are the tongue ulcer treatments a dentist provides?

Remember that the tongue sores or ulcer tongue lesions will go on their own in a few days if it occurs due to oral infections. We recommend OTC medications to get relief from the pain and discomforts caused by the tongue sores.

In contrast, if you notice the mouth sores exist for many weeks, consult your dentist. We have noticed that various medical conditions obstruct the ulcer lesions from subsiding. In such circumstances, treating such underlying cause will help you to get rid of the tongue ulcers.

You can also get rid of the painful lesions and quicken the healing process with some natural remedies.

Want to know more about tongue ulcer and DIY remedies to get relief from this problem? Contact our dentists. Our Align Dental Care is ready to help.