Symptoms and Causes of Sore Tongue

Symptoms of Sore Tongue

Symptoms can include any of the following:

• A sore or burning sensation on the tongue
• Loss or lack of taste on the tongue
• Aching, throbbing, or pounding feeling on the tongue
• Weird, different, or strange taste in the mouth

Causes of Sore Tongue

Sore tongue can be caused by a vast array of different ailments or deficiencies.  It can be a part of a disease process or it can present by itself.  Some common causes of sore tongue include:

• Burning or biting the tongue

This is the most common cause of a sore tongue and happens when you bite down or accidentally consume hot liquid.  The tongue has many nerve endings and usually quickly heals after minor traumatic injuries

• Fungal infection

If you wear dentures, retainers, or constantly place objects in your mouth, then there is a chance of fungal infection.  The tongue usually appears inflamed, smooth, and/or red.

• Burning Mouth Syndrome

This syndrome has an unknown cause.  However, it can cause a severe burning sensation in the mouth that increases throughout the day.  It can also cause a metallic taste in the mouth or loss of taste altogether.  On a larger scale, it also causes changes in mood and dry mouth.  Several studies are currently being conducted in order to lead to a more definitive path of diagnosis and treatment for burning mouth syndrome.

• Vitamin deficiency

Usually, a deficiency of vitamin b12 can cause sore tongue.  The tongue can appear red and swollen and can cause changes in taste.

• Oral Cancer

This is a very severe risk associated with a sore tongue.  Oftentimes oral cancer can easily be overlooked or mistaken for something else.  It’s best to visit your dentist or physician to completely rule this out as an option.

• Hormonal changes (commonly associated with menopause)

Hormonal changes or imbalances in our body/endocrine system can sometimes reflect in the mouth.  A sore tongue is sometimes a sign of these changes.

• Irritation by dentures or retainers

Dentures, retainers, or other devices in the mouth can be harbors for bacteria, fungus, or just plain cause irritation of the tongue, teeth, or checks.  Have your denture or other device checked out to ensure that it’s not harboring bacteria.  Also, be sure to thoroughly clean your prosthetic device EVERYDAY!

• Bacterial infection

Bacterial infection is also a possibility.  If you have a tongue piercing, other mouth jewelry, or an infection occurring elsewhere in the body, an infection in the tongue is a possibility.

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What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning Mouth Syndrome is a condition in which the tongue and inside of the mouth experience a persistent burning, and sometimes painful, sensation.  This condition affects 2-3% of the general population and 14% of post menopausal women.

Signs of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Most symptoms appear spontaneously and usually start on the tip of the tongue.

Symptoms include:

• Burning sensation on tongue
• Burning sensation on inside of cheek
• Burning/pain has been reported to start in the morning and gradually increase as the day progresses
• Tongue may appear redder than normal, or smoother than normal.  This indicates an underlying infection is present
• Bitter/metallic taste in mouth

Causes/Related Factors of Burning Mouth Syndrome

• Most often unpredictable and not related to a specific cause
• The following are not causes, but have been linked to the condition:
  • Decreased saliva production
  • Chronic mouth breathing
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Candidiasis (fungal infection in the mouth)
  • Trauma to the mouth
  • Chronic tongue thrust habit
  • Allergy to medications
  • Vitamin B deficiency
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • AIDS
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Estrogen deficiency (thus the higher occurrence in post menopausal women)

Treatment for Burning Mouth Syndrome

• If the dentist can identify an underlying systemic condition (such as vitamin B deficiency or fungal infection, etc.), you can receive treatment for the primary condition and, as a result, burning mouth syndrome will resolve also
• If no cause can be identified, the following treatments may be used
  • Clonazapam
  • Vitamin B
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
  • Pain medications (aspirin, ibuprofen)
  • Antibiotics
  • Antifungals
  • Counseling
• Being that this condition has a high correlation with depression, anxiety, and stress, if means are taken to RELAX and create a stress-free, anxiety-free home/work environment symptoms will alleviate

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