Brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper to remove the white coating. If you don't have a tongue scraper, you can turn over a teaspoon. Using a straw when having cold drinks. Avoiding substances that can irritate your tongue like alcohol mouthwashes that contain alcohol and cigarettes.
A salt water rinse acts as a natural antiseptic that can reduce swelling and pain, helping relieve your tongue burn symptoms. Honey is another burn cure that has been studied for its antimicrobial properties and its ability to stimulate faster healing.
Depending on the tongue problem, risk factors may include smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, poor oral hygiene, viral infections, a weak immune system, and even stress.
An unhealthy tongue. If your tongue is a different colour than pink, or has large patches of white, brown, black, or another colour, this might indicate a specific health issue. Similarly, if you have large bumps or no bumps at all, you may also want to speak to a doctor.
A black and hairy tongue may look concerning, but it's usually harmless. Bacterial overgrowth on the tongue most commonly causes it. Your tongue may look dark yellow, brown, or black. Also, the papillae may multiply, giving off the “hairy” appearance.
a partial or complete loss of taste or changes in your ability to taste sour, salty, bitter, or sweet flavors. difficulty moving your tongue. tongue swelling. a change from the normal color of your tongue to or patches of color that are white, bright pink, black, or brown.
Researchers note that most lesions heal in 4–14 days without treatment. Although tongue ulcers tend to clear up on their own, various home remedies may help ease the symptoms during the healing process. People can soothe tongue ulcers at home by rinsing the mouth with: clean water, especially after eating.
Use antiseptic mouthwash – Swishing with mouthwash certainly isn't a substitute for brushing and flossing. With that said, using an antiseptic formula once or twice a day is a great addition to any oral hygiene routine. It's a simple way to kill bacteria, reduce plaque on your tongue, and freshen your breath.
Depending on the condition, dentists may also be involved in the treatment by fitting treatment appliances or teaching tongue exercises. Yes, today's dentist cares for more than just your teeth and gums. More and more they coordinate with your primary care physician and specialists.
Treatment options
You may be able to remove the white coating from your tongue by gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush. Or softly run a tongue scraper across your tongue. Drinking lots of water can also help flush bacteria and debris out of your mouth.
Small injuries may often heal on their own. If the injury is long or deep, it may need stitches that dissolve over time. If a piece of your tongue was cut off or bitten off, it may have been reattached.
That may sound strange, but your tongue can tell a lot about your health. For example, a black and hairy looking tongue can signal poor oral hygiene, or diabetes. If your tongue is bright red like a strawberry, it could signal a deficiency in folic acid, vitamin B12, or iron.
Less severe tongue injuries heal on their own within a week. More severe tongue injuries require medical attention, such as stitches and medication. It may take several weeks or months to fully heal.
Although tongue burns are unpleasant, they're usually not serious. Drinking cold beverages and eating soft, cool foods can help. Pain medications, like over-the-counter NSAIDs, can relieve pain and inflammation. With most burns, your tongue and taste buds will heal within a week or two.
Make an appointment with your doctor or dentist if: You're concerned about changes in your tongue. Your tongue hurts. Your white tongue persists for longer than a few weeks.
You may have a sore, tender, or swollen tongue. Your tongue may change color and appear pale or red. A very serious symptom of tongue inflammation is when you experience severe swelling. This can block your airway.
Summary. Some common tongue infections will go away on their own, while others can be treated with over-the-counter medications, so getting a proper diagnosis for tongue pain is important.
Allergies or reactions to foods, food flavorings, other food additives, fragrances, dyes or dental-work substances. Reflux of stomach acid (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) that enters your mouth from your stomach. Certain medications, particularly high blood pressure medications.
The symptoms of tongue cancer might include: a red or white patch on the tongue that won't go away. a sore throat that doesn't go away. a sore spot (ulcer) or lump on the tongue that doesn't go away.
White. A white tongue typically indicates a bacterial overgrowth or infection, such as oral thrush. The tongue may appear to be pasty white, which is a common indicator of a yeast or fungal infection such as Candida.
When someone is dehydrated, the tongue appears dry and typically has a white or white-to-yellowish coating. In some cases, the tongue can appear patchy or splotchy. If your tongue commonly sticks to the roof of your mouth, you are dehydrated!
Though most sore tongues aren't anything to worry about, you should consult a doctor if you have a lump or sore on your tongue that doesn't go away within a week or two. Many oral cancers don't hurt in the early stages, so don't assume a lack of pain means nothing is wrong.