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Did you know that tongue pain can interfere with daily activities like eating, speaking, and swallowing? This discomfort can arise from various causes, from minor injuries and infections to more severe health conditions. Read on for the common causes of tongue pain and their potential implications for dental wellness.

Thermal Injuries

One of the most common causes of tongue pain is thermal injury. When you burn your tongue on hot food or drinks, the heat damages the delicate tissues on the surface of your tongue.

Symptoms of tongue burn include swelling, redness and temporary loss of taste sensation in the affected area. The burned tissue may develop white patches or blisters as it heals. Initially, the discomfort can be intense, but it typically subsides within a few days as new cells regenerate and replace the damaged ones.

To determine if food or drink is too hot for your tongue, take a small sip or bite and let it touch your lips first, as they are more sensitive to temperature. If it feels uncomfortably hot, let it cool down before consuming.

Traumatic Injuries

Accidentally biting the tongue, often during meals or teeth misalignment, can cause acute pain and sometimes bleeding. Repeated trauma may lead to the development of ulcers or infections.

Good to know: Chronic tongue biting may indicate malocclusion or sleep disorders like sleep apnoea. A dental evaluation can help identify and address underlying causes.

Canker Sores

These small, superficial ulcers can appear on the tongue and other mouth areas. While their exact cause remains unclear, factors such as stress, certain foods, and hormonal fluctuations have been associated with their occurrence.

Most canker sores heal without intervention within two weeks. However, large or persistent sores may require medical attention to rule out more serious conditions.

Oral Thrush

This fungal infection, caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, can result in white patches on the tongue and a burning sensation. It’s more common in infants, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Oral thrush typically requires antifungal medication for effective treatment. Maintaining good oral hygiene and managing underlying health conditions can help prevent recurrence.

Geographic Tongue

This benign condition, characterised by smooth, red patches on the tongue surface, can occasionally cause sensitivity to certain foods. While it doesn’t typically require treatment, if it causes discomfort, topical medications can help manage symptoms.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in some vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin B12, and folate, can manifest as tongue soreness or changes in appearance. A thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, can identify nutritional deficiencies.

Implications for Oral Health

Understanding the causes of tongue pain is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health:

Infection Risk

Persistent tongue issues may indicate or lead to infections that could spread to other areas of the oral cavity or throat.

Nutritional Impact

Tongue discomfort may result in dietary changes, which, if certain foods are avoided, can lead to nutritional imbalances.

Early Detection

While most tongue conditions are minor, persistent abnormalities can occasionally be early indicators of severe conditions, including oral cancer.

When to Seek Professional Care

While most tongue-related issues resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant professional evaluation:

• Persistent pain lasting more than two weeks.
• Unexplained white or red patches on the tongue.
• Non-healing lumps or sores.
• Tongue pain accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever or lymph node swelling.

Conclusion

The tongue plays a vital role in oral function and overall health. Regular dental check-ups are important for maintaining oral health and catching potential issues early. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional about your tongue health concerns.

At Affinity Dental, we are dedicated to making dental care accessible and affordable for you and your family. When you choose one of our dental plans, you can access a vast network of over 2,000 skilled and professional dentists. Our benefits include mouth examinations, scale and polish, intraoral radiographs, infection control, and more. Contact Affinity Dental for helpful advice on which dental plan best suits you and your family, and visit a network Dentist for more ways to keep your smile healthy.