Is Something Wrong With My Tongue?
By Sachs Dental
In
Oral Health
February 12, 2020
Our tongues are an important part of our bodies. They help us speak. They're a part of our digestive system, allowing us to eat and chew. It's thanks to the taste buds found on the little bumps on the surface of our tongues (called fungiform papillae) that we are able to taste. It's also pretty resilient, too, able to heal quickly.
There are times when your tongue might hurt or have a change in appearance. Most of the time, this isn't serious, but there are others where it may require treatment.
Here are a few conditions that may result in tongue pain:
Injuries to the Tongue
Your tongue can be injured when you drink or eat something that's too hot, or when you accidentally bite down on it. For people who have a tendency to grind their teeth, it's possible for the edges to get caught and damaged. Any of these injuries may cause pain, but, fortunately, most heal fairly fast.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are shallow sores that are usually white or yellow in color. They're not contagious, but they can hurt—especially when you have one on your tongue. They usually don't last too long, and most will vanish in about a week's time.
Glossitis
A form of tongue inflammation, there are many varieties of glossitis, and the majority aren't too serious. However, some do require treatment, so check with Dr. Sachs or your doctor if you have persistent tongue inflammation.
• Moeller’s glossitis - This type can cause tongue irritation, pain or a burning sensation. The papillae on the surface of your tongue may atrophy, resulting in a smooth or glossing appearance. This condition is likely the result of a B-12 vitamin deficiency.
• MRG, or Media rhomboid glossitis - MRG is caused by a fungal infection, which results in a smooth flat area on the tongue, usually in the middle or toward the back. It can cause some pain when eating food. MRG can be treated using anti-fungal medications.
• Geographic Tongue - In the case of geographic tongue, small patches of smooth areas will dot the surface of the tongue, giving it the appearance of a map. Usually, this isn't anything bad, but it shouldn't last for more than ten days. If it does, ask Dr. Sachs about it.
Oral Thrush
Distinguishable as a cottage cheese-like white patch on the tongue, oral thrush is a type of yeast infection that most commonly affects babies, people with weakened immune systems or older adults who have dentures.
Food Allergies
Your tongue may be affected by food sensitivities or allergies. You should speak with your doctor if you've noticed swelling of your lips, mouth or tongue after eating certain foods.
Smoking
Smokers may notice their tongue taking on a hairy appearance, due to yeast and bacteria growth. Smoking can also increase your chances of oral cancer, discussed below.
Oral Cancer
Regular oral cancer exams are yet another reason why it's recommended that you come in for checkups as recommended by Dr. Sachs. It's easiest to treat if caught early. Early signs of oral cancer can include tongue pain or the appearance of lumps on the tongue.
This isn't an exhaustive list of possible tongue problems, but just a few that people may encounter. If you have any concerns about your tongue or anything else with your mouth and jaw, it's best to make an appointment to speak with Dr. Sachs about it.