Canker sores can occur anywhere inside the oral cavity, including the inner surface of the lips and cheeks, base of the gums, tongue, or soft palate. They are related to a number of triggers such as chewing on the cheeks, emotional stress, underlying disorders, and food sensitivities. Some people experience these painful lesions a few times throughout life, while others have chronic breakouts that require an investigation into their underlying cause.
- Acidic, spicy, or salty foods
- Changes in hormonal balance
- Genetic inheritance
- A lack of vitamin B-12, iron, and folic acid in the diet
- Using toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate
- Injury to the tongue from biting, chewing, etc.
Symptoms and Treatment of Tongue Canker Sores
A painful spot or bump on the tongue is the primary symptom. A single lesion can develop or many can occur at the same time. In general, the lesions are small, measuring less than 10 mm in size. The center of the ulcer is yellow or white, however, when the lesion bursts, a painful wound with a red border results.
A canker sore on the tongue may take longer to heal because the tongue is used so frequently. Even so, a lesion should heal within two weeks. A canker sore on the tongue causes difficulty in eating even the softest of foods, so resolving the problem quickly is important. If home remedies do not work, it is recommended that you see a doctor who can administer several types of treatment. Ultimately, there are many treatment options available to relieve the pain associated with canker sores on the tongue, fairly quickly and easily.