Canker sores on the tongue: Symptoms, causes and prevention

It is common for our optimal oral health to be threatened by various pathologies. One of the most common are, without a doubt, canker sores on the tongue. But, exactly… What are canker sores?

Canker sores correspond to small lesions or wounds that originate in the soft tissues of the mouth or even in the gums. These are different from herpes because they do not appear on the surface of the lips and because they are not contagious. However, they can become annoying and painful, and can cause problems when eating and/or drinking.

The sores usually go away on their own within a week or two. However, if you notice that you have large canker sores or you see that they do not heal over time, it is best to consult your trusted dentist, such as… Gross Dentists!

Next, we are going to show you the symptoms of canker sores on the tongue, the causes and the prevention measures that exist to avoid contracting them… Keep reading!

Symptoms of sores on the tongue

As we just mentioned, canker sores on the tongue can be annoying, and you will most likely feel a tingling and/or burning sensation days before they appear.

To know in depth the symptoms that can arise from these canker sores, it is important to note that there are several models of them.

Minor thrush

These types of sores are the most common. They are usually small, oval in shape with a red border, and heal on their own without leaving traces or scars.

Major canker sores

Major canker sores are less common. They are larger and deeper than the previous ones, they are round and have defined edges when they are smaller or irregular when they are larger, they can be very painful, they can take up to six weeks to heal and they can leave scars.

Herpetiform ulcers

They are rare and usually appear in elderly people. Its size corresponds to the head of a filter, groups of 10 to 100 sores can form creating a large ulcer, its edges are irregular, they heal in a time of between one and two weeks, and they do not leave scars.

What causes tongue sores?

The appearance of sores on the tongue can be the result of several triggers, such as:

  • A minor injury from dental work
  • Excessive brushing of teeth
  • For accidental bites
  • By the use of toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate
  • Sensitivity to some foods
  • A diet low in vitamin B-12, zinc, folate, or iron
  • An allergic response
  • Emotional stress
  • ETC.

How to prevent the appearance of flames?

The sores usually come back. For this reason, we give you a series of recommendations so that you can successfully prevent them:

  • Avoid foods that irritate your mouth or to which you are sensitive or allergic
  • Choose a healthy diet
  • Follow good oral hygiene habits at home
  • If you wear braces, cover the sharp edges with wax
  • Reduce your stress, leading a more relaxed and calm life

By following these guidelines, we are completely sure that you will get good results. However, remember that if your canker sore on the tongue increases in size with difficulty, it hurts too much or it takes time to heal, at Gross Dentistas we are at your entire disposal.

If you want more information on this matter or on any other dental treatment, we recommend you contact us… We will be happy to help you!

Ortodoncista Dra. Concha Gross de Bethencourt

Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.

Doctoralia | Masquemédicos | Topdoctors

Menu
Abrir WhatsApps
Hola.. Hi!👋
¿Podemos ayudarle?... We can help you?