Sore tongue medically known as stomatitis is a very common symptom. Most
of the doctors routinely prescribe B-complex tablets, terming it
B-complex deficiency. In fact in many instances it is not so. Painful
tongue is a common problem. Many of us experience a sore tongue from
time to time. But what should you do about it if it affects you.
The tiny projections that cover the surface of the tongue are called "papillae". If you could examine them under a microscope you would see that the papillae are tiny folds of the surface of the tongue. Each is surrounded by a trench, rather like a castle surrounded by a moat. In each trench, there are several clusters of cells sensitive to various tastes; these are the actual taste buds. If we did not have any papillae, the tongue would be very smooth and slippery, and not very efficient at moving food round the mouth. Some animals (such as cats) have very prominent papillae, which is why their tongues feel so rasping.
Irregular teeth or plaque at back of teeth may be rubbing against the tongue while eating or drinking. When someone is anxious they may unconsciously be biting the tongue or rubbing their tongue against the teeth too. Passionate kissing may be responsible if your tongue is coming into contact with your partner's teeth.
Causes of a sore tongue
Disturbances to normal bacterial flora and over growth of fungus
When one eats too much sugar, it causes an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida. It makes the tongue very sore and raw. The medical term for this is called "Oral Thrush" which is yeast overgrowth.
The tiny projections that cover the surface of the tongue are called "papillae". If you could examine them under a microscope you would see that the papillae are tiny folds of the surface of the tongue. Each is surrounded by a trench, rather like a castle surrounded by a moat. In each trench, there are several clusters of cells sensitive to various tastes; these are the actual taste buds. If we did not have any papillae, the tongue would be very smooth and slippery, and not very efficient at moving food round the mouth. Some animals (such as cats) have very prominent papillae, which is why their tongues feel so rasping.
Irregular teeth or plaque at back of teeth may be rubbing against the tongue while eating or drinking. When someone is anxious they may unconsciously be biting the tongue or rubbing their tongue against the teeth too. Passionate kissing may be responsible if your tongue is coming into contact with your partner's teeth.
Causes of a sore tongue
Disturbances to normal bacterial flora and over growth of fungus
When one eats too much sugar, it causes an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida. It makes the tongue very sore and raw. The medical term for this is called "Oral Thrush" which is yeast overgrowth.
B-Complex deficiency.
Irritation due to chemical imbalance in tongue.
Home Remedies for Sore Tongue
You should take simple remedies for one week. If the pain persists then please see your doctor or dentist. Your tongue may be rubbing against a jagged tooth or the edge of a denture. Mouth cancer can start with a sore area on the tongue but this is rare. Canker sores or simple apthous ulcers can also cause transient local soreness on the tongue.
B vitamin deficiency. Several of the B vitamins have been implicated, and many people have speculated about deficiencies of other vitamins or minerals, especially folate. It is recommend that the patient who suffers from canker sores take a multivitamin and mineral daily supplement.
Avoid hot and spicy foods. They may aggravate the condition. Eat vitamin B and iron rich foods. It is recommended to avoid foods and oral hygiene products that you are allergic to, they may aggravate the condition.
Try using a soft bristle toothbrush should be used when brushing teeth to help reduce the trauma to your gums and tongue that can be caused by hard bristled brushes.
Put some sore relief in your diet: Several studies show that one in seven people with canker sores is deficient in folate, iron and vitamin B, and doctors believe that upping these nutrients can help prevent sores or quicken recovery from them. Peas, beans and lentils are excellent folate sources; lean beef, tofu and fortified cereals are high in iron; and meats and seafood are high in B vitamins.
Using Potassium Carbonate or if you don't have it, Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) solution will bring amelioration. Add 1/2 teaspoon of Potassium Carbonate (or baking soda) to a glass of warm water. Gargle every 30 minutes.By: Peter Sams
Irritation due to chemical imbalance in tongue.
Home Remedies for Sore Tongue
You should take simple remedies for one week. If the pain persists then please see your doctor or dentist. Your tongue may be rubbing against a jagged tooth or the edge of a denture. Mouth cancer can start with a sore area on the tongue but this is rare. Canker sores or simple apthous ulcers can also cause transient local soreness on the tongue.
B vitamin deficiency. Several of the B vitamins have been implicated, and many people have speculated about deficiencies of other vitamins or minerals, especially folate. It is recommend that the patient who suffers from canker sores take a multivitamin and mineral daily supplement.
Avoid hot and spicy foods. They may aggravate the condition. Eat vitamin B and iron rich foods. It is recommended to avoid foods and oral hygiene products that you are allergic to, they may aggravate the condition.
Try using a soft bristle toothbrush should be used when brushing teeth to help reduce the trauma to your gums and tongue that can be caused by hard bristled brushes.
Put some sore relief in your diet: Several studies show that one in seven people with canker sores is deficient in folate, iron and vitamin B, and doctors believe that upping these nutrients can help prevent sores or quicken recovery from them. Peas, beans and lentils are excellent folate sources; lean beef, tofu and fortified cereals are high in iron; and meats and seafood are high in B vitamins.
Using Potassium Carbonate or if you don't have it, Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) solution will bring amelioration. Add 1/2 teaspoon of Potassium Carbonate (or baking soda) to a glass of warm water. Gargle every 30 minutes.By: Peter Sams