A canker sore on tongue is a small, round or oval ulcer that can cause pain and make eating or speaking uncomfortable. Canker sores are not contagious and are different from cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
A canker sore on tongue usually has a white or yellow center with a red border and often heals on its own within 1 to 2 weeks. It can develop after irritation, stress, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes, or other triggers.
Treatment for a canker sore on tongue may include salt water or baking soda rinses, cold compresses, alcohol-free mouthwash, or topical medications for pain and inflammation. Frequent or severe sores may need medical evaluation and, in some cases, prescription treatment.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of a canker sore on the tongue are:
- A small, round or oval sore with a white or yellow center and a red border
- Pain or soreness in the affected area
- Difficulty eating or speaking because of the pain
- A burning or tingling sensation
Some people may experience a burning or tingling sensation in the affected area before the canker sore becomes visible.
How long do canker sores last?
A canker sore on the tongue usually goes away on its own within 7 to 10 days without leaving a scar. However, sores larger than 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter may take longer to heal.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, canker sores typically go away on their own within 1 to 2 weeks, and people should see a doctor if the sores frequently recur or are severe enough to make eating or drinking difficult.
Canker sore treatment
Treatment for a canker sore on the tongue can help relieve symptoms and speed up healing. Treatment may include:
1. Home remedies
Rinsing your mouth with a solution of water and baking soda or using an alcohol-free mouthwash may help reduce irritation and discomfort from a canker sore on the tongue.
Applying an ice cube or cold compress directly to the sore can temporarily numb the area and make eating more comfortable.
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day may also help reduce irritation and pain.
Other natural remedies that may help a canker sore heal include applying tea tree oil directly to the sore, keeping a clove in the mouth, or taking 1 tablespoon of honey with propolis extract daily.
2. Medications
A doctor or dentist may prescribe triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% dental paste to help reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with inflammatory or ulcerative lesions in the mouth.
Over-the-counter oral products containing benzocaine can also be used for temporary relief of pain associated with canker sores.
In rare cases of severe or recurrent canker sores that do not respond to topical treatment, a doctor may consider systemic medications such as colchicine, dapsone, or thalidomide. These medications are used off-label for canker sores and require close medical supervision because they can cause serious side effects.
Possible causes
The most common causes and triggers of mouth sores include:
- Biting the tongue
- Eating acidic foods, such as kiwi, pineapple, or lemon
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Viral infections, especially herpes simplex or herpes zoster
- Food allergies
- Hormonal changes
- Smoking
- Stress
- Autoimmune diseases
A weakened immune system can also make mouth sores more likely to develop. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, people with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk for oral health problems, including canker sores, because HIV weakens the immune system.
