The appearance of sores on the tongue may be associated with the development of pathogenic microflora of the oral mucosa and the formation of various diseases in the body. Very often, such phenomena are observed in young children: because of their natural curiosity and desire to taste, they drag everything in their mouths into their mouths. As a result, they often develop stomatitis. However, sometimes similar diseases occur in adults.
The appearance of ulcers and white sores in the tongue does not pose a particular threat to life, however, it can cause significant discomfort. Usually, such manifestations bring pain, interfere in everyday life and make eating difficult.
Reasons for the appearance
Ulcers and pimples that appear on the tongue and gums are an inflammation accompanied by itching and pain. In the photos presented in various medical sources, sores on the tongue are usually depicted as:
- watery or purulent pimples and blisters;
- rashes in the form of small bubbles;
- sores and erosion;
- protruding seals.
Very often, such manifestations are accompanied by a white coating, redness of the affected segment and bad breath. A variety of diseases or mechanical damage to the mucous membrane can cause the appearance of such symptoms.
It is almost impossible to independently make an accurate diagnosis with such manifestations. Therefore, to determine the exact cause of the appearance of sores and methods of their treatment, you must consult a doctor. It is possible that after the examination, the doctor will prescribe a series of laboratory and instrumental examinations
Etiology of appearance
The appearance of sores in the tongue can be associated with a wide range of positing factors that are divided into pathological (associated with any disease in the body) and physiological (not related to disease).
Most often, the formation of wounds and mouth ulcers in children and adults is a pathological process associated with the development of diseases such as:
- Aphthous stomatitis. It usually has chronic manifestations in the form of aphthae, periodically appearing in the tongue. Sores pop up singly or immediately in multiple clusters, while the wounds have a pronounced inflamed border. Very painful and unpleasant when chewing and talking. Typically, such sores disappear within a week, but the healing process depends on the nature of the course of the disease. Often aphthae leave behind scars.
- Herpetic stomatitis. For this form of inflammatory disease, rashes of a large number of small vesicles filled with liquid are characteristic. Bubbles burst and turn into painful sores. Unlike aft, such sores do not have clear contours. Usually, a white or grayish coating appears in the center of the sore. Pass without a trace during the week.
- Candidiasis and simple stomatitis. The clinical manifestations of this type of stomatitis are small single or multiple sores. With a simple form, ulcers usually appear in the center, and have a yellowish coating, with candida - white sores appear on the tongue, resembling cottage cheese. Occur in any area of the organ.
- Allergic stomatitis. Here, the manifestations of the immunopathological reactions of the body are manifested in the form of hyperemia, bleeding, the formation of painful sores, burning in the mouth and other symptoms.
- Periadenitis With recurrent necrotic manifestations of this disease, the cheeks and lips are affected, sores appear on the side of the tongue. How to treat this disease can only be suggested by a qualified specialist, since the recovery process can be quite long and complicated. Before the appearance of the sore, the mucous layer becomes denser and turns into dense sores with raised edges. Inside this formation is an infiltrate consisting of lymph, blood and cell clusters.
- Tuberculosis. Pathogenic microflora from the lungs easily penetrate the oral cavity and can provoke lesions in the tongue. At the initial stages of the development of sores in the tongue, small tubercles appear, which eventually transform into ulcers. In this erosion have a loose structure with a fuzzy contour. Usually they are localized on top of the tongue.
- Syphilis. If pale treponema enters the oral cavity, a hard chancre appears, mainly affecting the back of the lingual surface, and sometimes the tip or side areas. Ulcers are dense, but do not bring pain. Scars remain after them.
- Gingivostomatitis. Infectious disease affecting the oral cavity. It is characterized by swelling and the formation of ulcers in the tongue and gums. Appears due to infectious and viral diseases. It occurs in children from four years of age and in adults.
- Malignant lesions of the tongue. It occurs in both men and women who abuse tobacco and alcohol. Often, this process can provoke herpes, papilloma and trauma to the tongue. Clinical manifestations of malignant neoplasms are divided into types such as: papillary - sores appear on the mucous membrane of the lingual surface; ulcerative - bleeding ulcers with an uneven border appear; infiltrative - characterized by the painful appearance of a dense tuberous infiltrate. Usually, malignant neoplasms are localized on the sides of the tongue.
- Immunodeficiency conditions. In this case, the pathological process negatively affects the condition of the entire oral cavity, including the tongue.
- Aphthosis Setton. An inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa, most often chronic and constantly recurring, with a long course and constantly occurring exacerbations.
- Viral and bacterial infections.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Avitaminosis.
Sores on the tongue may appear due to mechanical and chemical injuries. They can occur due to accidental biting of the tongue, its damage with orthopedic appliances, or the use of a hard toothbrush. Smoking, hot, spicy or sour foods can also cause inflammation in the oral cavity.
Classification, reasons, photo
Sores on the tongue are usually divided into trophic or necrotic ulcers. The first option affects only the upper layers of the epithelium and at the same time has mild and easily eliminated symptoms. Necrotic conditions are characterized by a deeper lesion of the tongue and pronounced unpleasant symptoms. However, they require longer treatment.
Similar formations can be localized at the root or tip of the tongue. They can be present from one or immediately from two sides of the tongue, and can be located in the center.
Sores under the tongue or on its external surfaces can be single or multiple (in this case, they can merge and form one large spot).
How to treat?
For the effective treatment of inflammatory processes in the language, it is necessary to find out the cause of their formation. It is from the identified factors that the methods of treatment of such neoplasms will depend.
How to treat sores in the tongue that appear due to the development of stomatitis, a pediatric dentist or pediatrician will tell. With herpetic symptoms, drugs that affect the herpes virus are usually prescribed. In this case, “Acyclovir” helps a lot. With candidal stomatitis, antimycotic drugs are recommended. Aphthous forms involve the use of corticosteroids and sulfonamides. The use of vitamin C is recommended as general therapy.
Manifestations of necrotic gingivostomatitis are eliminated with the help of antibacterial and antiallergic drugs. In this case, it is recommended to use drugs that improve the functioning of the heart and strengthen blood vessels. An important aspect in the treatment of such symptoms is the observance of a special restoring high-calorie diet.
Traumatic lesions of the tongue, accompanied by the appearance of sores under the tongue, on top or on the sides, usually go away on their own. In rare cases, when the wounds do not heal for a long time, use local methods of exposure.
If the appeared neoplasms in the tongue are a consequence of such serious diseases as tuberculosis, syphilis or are related to the manifestations of some immunodeficiency syndromes, then treatment should occur in specialized institutions.
Topical treatment used in all cases
Regardless of the reasons why a sore popped up in the tongue, the use of local drugs will help relieve inflammation and pain.
When ulcers and blisters form, the oral cavity must be treated with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs. In combination with them, vitamin and mineral complexes are usually recommended, which have a restoring effect and strengthen the body's immune system. In case of pain, topical preparations are prescribed to relieve pain, itching and burning.
If there are sores in the oral cavity, it is recommended to use:
- antiseptic agents (brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine);
- local painkillers (e.g. gel lidocaine);
- therapeutic agents (for example, Descamethasone, Holisal).
As an additional therapy, various traditional medicine techniques are used.
Treatment with folk methods
In the treatment of sores on the tongue and gums, people commonly use decoctions and infusions of herbs that have antiseptic and healing effects.
Typically, with ulcers in the tongue, the following agents are used:
- calendula infusion;
- collection of calendula and marigold inflorescences;
- pharmacy chamomile;
- oak bark;
- picking sage;
- thyme;
- St. John's wort
To prepare a rinse, you need one teaspoon of chopped herbs and inflorescences to brew boiling water in one glass and insist for 15-20 minutes.
Before preparing the infusion, oak bark must be boiled for 15-20 minutes in a water bath. The prepared infusion should rinse your mouth during the day at least 5-6 times.
Similar recipes of traditional medicine can be used as an adjunct to drug treatment. They can be used for traumatic or uncomplicated nature of tissue damage to the tongue. However, you should be wary if:
- sores began to appear on other parts of the body;
- temperature rises;
- headaches appeared;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- the color of the mucous membrane of the eyes has changed;
- the sore itself has increased in size;
- periodically there are new ulcers or rashes in the oral cavity.
Such signs are manifestations of systemic diseases and require other treatment. Self-treatment can be harmful to health, so you need to contact a qualified specialist.
Baking soda in home treatment
If a sore or sore is found in the mouth, the first impulse is usually the desire to rinse the mouth with an antiseptic. Doctors recommend the same thing. However, if an antiseptic was not at hand, an ideal home remedy can be a solution of baking soda, prepared from 1 teaspoon dissolved in 1 cup of cool boiled water. Many people recommend making a paste of soda and water and apply to the sores that appear in the oral cavity.
Very often, instead of soda, patients use ordinary table salt with a few drops of iodine. The tool is quite effective, but it can cause burning and pain in the mouth.
Essential oils
Essential oils of some plants also have good healing properties, therefore, in the treatment of tongue sores, grape seed, tangerine, peppermint, dill, etc. oils are often used. These products can be purchased at the pharmacy.
To prepare a therapeutic agent, add 2-3 drops of each of them to a glass of warm, boiled water and rinse your mouth several times a day. Sometimes these oils are added to 50 grams of vodka and wipe the affected areas in the mouth.
Of course, before using any folk remedy, you need to consult a doctor, since not all natural components can be beneficial. So, for example, myrrh oil, which helps many people get rid of various sores on the tongue and body, is absolutely contraindicated for pregnant women. And bee products, which are considered an ideal remedy for many ailments, can provoke serious allergic reactions.
With tonsillitis, tonsillitis and colds
Very often, the cause of sores in the tongue are colds and tonsillitis. This is due to a decrease in immunity. Typically, lesions develop closer to the root of the tongue. In this case, doctors recommend preparations made on the basis of pyramidone (with severe pain syndrome), and rinsing the mouth with decoctions of medicinal herbs.
Sores that appear with tonsillitis in the mouth most often occur with purulent tonsillitis. If timely treatment is not available, then the sores spread throughout the oral cavity, including the tongue. Antiseptic agents are considered effective in this case.
We must not forget about following a certain diet. If any sores appear on the tongue (on the tip, on the sides, or in the basal area), it is not recommended to eat coarse, spicy or sour food.
Prevention of tongue diseases
The main preventive measures that prevent the development of sores in the mouth are:
- adherence to oral hygiene;
- timely treatment of dental diseases;
- giving up bad habits (smoking and drinking alcohol);
- balanced diet;
- maintaining immunity;
- annual examination on a fluorograph.
It must be remembered that if a white sore popped up in the tongue, then the reasons can be very different. Therefore, to exclude the development of undesirable processes in the body, you should consult a doctor and, if necessary, go the recommended examination. Only treatment prescribed by a professional will help to overcome unpleasant symptoms and enjoy life again.