Article Summary
- Tongue soreness on the sides is common and often caused by irritation or minor injury
- Causes include biting, canker sores, infections, dental appliances, and allergies
- Some conditions, like oral lichen planus or burning mouth syndrome, may also be involved
- Persistent sores, lumps, or pain lasting over two weeks may signal serious issues
- Good oral hygiene helps prevent soreness and related problems
- Seek dental care if symptoms worsen or do not improve
Tongue Soreness on the Sides: Potential Oral-Health Related Causes
Good oral health is essential for everyone’s overall well-being, influencing physical health, confidence, and quality of life. A sore tongue is very common for Americans, with most people experiencing it at some point. Tongue soreness on the sides of the tongue can cause recurring pain. Most tongue problems aren’t serious. But sometimes, changes in your tongue signal a more serious condition, requiring the attention of a doctor or dentist.
What Can Cause a Sore Tongue
Tongue soreness on the sides of the tongue can be frustrating and painful. Common causes of tongue soreness include:
- Accidental tongue biting or trauma. You might accidentally bite your tongue while chewing or talking, or injure it with the sharp edges of teeth, broken fillings, dental appliances, or braces. The injured area can swell, forming a sore that stings when drinking or eating.
- Canker sores. Canker sores are small, round lesions that can appear on the sides, tip, or underside of the tongue. They may develop due to stress, hormonal changes, or some acidic foods. These sores can cause a burning or stinging sensation.
- Tongue infection. Fungal infections like oral thrush create white patches and tenderness along the tongue surface. Bacterial infections might lead to pus, swelling, and a bad taste in the mouth.
- Irritation from dental appliances. Dental appliances can constantly rub against your tongue, causing soreness.
- Burning mouth syndrome (BMS). This can cause continuous burning or tenderness in the tongue and other areas of the mouth.
- Oral Lichen Planus. This is an inflammatory condition that affects the lining of the mouth and sometimes the tongue.
- Allergic reactions or irritants. Sometimes, certain foods or ingredients can trigger allergic reactions or irritations, causing soreness on the sides of the tongue.
- Oral cancer. Persistent sores or lumps on the sides of the tongue that don’t heal after two weeks could indicate a serious condition, such as oral cancer.
When to be Concerned About Pain and Tongue Soreness on the Sides of the Tongue
You should be concerned about tongue pain if the pain isn’t going away, sores or lesions don’t heal or go away after two weeks, there are recurring sores on the side of the tongue, a sore or red patch bleeds easily or frequently, you have itchy white patches or lines inside the mouth or on the tongue, there are unexplained lumps, bumps, or growths, you have sores that come with other symptoms such as a bad odor, fever, or a rash somewhere in the mouth or on the body, or have pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing. In these cases, it is wise to see a doctor or dentist quickly.
Good Oral Health Habits
To avoid tongue soreness on the sides of the mouth and other problems, it is wise to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, drink plenty of water, avoid tobacco use, and see your dentist at least twice a year.
Seek Professional Dental Care
Contact Old Mt. Pleasant Dentistry, located right off Ben Sawyer Blvd., in Mt. Pleasant, SC, for dental care you can trust. We use practical treatment plans, using the most advanced technology. We offer caring routine dental care and procedures, including extractions and root canals. To us, the patient is the most important person in the office.