Sommaire de l'article+
A canker sore on the tongue is particularly bothersome because this area moves constantly when we speak, eat or swallow. This small, round ulcer with a white or yellowish center and a red border may appear on the tip of the tongue, on the sides or underneath. In most cases, it remains harmless and heals on its own within one to two weeks.
key points to remember
- A canker sore on the tongue is often very painful because the tongue is constantly moving.
- The most common locations are the tip, edges and underside of the tongue.
- The most common cause is a minor injury: biting, hard food or dental appliances.
- A canker sore on the tongue that lasts for more than three weeks should be examined by a dentist.
Why does a canker sore on the tongue hurt so much?
The tongue is one of the most mobile and highly innervated organs in the mouth. With every word, bite and swallow, it rubs against the teeth and palate, which triggers pain from even a very small lesion. This is why a canker sore measuring just a few millimeters can seem much more painful here than elsewhere.
The location also plays a role. The tip of the tongue is very rich in nerve endings, the edges are in constant contact with the teeth, and the underside of the tongue is covered with very thin, fragile mucous membrane. Each of these areas makes a canker sore more sensitive to food and speech.
It is nevertheless important to remember that a canker sore remains a benign lesion in the vast majority of cases: painful but harmless, it eventually heals on its own.
Rejoignez le club !
Obtenez des conseils personnalisés pour une meilleure hygiène dentaire
Common causes of a canker sore on the tongue
A canker sore on the tongue most often results from minor local irritation, which may sometimes go unnoticed. Identifying the cause can help prevent recurrences in the same spot.
A bite or injury
Biting your tongue while eating or speaking creates a small wound that can easily develop into a canker sore.
Irritating foods
Citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, dried fruit, Gruyère cheese or spices can trigger or worsen a canker sore.
A tooth or dental appliance
A chipped tooth, an orthodontic bracket or a rubbing denture can repeatedly irritate the tongue.
Predisposing factors
Fatigue, stress, menstruation or iron and vitamin B deficiencies can make the mucous membrane more prone to canker sores.
How can you relieve a canker sore on the tongue?
Relief starts by reducing irritation. For a few days, it is best to choose lukewarm, soft and lightly seasoned foods, and avoid anything acidic, spicy or crunchy. Drinking through a straw can also limit contact with the lesion.
A gentle mouthwash, or rinsing with lukewarm water mixed with a pinch of baking soda, helps keep the area clean and relieve pain. For oral hygiene, gentle brushing helps avoid irritating the tongue: the Y-Brush sonic toothbrush cleans both jaws in ten seconds each with soft filaments, without aggressive brushing against the mucous membranes. The Y-Brush is 2× more efficient than traditional electric toothbrushes, according to tests conducted by Y-Brush (see the clinical studies): this brushing, 2× more efficient than traditional electric brushing, helps maintain a healthy mouth while being gentle on a sensitive tongue.
Soothing gels or lozenges sold in pharmacies can form a protective film over the canker sore and reduce pain on contact. If the discomfort is significant, a pharmacist can recommend a suitable topical product.
Canker sore on the tongue: when should you see a healthcare professional?
Most tongue canker sores heal on their own. However, certain signs should raise concern: a lesion that does not heal, grows, hardens, bleeds or keeps returning in the same spot deserves professional examination, because the tongue is an area that should be monitored closely.
