Tongue Problems: Types, Symptoms and Treatment | GetWellGo
Explore types, symptoms, and treatments for tongue problems with GetWellGo. Trusted international care to help you regain oral health and confidence today.
A tongue disorder may be due to an infection, nutritional shortage, allergic reaction, a general medical condition or trauma. Common indications of tongue problems and what they could mean are as follows:
Signs that you may have a common tongue problem
Pain or burning: Pain, burning or a tingling feeling on the tongue
Swelling: Inflammation or swelling in the tongue
Discoloration: White, red or black changes in the skin
Spots or sores: You may have ulcers, bumps or blisters.
Dryness: Tongue feels thirsty or is sticky.
Coating on Tongue: Deposits on the tongue may be white, yellow or brown in color.
Numbing or tingling: Someone experiences a loss of normal sensation or tingles.
Difficulty moving the tongue: Stiffness or reduced motion.
Cracks or fissures: When you have deep cuts or grooves on your tongue.
Enlarged papillae: Outwardly raised bumps found on the surface of the tongue
Tongue Pain Treatment
Choosing a treatment for tongue pain depends on the main problem. The following is a guide explaining typical problems and what to do for tongue pain.
Reasons for Tongue Pain and How to Treat Them
Aphthous ulcers are known as canker sores
Soar-like sores that are white or yellow
Use a salt water rinse, try over-the-counter gels (like benzocaine) and limit your intake of cooked spicy or acidic foods.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
An uncomfortable feeling, dry saliva and different taste
Use alpha-lipoic acid, clonazepam, saliva substitutes and manage your stress or anxiety.
Trauma
A sore place on the body or a cut
Use salt water to clean the wound, avoid citrus and chili, stick to soft foods and you should be better in a few days.
Fungal infection (oral thrush)
White levels on the skin, soreness and red tongue
Wash products (such as Lamisil, ketoconazole) and oral hygiene
Nutritional deficiencies (B12, iron and folate)
A tongue that is sore, inflamed and has no bumpy parts
Foods containing B12, iron and lots of leafy greens, eggs and meat should be part of your diet.
Allergic reactions
A tongue that is swollen, red and itches
Avoid dust allergies, take antihistamines and head to an emergency if breathing issues occur
Geographic tongue
Dark, red spots outlined with white, along with unease
Usually, there isn’t any treatment necessary, though corticosteroids may be needed for itching or pain.
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Feeling a bit of pain, dry mouth and bad breath
Stay hydrated, use products that help increase saliva production, avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol and chew on sugar-free gum.
Oral cancer
Repeated pain, growing lumps and ulcers that do not get better
It is very important to find tumors early, biopsy, surgically remove them and perform chemo/radiation where necessary.
Swollen Tongue Causes
Anything from feeling mildly irritated to having a deadly allergic response can cause a swollen tongue (also known as glossitis or macroglossia).
The Causes of a Swollen Tongue:
Allergic Reactions: Swelling, shortness of breath, the appearance of hives and low blood pressure are all signs of anaphylaxis and should be treated urgently by a doctor
Angioedema: Swelling under the skin is known as angioedema and can commonly develop allergies or the use of ACE inhibitors.
Infections: Symptoms of (bacterial, viral, fungal) infections include redness, swelling, pus or fever—for instance, oral thrush, herpes or a bacterial infection
Trauma: Problems like biting your tongue or eating spicy foods, hot foods or using mouth appliances can create irritation.
Nutritional deficiencies: If you have a smooth, swollen, sore tongue, it may be due to a lack of vitamin B12, iron or folate in your diet
Hypothyroidism: If someone has hypothyroidism, it can lead to a larger tongue, tiredness, extra weight and dry skin beneath the skin.
Amyloidosis: May lead to persisting tongue inflammation because of excess protein deposits.
Down syndrome: A larger tongue appearance
Cancer of the tongue/mouth: An area that is swollen, firm, on one side and may have ulcers or bleeding
Hereditary Angioedema: In people with this condition, swelling may happen many times after stress, injury or infection
Burning Tongue Syndrome
Burning Tongue Syndrome, also known as Burning Mouth Syndrome involves a lasting burning or tingling feeling in the tongue or mouth with no noticeable reason.
Signs and Symptoms of Burning Tongue Syndrome
Burning or scalding discomfort on the tongue, lips, gums or the roof of your mouth
Dry mouth or unusual taste (like it’s metallic or bitter)
Feeling pins and needles
Grows worse as the day goes on
The mouth shows no lesions or signs, making diagnosis more complicated.
Reasons Why BMS Problems Occur
There are a total of two types:
Primary (Idiopathic, without a known cause)
No medical or dental condition can be easily found
Can be linked to problems affecting the nervous system (neuropathic pain)
Secondary BMS
Often people associate it with:
Nutritional deficiencies
Hormonal changes
A dry mouth is also known as xerostomia.
Allergies/irritants
Reflux is also known as oral candidiasis.
Anxiety/depression
Medications
Tongue Infection Treatment
How you treat a tongue infection depends on whether it is bacterial, viral or fungal. This section lists the common tongue infections and explains their usual treatments.
Tongue infection types and their treatments:
Fungl (Oral thrush/Candidiasis)
If you get oral thrush, nystatin mouth rinse can help and for more severe thrush, fluconazole by mouth is needed; remember good oral hygiene.
Bacterial Infection (e.g., due to injury or poor hygiene)
Amoxicillin and Metronidazole (as your doctor has given them to you) along with salt water rinses.
Viral Infection (Herpes Simplex)
Administration of Acyclovir or Valacyclovir, followed by pain relief with gel; lidocaine.
Geographic Tongue (Non-infectious but causes inflammation)
Generally, no medication is necessary; use a topical corticosteroid if the area hurts.
Glossitis (Inflamed Tongue) from deficiency/infection
If B12, iron or folate is lacking, use supplements.
Tongue Discoloration
Tongue discoloration is sometime harmless, but it may also point to some health concern. Sometimes, the color of your tongue reveals things about your general health.
Types of Tongue Discoloration & What They May Mean
White: Patchy or coated; may scrape off (thrush) or stay fixed (leukoplakia)
Oral thrush (Candida)
Leukoplakia
Lichen planus
Dehydration or dry mouth
Red / Strawberry tongue: May be smooth, swollen, or patchy
Vitamin B12 or iron deficiency
Kawasaki disease (in kids)
Scarlet fever
Geographic tongue
Yellow: Often a precursor to black hairy tongue
Bacterial overgrowth
Poor oral hygiene
Smoking
Dry mouth
Black or Brown: Hair-like projections trap pigments and bacteria
Black hairy tongue (harmless)
Smoking
Antibiotic use
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth) use
Blue or Purple: May need urgent evaluation if linked to oxygen deficiency
Poor circulation
Cyanosis
Blood vessel disorder
Green: Needs medical evaluation
Rare, usually fungal or bacterial overgrowth
Pale: Indicates lack of red blood cells or nutrients
Anemia
Nutritional deficiency
Tongue Cancer Symptoms
Cancer in the tongue can form on the front part, called the oral tongue or on the base which is in the oropharynx. Because early symptoms can be mild, catching the disease as soon as possible is important.
Common Symptoms of Tongue Cancer:
Persistent sore or ulcer
Lump or thickening
Pain
Red or white patches
Bleeding
Numbness
Difficulty swallowing or chewing
Sore throat or hoarseness
Swelling in the mouth or neck
Ear pain
Speech Difficulties
Numbness in Tongue
Numbness in the tongue—also known as tongue paresthesia—may give the tongue a tingling sensation, reduce feeling a bit or cause a pins-and-needles sensation. Sometimes the changes happen only on one side or on both, while others may set in and last a long time or clear up after a while.
Common Causes of Tongue Numbness:
Nerve damage or compression
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Stroke or TIA (mini-stroke)
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Allergic Reaction
Migraines with aura
Oral infections or inflammation
Tumors or cysts
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Anxiety or panic attacks
Reflux or GERD
How to treat tongue sores?
Many tongue sores are irritating and uncomfortable, but most can be cured easily at home unless they result from something else. Depending on what is causing them, treat them in these ways:
Common Types of Tongue Sores & Treatments:
Canker Sores (Aphthous ulcers)
Saltwater rinse
Topical gels (e.g. benzocaine, Orajel)
Avoid spicy/acidic foods
B12 or folate if deficient
Injury/Irritation
Saltwater or baking soda rinse
Ice chips for pain
Avoid further irritation
Oral Thrush (Fungal infection)
Antifungal meds (nystatin, fluconazole)
Good oral hygiene
Herpes Simplex (Cold sores on tongue)
Antiviral meds (acyclovir, valacyclovir)
Ice or numbing gel
Nutritional Deficiencies
Supplement B12, iron, folate
Balanced diet
Allergic reactions or sensitivity
Identify and avoid the irritant
Antihistamines if needed
Lichen Planus or Autoimmune
Corticosteroid mouth rinse
Regular monitoring by a dentist or doctor
Why Choose GetWellGo for Tongue Problems?
GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.
We offer:
Complete transparency
Fair costs.
24 hour availability.
Medical E-visas
Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for tongue problems.
Expert dentists/ENT Specialist/Oral Surgeon with a strong track record of success
Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
Hyperhidrosis Treatment in India for International Patients offers Botox, miraDry, iontophoresis, and ETS surgery by expert dermatologists. 90%+ success rates, visa support, English care at 70% lower costs attract global patients seeking sweat-free confid
Explore the top 10 Botox doctors in India for international patients with GetWellGo. Find experienced cosmetic experts, safe procedures, and budget-friendly care.
GetWellGo helps patients save on suture removal abroad with top doctors, safe care, and seamless medical tourism experiences for faster, stress-free healing.
From advanced treatments to expert surgeons, India leads in hair regrowth solutions. Affordable care and modern techniques help patients regain confidence after hair loss.
India provides safe and low-cost leprosy treatment with advanced facilities, expert dermatologists, and effective care plans, making it accessible for patients seeking quality outcomes.
Atopic dermatitis in adults can cause dryness, itching, and inflammation. This guide explains the causes, symptoms, and treatments to manage and control flare-ups effectively.
Learn about skin cancer in children and teens, including common symptoms, major causes, risk factors, and when to consult a doctor for early care and treatment.
GetWellGo helps patients access radical prostatectomy surgery in Delhi, India with experienced doctors, advanced care, and personalized medical support.
.png)
