Ulcers on the tongue are painful and can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult. They are caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Trauma from biting or burning the tongue
- Infection from bacteria or viruses
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or Crohn’s disease
- Medications, such as chemotherapy or antibiotics
Most tongue ulcers are not serious and will heal on their own within a few days or weeks. However, some ulcers can be more persistent and may require treatment.
10 Effective Strategies to Cure Tongue Ulcers
There are a number of things you can do to help cure a tongue ulcer faster:
- Keep the ulcer clean. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to help remove bacteria and debris.
- Apply a cold compress. Hold a cold compress or ice pack to the ulcer for 10-15 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and inflammation.
- Use a topical anesthetic. A topical anesthetic, such as benzocaine or lidocaine, can help numb the pain of the ulcer.
- Gargle with a mouthwash. A mouthwash that contains an antiseptic, such as chlorhexidine, can help kill bacteria and promote healing.
- See a dentist. If your ulcer is severe or does not heal within a few weeks, see a dentist. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help treat the ulcer.
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods. Spicy or acidic foods can irritate the ulcer and make it more painful.
- Eat soft foods. Soft foods are easier to eat and will not irritate the ulcer.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is important for overall health and can also help promote healing of the ulcer.
- Get enough rest. Getting enough rest can help your body heal faster.
7 Tips and Tricks to Prevent Tongue Ulcers
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent tongue ulcers:
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums.
- Avoid biting or burning your tongue. Be careful when eating and drinking, and avoid chewing on pencils or other objects that could damage your tongue.
- See your dentist regularly. Regular dental checkups can help identify and treat any potential problems that could lead to tongue ulcers.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can irritate the mouth and increase your risk of developing tongue ulcers.
- Manage stress. Stress can contribute to tongue ulcers. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
- Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help boost your immune system and protect your mouth from infection.
- Get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep can help your body heal faster and reduce your risk of developing tongue ulcers.
Pros and Cons of Different Tongue Ulcer Treatments
There are a number of different treatments for tongue ulcers, each with its own pros and cons.
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and inflammation. However, they do not treat the underlying cause of the ulcer.
Topical anesthetics: Topical anesthetics, such as benzocaine or lidocaine, can help numb the pain of the ulcer. However, they can also be irritating to the mouth and may not be suitable for long-term use.
Mouthwash: A mouthwash that contains an antiseptic, such as chlorhexidine, can help kill bacteria and promote healing. However, it is important to use mouthwash as directed and not to swallow it.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat tongue ulcers that are caused by bacteria. However, antibiotics are not effective against ulcers that are caused by other factors, such as trauma or viral infection.
Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove a tongue ulcer that is large or does not respond to other treatments.
When to See a Doctor
Most tongue ulcers are not serious and will heal on their own within a few days or weeks. However, it is important to see a doctor if your ulcer:
- Is severe or does not heal within a few weeks
- Is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chills, or difficulty swallowing
- Is caused by a known underlying medical condition
Conclusion
Tongue ulcers are a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. Most tongue ulcers are not serious and will heal on their own within a few days or weeks. However, some ulcers can be more persistent and may require treatment. There are a number of things you can do to help cure a tongue ulcer faster, including keeping the ulcer clean, applying a cold compress, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. You can also help prevent tongue ulcers by practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding biting or burning your tongue, and managing stress. If your ulcer is severe or does not heal within a few weeks, see a doctor.
