Tongue problems include pain, swelling, or a change in how the tongue looks, white lining, a split, covered appearance, or positioning off to one side. Changes in appearance of the tongue may be a sign of a primary tongue disorder or may be a symptom of other disorders.

Possible causes of tongue problems/pain include:

• A viral ulcer or "canker sore" commonly appears on the tongue for no apparent reason.
  
• Injury (biting the tongue) can cause painful sores.
  
• An allergic reaction to food or medication.
  
• Smoking will irritate the tongue and make it painful.
  
• Oral sex or antibiotic side effects (such as thrush).
  
• A "hairy" appearing tongue (hairy leukoplakia) is a complication of AIDS.
  
• Poor oral hygiene
  
• Strong chemical toothpaste/mouthwash.
  
• Very hot drinks/foods
  
• Anemia
  
• Cancer
  
• Dentures that irritate the tongue
  
• Oral herpes (ulcers)
  
• Neuralgia
  
• Referred pain from teeth and gums
  
• Referred pain from the heart

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the tongue problem.

• Ankyloglossia may not require treatment unless you have speech or swallowing difficulties. Surgery to release the tongue can relieve the problem.
  
• Medicine may be prescribed for mouth ulcers, leukoplakia, oral cancer, and other mouth sores.
  
• Anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed for glossititis and geographic tongue.
  
• Glossitis and geographic tongue are treated by treating the cause of irritation or inflammation.

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