The appearance of sores on the tongue may be associated with the development of pathogenic microflora of the oral mucosa and the formation of various diseases in the body. Very often, such phenomena are observed in young children: because of their natural curiosity and desire to taste, they drag everything that is within their reach into their mouths. As a result, they often develop stomatitis. However, sometimes similar diseases occur in adults.
The appearance of ulcers and white sores on the tongue do not pose a particular threat to life, but can cause significant discomfort. Typically, these manifestations bring pain, interfere with daily life and make it difficult to eat.
Reasons for appearance
Ulcers and pimples that appear on the tongue and gums are inflammation, accompanied by itching and pain. In the photos presented in various medical sources, sores on the tongue are usually depicted as:
- watery orpurulent pimples and blisters;
- rashes in the form of small bubbles;
- ulcers and erosions;
- protruding seals.
Very often, these manifestations are accompanied by white plaque, redness of the affected segment and bad breath. A variety of diseases or mechanical damage to the mucous membrane can cause the appearance of such symptoms.
It is almost impossible to make an accurate diagnosis on your own with such manifestations. Therefore, to determine the exact cause of the appearance of sores and methods of their treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor. It is possible that after the examination, the doctor will prescribe a series of laboratory and instrumental examinations
Etiology of appearance
The appearance of sores on the tongue can be associated with a wide range of predisposing factors, which are divided into pathological (associated with any disease in the body) and physiological (not associated with diseases).
Most often, the formation of wounds and ulcers in the mouth in children and adults is a pathological process associated with the development of diseases such as:
- Aphthous stomatitis. Usually has chronic manifestations in the form of aphthae, periodically appearing on the tongue. Sores pop up singly or immediately in multiple clusters, while the wounds have a pronounced inflamed edging. Very painful and cause discomfort when chewing and talking. Usually such sores disappear within a week, but the healing process depends on the naturethe course of the disease. Aphthae often leave scars behind.
- Herpetic stomatitis. This form of inflammatory disease is characterized by rashes of a large number of small vesicles filled with liquid. The bubbles burst and turn into painful sores. Unlike aft, such sores do not have clear contours. Usually, a white or grayish coating appears in the center of the sore. Pass without a trace within a week.
- Candidiasis and simple stomatitis. Clinical manifestations of this type of stomatitis are small single or multiple sores. With a simple form, ulcers usually appear in the center, and have a yellowish coating, with candida, white sores appear on the tongue, resembling cottage cheese. Occur in any area of the body.
- Allergic stomatitis. Here, the manifestations of immunopathological reactions of the body are manifested in the form of hyperemia, bleeding, the formation of painful sores, burning in the mouth and other symptoms.
- Periadenitis. With recurrent necrotic manifestations of this disease, the cheeks and lips are affected, sores appear on the tongue on the side. Only a qualified specialist can tell how to treat this disease, since the recovery process can be quite lengthy and complicated. Before the appearance of a sore, the mucous layer thickens and turns into dense sores with raised edges. Inside such a formation is an infiltrate consisting of lymph, blood and cell accumulations.
- Tuberculosis. Pathogenic microflora from the lungs easily penetrate the oral cavity and can provoke lesions.in the language. At the initial stages of the development of sores, small tubercles appear on the tongue, which eventually transform into ulcers. At the same time, erosions have a loose structure with a fuzzy contour. They are usually located on top of the tongue.
- Syphilis. If pale treponema enters the oral cavity, a hard chancre appears, mainly affecting the back of the lingual surface, and sometimes the tip or lateral areas. Ulcers are dense, but do not bring pain. After them, scars remain.
- Gingivostomatitis. An infectious disease that affects the oral cavity. It is characterized by swelling and ulceration of the tongue and gums. Appears due to infectious and viral diseases. Occurs in children from four years and adults.
- Malignant lesions of the tongue. It occurs in both men and women who abuse tobacco and alcohol. Often this process can be provoked by herpes, papilloma and tongue injuries. Clinical manifestations of malignant neoplasms are divided into types such as: papillary - sores appear on the mucous membrane of the lingual surface; ulcerative - bleeding ulcers appear with uneven edging; infiltrative - characterized by the painful appearance of a dense tuberous infiltrate. Usually, malignant neoplasms are localized on the sides of the tongue.
- Immunodeficiency states. In this case, the pathological process negatively affects the condition of the entire oral cavity, including the tongue.
- Setton's Aphthosis. Inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa, most often chronic and permanentrecurrent, with a long course and constantly occurring exacerbations.
- Viral and bacterial infections.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Avitaminosis.
Sores on the tongue may appear due to mechanical and chemical injuries. They can occur due to accidental biting of the tongue, damage to it by orthopedic appliances, or the use of a hard toothbrush. Smoking, hot, spicy or acidic foods can also cause inflammation in the mouth.
Classification, reasons, photo
Sores on the tongue are usually divided into trophic or necrotic ulcers. The first option affects only the upper layers of the epithelium and at the same time has mild and easily eliminated symptoms. Necrotic conditions are characterized by a deeper lesion of the tongue and pronounced unpleasant symptoms. However, they require longer treatment.
Such formations can be localized at the root or tip of the tongue. They can be present on one or both sides of the tongue at once, or they can be located in the center.
Sores under the tongue or on its outer surfaces can be single or multiple (in this case, they can merge and form one large spot).
How to treat?
For effective treatment of inflammatory processes in the tongue, it is necessary to find out the cause of their formation. The methods of treatment of such neoplasms will depend on the identified factors.
How to treat sores on the tongue that have appeared due to the development of stomatitis, a pediatric dentist or pediatrician will tell you. With herpetic symptoms, drugs that act on the herpes virus are usually prescribed. In this case, Acyclovir helps a lot. With candidal stomatitis, antimycotic drugs are recommended. Aphthous forms involve the use of corticosteroids and sulfonamides. Vitamin C is recommended as a general therapy.
Manifestations of necrotizing gingivostomatitis are eliminated with the help of antibacterial and antiallergic drugs. In this case, it is recommended to use funds that improve the functioning of the heart and strengthen blood vessels. An important aspect in the treatment of such symptoms is the observance of a special restorative high-calorie diet.
Traumatic injuries of the tongue, accompanied by the appearance of sores under the tongue, on top or on the sides, usually go away on their own. In rare cases, when the wounds do not heal for a long time, local methods of exposure are used.
If neoplasms that appear on the tongue are the result of such serious diseases as tuberculosis, syphilis, or are manifestations of some immunodeficiency syndromes, then treatment should take place in specialized institutions.
Topical treatment used in all cases
Regardless of the reason why the sore popped up on the tongue, the use of topical products will help relieve inflammation and pain.
When ulcers and blisters form, the oral cavity must be treated with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs. In combination with them, vitamin-mineral complexes are usually recommended, which have a restorative effect and strengthen the body's immune system. In case of pain, topical preparations are prescribed to relieve pain, itching and burning.
When sores appear in the oral cavity, it is recommended to use:
- antiseptics (brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine);
- Topical pain relievers (e.g. lidocaine gel);
- therapeutic agents (for example, Descametasone, Cholisal).
As an additional therapy, various methods of traditional medicine are used.
Treatment with folk methods
In the treatment of sores on the tongue and gums, people widely use decoctions and infusions of herbs with antiseptic and healing effects.
Usually, for ulcers on the tongue, the following remedies are used:
- calendula infusion;
- collection of calendula and marigold inflorescences;
- chamomile;
- oak bark;
- collecting sage;
- thyme;
- St. John's wort.
To prepare a solution for rinsing, you need to brew one teaspoon of chopped herbs and inflorescences in one glass of boiling water and insist for 15-20 minutes.
Before preparing the infusion, the oak bark must be boiled for 15-20 minutes in a water bath. Rinse your mouth with the prepared infusion at least 5-6 times a day.
Similar traditional medicine recipes can be used as an adjunct to medical treatment. They can be used for traumatic or uncomplicated damage to the tissues of the tongue. However, you should be wary if:
- sores began to appear on other parts of the body;
- temperature rising;
- had headaches;
- lymph nodes increased;
- changed the color of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
- the sore itself has increased in size;
- periodically new sores or rashes appear in the mouth.
Such signs are manifestations of systemic diseases and require other treatment. Self-treatment can be harmful to he alth, so you need to contact a qualified specialist.
Baking soda in home treatment
When a sore or sore is found in the mouth, the first impulse is usually the desire to rinse the mouth with an antiseptic preparation. Doctors recommend the same. However, if an antiseptic is not at hand, a solution of baking soda, prepared from 1 teaspoon dissolved in 1 glass of cool boiled water, can be an ideal home remedy. Many people recommend making a paste of baking soda and water and applying it to mouth sores.
Very often, instead of soda, patients use ordinary table s alt with the addition of a few drops of iodine. The remedy is quite effective, but it can cause burning and pain in the mouth.
Essential oils
Essential oils of some plants also have good healing properties, so oils of grape seed, tangerine, mint, dill, etc. are often used in the treatment of sores of the tongue. These products can be purchased at a pharmacy.
To prepare a remedy for a glass of warm, boiled water, add 2-3 drops of each of them and rinse your mouth several times a day. Sometimes these oils are added to 50 grams of vodka and wipe the affected areas in the mouth.
Of course, before using any folk remedy, you need to consult a doctor, since not all natural ingredients can be beneficial. For example, myrrh oil, which helps many people get rid of various sores on the tongue and body, is absolutely contraindicated for pregnant women. And bee products, which are considered an ideal remedy for many ailments, can provoke serious allergic reactions.
For sore throats, tonsillitis and colds
Very often the cause of sores on the tongue are colds and tonsillitis. This is due to a decrease in immunity. Usually lesions develop closer to the root of the tongue. In this case, doctors recommend preparations made on the basis of pyramidone (for severe pain) and rinsing the mouth with decoctions of medicinal herbs.
Sores in the mouth appearing with tonsillitis most often occur with purulent tonsillitis. If athere is no timely treatment, then the sores spread throughout the oral cavity, including the tongue. Antiseptic agents are considered effective in this case.
We must not forget about the observance of a certain diet. If any sores appear on the tongue (at the tip, sides or basal region), it is not recommended to eat rough, spicy or sour foods.
Prevention of tongue diseases
The main preventive measures to prevent the development of sores in the mouth are:
- observance of oral hygiene;
- timely treatment of dental diseases;
- giving up bad habits (smoking and drinking alcohol);
- balanced nutrition;
- immunity maintenance;
- annual X-ray examination.
It must be remembered that if a white sore pops up on the tongue, then the reasons can be very different. Therefore, to exclude the development of undesirable processes in the body, you should consult a doctor and, if necessary, go for the recommended examination. Only the treatment prescribed by a professional will help overcome unpleasant symptoms and enjoy life again.