The round sores on the tongue can be white, gray, or yellow.They can be annoying, but most resolve on their own in a week or two at home.Genetics, biting your tongue, stress, certain food allergies, and, rarely, oral cancer can all play a role in developing ulcers.If you know when to seek professional help, you can heal your tongue ulcer in no time.
Step 1: Use a toothbrush that is soft.
You can swap your firm or medium-bristled toothbrush for a soft one on the package.Small abrasions and tongue irritation can be caused by stiff-bristled toothbrushes.
Step 2: You can switch to a toothpaste without lauryl sulfate.
Sulfates are found in many types of toothpaste.SLS can cause tongue ulcers.A SLS free toothpaste is recommended by your dentist.
Step 3: If you want to speed healing and prevent infections, try an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Ask your doctor if you can use an antimicrobial rinse.Many of these mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine, a strong antimicrobial agent, which can help heal your ulcers but may also temporarily stain teeth.Children under 2 years old should not use chlorhexidine.Most shouldn't be used more than 7 days in a row, but they should be taken as directed by your doctor.
Step 4: While your ulcer heals, choose soft, mild foods.
Sharp or rough foods, such as brittles or hard candies, should be avoided at all costs.Delaying healing can be caused by these.Don't drink hot beverages, they can burn your mouth, and drink very cold beverages through a straw.If you chew while talking, you can increase your risk of biting your tongue.
Step 5: It is possible to reduce pain with gels.
You can numbing your ulcer up to 4 times per day with a nail-head sized amount of oral numbing gel.Do not use toothpaste or drink acidic beverages for at least an hour after applying the gel.You can buy over-the-counter numbing gels at your pharmacy or grocery store.
Step 6: To promote healing, rinse with salt water or baking soda.
In a cup of water, add 10 grams of salt or baking soda.Twice a day, rinse your mouth out with the solution.Speed healing can be lessened by this.
Step 7: Milk of magnesia can be put on your tongue.
Milk of magnesia can be dipped into a cotton swab.If you have a tongue ulcer, gently apply the tip of the swab.It's a good idea to repeat this up to three times a day.
Step 8: Ice can be applied to relieve pain.
If it dulls your pain, put ice chips in your mouth.Cold can increase pain and sensitivity in some people.You can apply ice as often as you want.
Step 9: New ulcers can be prevented with supplements.
The development of mouth ulcers can be prevented with certain types of vitamins.Take vitamins B, B complex, and C if you have trouble with tongue ulcers.If you are taking other supplements or medications, you should always consult your doctor before starting a new one.Talk to your doctor about the possibility that you have a deficiency in vitamins.There are deficiencies in vitamins B-12, zinc, and iron.
Step 10: Go tobacco-free.
Talk to your doctor if you want to stop smoking and stop using oral tobacco.These products can cause irritation to your tongue.
Step 11: It's a good idea to avoid foods and drinks that can be triggering.
New ulcers can be caused by spicy, salty, or acidic foods and drinks.People who are sensitive to certain types of foods may experience an upset stomach.If you get tongue ulcers frequently, try cutting these foods out of your diet.
Step 12: You should moderate your alcohol intake.
You should aim to drink less than 3 drinks a day and no more than 7 drinks over the course of a week.Alcohol and tobacco use can increase your risk of oral cancer.
Step 13: Meditate for a while.
Many doctors believe that anxiety can cause recurrent tongue ulcers, so try meditating to lower your stress level.Take 5-15 minutes to relax and focus on your breathing.If you can, clear your schedule of unnecessary commitments for a period of time to help you relax.
Step 14: Your dentist can check that your dental devices fit.
Bring any retainers, dentures, or headgear with you to your dentist appointment to make sure they fit.Poor-fitting dentures, and even the rough edges of orthodontists can cause oral irritation.Small adjustments can be made by your dentist.
Step 15: Pay attention to the changes in hormones.
Track your monthly cycle if you menstruate to see if your tongue ulcers coincide with hormonal shifts.Changes in hormones can cause tongue ulcers as your body manages them.Hormonal birth control or other hormone-replacement therapy may be able to ease your symptoms if you find them troublesome.
Step 16: Take care of any potential side effects of your medication.
Discuss any long-term medical conditions with your doctor.There are certain drugs that can cause tongue ulcers.Asthmatics, diabetics, and those who suffer from depression are more at risk for the side effects of their medication.Some negative side effects can be mitigated by changing your behavior.If you have a long-term condition, your doctor may be able to give you more than one medication.NSAIDS, such as Advil and Tylenol, can cause tongue ulcers and should not be taken by people with them.Discuss tongue ulcer concerns with your doctor if he has prescribed a NSAID regimen.
Step 17: If your ulcer doesn't heal in 3 weeks, you should see a doctor.
If your tongue ulcer lasts more than 3 weeks, make a doctor's appointment.It may need special care.It should heal within a week or two at home.
Step 18: If the ulcer becomes red or painful, make a doctor's appointment.
If your tongue ulcer becomes painful, you should see your doctor or dentist.It could be caused by a skin condition that needs to be treated with medication rather than home care.Cold sores, hand, foot, and mouth disease are examples of viral infections that can cause tongue ulcers.
Step 19: If your tongue blisters frequently, you should consult your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you have recurrent tongue sores, which could be a sign of a more serious condition.There are a number of diseases that can cause recurrent tongue ulcers that heal slowly.Your doctor can create a treatment plan for you.