What Causes Pain Under the Tongue and How Is It Treated?
Pain under the tongue can cause some serious discomfort during the day.
You are probably wondering how it is possible that this part of your body hurts.
But, there are many different causes for you to experience pain on the underside of the tongue.
They can be from injury, irritation, or the sign of a more serious condition.
What Causes Pain Under the Tongue?
What causes pain under the tongue?
Pain on the underside of the tongue can be caused by any number of things. Our tongue is used for talking, drinking, eating, anything our mouth does.
Any time it gets injured it feels so much worse than it actually is. Usually, pain under the tongue is not a cause for concern.
But, let’s talk about the what causes pain under the tongue.
1. Injury from a Bite
Pain under the tongue usually occurs from an injury or infection.
If you bite your tongue, you may develop a sore that can last for a day or two. This injury can cause severe pain for you.
An injury can occur from biting, braces, dentures or anything foreign in your mouth.
Also Read: How to Treat a Cracked Tongue?
2. Irritation From Food or Foreign Objects
Common orthodontic devices like dentures and braces can damage your tongue or cause irritation.
Usually, the irritation occurs just after someone gets their braces, this is part of your body getting used to them being there.
3. Canker Sore
Canker sores on the tongue is a common cause of pain under the tongue. This condition is characterized by a small, white or yellow sore.
These are different from cold sores. This condition is not caused by the herpes virus, but by other factors. In many cases the cause of the canker sore is unknown.
4. Strained Tongue
Pain under the tongue when moving it could be the result of a strained tongue. The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the body.
It is rare that you strain this muscle, but it does occasionally happen. This is due to overexertion or overuse of the muscle.
5. Glossitis, or Inflamed Tongue
Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue that is often the symptom of another issue.
Acute glossitis has a sudden onset, usually caused by an allergic reaction. Chronic glossitis is recurring and generally signals an underlying health issue.
6. Infection
Oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth that can cause pain.
This is an infection caused by a type of fungus called candida. This causes white patches to develop in the mouth and cause pain under the tongue.
Also Read: What Causes Herpes on Tongue and How to Treat it?
How to Treat Pain Under the Tongue?
So, your tongue hurts, you may be thinking about “how to treat pain under the tongue?”
To effectively treat pain under the tongue, you should be fully aware of what is causing it.
Treatment for this pain will vary depending on the person and the cause.
If you believe that the muscle pain under the tongue may be the cause of a more serious issue, or if the paid does not go away with treatment, you should consult your physician.
Below we will discuss several at home treatments for pain under the tongue.
1. Use Throat Lozenges or Sprays
Throat lozenges or sprays that contain mild analgesics can help soothe a sore tongue. You can purchase these items at any local drug store or online.
With a throat lozenge or spray make sure you take it every 2 to 3 hours or follow the instructions on the package. Be aware of ingredients to ensure that you are not allergic to anything.
2. Apply Capsaicin Cream to Soothe the Tongue
Capsaicin cream is a topical analgesic that helps reduce inflammation. You should apply this cream three times a day until the pain subsides.
This will help alleviate any muscle pain under the tongue. Prolonged use of this cream can cause permanent damage to the tongue and a loss of sensation.
3. Take Medication for Your Sore Tongue
If you experience pain under the tongue when moving it, there could be a medication to help with this. Depending on the cause of your pain, there are three common medications that can be taken.
These are — amitriptyline, amisulpride, and olanzapine. These block the action of gamma butyric acid, which causes the pain sensation on the tongue.
4. Salt
Salt is a natural antiseptic that also reduces pain and inflammation. Use 1 cup of water with 1 teaspoon of salt added and stirred into it.
This solution should be rinsed or gaggled in your mouth. Make sure you do not ingest the solution, it will not hurt you, but it does not feel good.
5. Licorice
This herb is an anti-inflammatory agent. You can make a paste with 1 teaspoon of licorice. Apply this past to the affected area of the tongue and then allow it to stand for a few minutes. You can also gaggle water too.
Pain under the tongue can cause serious discomfort in your life. You use your mouth for talking, eating and drinking. Anything that hinders those abilities should be dealt with promptly.
If you diagnose your condition and carry out an at home remedy but it is unsuccessful, it is recommended to talk with your doctor.
Usually, pain under the tongue is unrelated to a more serious condition, but it is always good to check with your physician before beginning any at home treatments.
Read Next:
Sources:
“Lichen planus,” American Academy of Dermatology; https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/lichen-planus, Last accessed Jun 15, 2018
“Mouth ulcers” https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mouth-ulcers/, Last accessed Jun 15, 2018
