Canker sores are sores that occur in the mouth, especially the tongue. Despite its small size, canker sores on the tongue trigger pain and discomfort when speaking and eating. Find out more about how to treat canker sores on the tongue.
Even though it is not life-threatening, canker sores on the tongue need to be treated immediately so that they do not cause prolonged pain and trigger discomfort in speaking and eating. Then, what causes canker sores on the tongue and how do you treat canker sores on the tongue that are effective? Here’s more information.
Table of Contents
Causes of Canker sores on the Tongue
Until now, the cause of canker sores is not known for sure. However, there are a number of triggering factors that increase a person’s risk of developing canker sores on the tongue, namely:
- Stress and anxiety.
- Malnutrition
- Mouth injuries, such as brushing the tongue roughly or biting the tongue.
- Have experienced chemical injuries, such as burns, and radiation.
Trigger factors for canker sores on the tongue can be different for each person. Therefore, doctors usually recommend that you record when canker sores appear on the tongue. In addition, you are also asked to record your stress level, diet, and use of oral products, such as mouthwash and toothpaste. This aims to determine the trigger factors for canker sores, so that they can be prevented in the future.
How to Treat Thrush on the Tongue which is Effective
Self-care with drugs can be applied to treat canker sores on the tongue. Here are a number of ways to treat canker sores on the tongue that can be applied:
1. Topical medication
The type of topical medication that can be used to treat canker sores on the tongue is hyaluronic acid. This drug is useful for protecting wounds in the mouth area. The trick, apply hyaluronic acid directly to the canker sore area with clean hands. Hyaluronic acid can be purchased without a prescription or prescribed by a dentist with higher levels of medication.
In addition, doctors can prescribe topical medications that contain steroids to relieve inflammation and topical analgesics, such as lidocaine to relieve pain. Prescription ointments can also be used to relieve pain and speed up the healing process of canker sores on the tongue.
2. Oral medications
Another way to treat canker sores on the tongue is to use oral medications. The use of drugs for open wounds, for example the uric acid drugs colchicine and sucralfate, is also effective in treating canker sores. To relieve inflammation, the doctor will prescribe steroid pills.
3. Mouthwash
Gargling with mouthwash that contains an antiseptic can also be used as a powerful way to treat canker sores on the tongue. Apply this method regularly until the canker sores on the tongue are completely healed.
4. Supplements
The use of supplements can be applied if canker sores are triggered by a lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, consume supplements regularly to meet nutritional deficiencies in the body.
In addition to the methods above, you are advised not to eat a variety of foods that irritate mouth sores and exacerbate canker sores, for example hard, salty, crunchy and sour foods. Canker sores that are classified as mild usually occur one to two weeks. However, if canker sores on the tongue do not improve after applying the methods above, you should consult a doctor to examine the cause, so that treatment is given according to your condition.
