Tongue problems

Alternative Names

Home Care

Practice good oral hygiene for hairy tongue and black tongue. Be sure to eat a well-balanced diet.

Canker sores are caused by viruses and can't be cured by treatment. They must heal on their own.

See your dentist if you have a tongue problem caused by dentures.

Antihistamines can help relieve a swollen tongue caused by allergies. You should avoid the food or drug that causes the tongue swelling.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Make an appointment with your doctor if your tongue problem persists.

The doctor will perform a physical examination, look closely at the tongue, and ask question such as:

• When did you first notice the problem?
• Have you had similar symptoms before?
• Do you have pain, swelling, breathing problems, or difficulty swallowing?
• Do you have a tongue tremor?
• What makes the problem worse? (Eating, drinking, swallowing, talking)
• Do you wear dentures?
• What have you tried that helps?
• Are there problems with the teeth, gums, lips, or throat?
• Does the tongue bleed?
• Do you have a rash or fever?
• Do you have allergies?
• Are there problems with speaking or moving the tongue?
• Have you noticed changes in taste?
• What medications do you take?
• Do you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe?
• Do you use alcohol excessively?

Blood tests may be done to confirm specific disorders, particularly systemic causes of tongue disorders. Biopsy of tongue lesions may be needed in some cases.

Treatment depends on the cause of the tongue problem.

• If nerve damage has causes a tongue movement problem, the underlying condition must be treated. Therapy may be needed to improve speech and swallowing ability.
• 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.

This list is not all inclusive. For more details, see the specific disorder.

References

Rakel P, ed. Conn’s Current Therapy 2006. 58th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1038.

McKenna JK. Dermatologic drug reactions. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. Aug 2004; 24(3): 399-423, vi.