Canker Sore On Tongue – (Causes and Treatment)
Tongue canker sores can often be some of the most painful to deal with. They often form on the tip or sides of your tongue. They can make it very difficult to eat, talk and swallow. Thankfully, there are a number of actions that you can take to prevent them from occurring in the first place and also to treat them when they do pop up. If you get canker sores on your tongue frequently, you will want to ensure that you are taking into consideration the things that may be causing them.
Main Causes
SLS Toothpaste
This is one of the main causes of canker sores. It is a foaming agent in toothpaste called sodium lauryl sulfate. The reason it can lead to an increased risk of canker sores and mouth ulcers is because it can dry out the tissue in your mouth which can cause it to be vulnerable to irritants [1]. There are some studies that have been able to demonstrate that those who brush their teeth with SLS-free toothpaste have an 81% reduced frequency of the recurrence of canker sores. Below are some of the best SLS free brands on Amazon that we recommend.
Hello Toothpaste (4.8 out of 5 Stars)
Tom’s Of Main (4.8 out of 5 Stars)
Verve Ultra (4.7 out of 5 Stars)
Vitamin Deficiencies
Canker sores commonly occur as a result of vitamin deficiencies. It is very common that those who have vitamin deficiencies particularly in Vitamin B12, Folate, and Lysine. Getting proper levels via diet or supplementation are crucial for preventing canker sores on your tongue and elsewhere. If you are interested in exploring this further, make sure to read our article on the top 3 vitamins for canker sores.
Stress
Stress is one of the top causes of canker sores. Many people who begin getting canker sores out of the blue state that their only lifestyle change is that they are very stressed at the moment. A mixture of stress and fatigue can be the perfect storm for a canker sore to form since your immune system will not be functioning at a high level. Try reducing stress via deep breathing, meditation, and calming techniques.
Reducing stress is obviously easier said than done, and there are other methods to be able to combat canker sores such as treating vitamin deficiencies and methods of healing canker sores when they do pop up if you find it difficult to get your stress under control. If nothing else, getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to ensure that you are allowing your immune system to function properly.
See Also: Top 5 Over The Counter Products For Canker Sores
Diet
Diet is definitely one of the top causes of canker sores and mouth ulcers. Spicy and acidic foods can often irritate your mouth and lead to mouth ulcers. While the list of food and drinks to avoid can be very lengthy, we have included a list of the most common food and drinks that can cause problems.
Citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables (oranges, pineapples, lemons, apples, strawberries, tomatoes,)
Chocolate, Coffee, and alcohol.
Spicy foods, such as curries, hot sauce, jalapeños, and spicy chips.
Nuts such as walnuts, peanuts, cashews, and almonds.
Autoimmune Diseases
Mouth ulcers can develop as a result of an autoimmune disease. Below are some of the conditions that may lead to canker sore outbreaks [2].
Lupus – an autoimmune disease that leads your body to attack its own tissues and organs.
Celiac disease – a severe intestinal disorder that comes from gluten intolerance.
Behcet's disease – causes inflammation throughout the entire body (including the mouth)
A compromised immune system – an ineffective immune response to fighting against infections
Inflammatory bowel diseases – such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Hormonal changes
Fluctuations in hormones can be the culprit of canker sores. Women who commonly experience frequent changes in hormones often notice that canker sores or mouth ulcers form a few days before their period, and then they disappear once it is done. Other women get canker sores once their period starts.
Mouth Irritation
Mouth irritation can come from a variety of sources such as braces, brushing too harshly, dental work, retainers, and biting your gums or tongue. Make sure that you are using a soft bristle toothbrush and that you are not brushing too hard as that can often lead to mouth irritation.
Dental procedures can often cause canker sores due to abrasion. Those who have braces also have a higher probability of getting canker sores due to the abrasion that braces can cause. Try using orthodontic wax to cover areas that are particularly sharp or areas of your gums that are rubbing.
Treatment Options
There are a variety of treatment methods that are effective for healing canker sores. The most important factor in treating a canker sore on your tongue or elsewhere is starting treatment as early as possible. The smaller and less developed a canker sore is, the more effective that treatment will be. If you understand the stages of a canker sore, you can understand how to catch them early. Check out our article on the best home remedies and products to heal canker sores to learn about the most effective ways to treat a canker sore.
Are Canker Sores Killing Your Vibe?
Let’s be honest, canker sores are one of the most frustrating things in life. They cause you to lose sleep and make it extremely painful to eat, talk, and kiss your partner. It can be really frustrating to reapply Orajel 20 times a day for multiple days to numb the constant stinging pain in order to do normal daily things. That is why we decided to create a product that not only heals canker sores extremely fast, but also prevents them from forming in the first place. Canker Shield heals canker sores 4 days faster than most other products. Click here to learn more about Canker Shield.
