Tongue problems include pain, swelling, or a change in how the tongue looks.
Alternative NamesDark tongue; Burning tongue syndrome
ConsiderationsThe tongue is mainly composed of muscles. It is covered with a mucous membrane. Small bumps (papillae) cover the upper surface of the tongue. Between the papillae are the taste buds, which allow you to taste. The tongue moves food to help you chew and swallow.
The tongue also helps you form words.
There are many different reasons for changes in the tongue's function and appearance.
DIFFICULTY MOVING THE TONGUE
Tongue movement problems are most often caused by nerve damage. However, problems moving the tongue may also be caused by ankyloglossia, a disorder where the band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short. Tongue movement disorders may result in speech difficulties or difficulty moving food during chewing and swallowing.
TASTE ABNORMALITIES
Taste problems can be caused by damage to the taste buds, nerve problems, side effects of medications, an infection, or other condition. The tongue normally senses sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes. Other "tastes" are actually a function of the sense of smell.
ENLARGEMENT OF THE TONGUE
Tongue swelling occurs with Down syndrome, acromegaly, myxedema, amyloidosis, rhabdomyoma, and other disorders. The tongue may get wider in persons who have no teeth and do not wear dentures.
COLOR CHANGES
Color changes may occur with inflammation of the tongue (glossitis). Papillae are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth. Geographic tongue is a patchy form of glossitis where the location of inflammation and the appearance of the tongue change from day to day.
HAIRY TONGUE
Hairy tongue is a harmless condition in which the tongue looks hairy or furry. Its appearance can be worrisome. The disorder usually goes away with antibiotics.
BLACK TONGUE
Sometimes the upper surface of the tongue turns black or brown in color. This is an unsightly condition but is not harmful.
PAIN IN THE TONGUE
This may occur with glossitis and geographic tongue. Tongue pain may also occur in with diabetic neuropathy, oral cancer, mouth ulcers, and leukoplakia.
After menopause, some women have a sudden feeling that their tongue has been burned. This is called burning tongue syndrome or idiopathic glossopyrosis. There is no specific treatment for burning tongue syndrome.
Common CausesMinor infections or irritations are the most common cause of tongue soreness. Injury, such as biting the tongue, can cause painful sores. Heavy smoking will irritate the tongue and make it painful.
A viral ulcer, also called a canker sore, commonly appears on the tongue (or anywhere in the mouth) for no apparent reason. Some doctors believe that these ulcers are linked to emotional stress or fatigue, although this has not been proved.
Possible causes of tongue pain include:
Possible causes of tongue tremor:
Possible causes of white tongue:
Possible causes of smooth tongue:
Possible causes of red (ranging from pink to magenta) tongue:
Possible causes of tongue swelling:
Possible causes of a hairy tongue:
Possible cause of grooves in the tongue:
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.
Call your health care provider ifMake an appointment with your doctor if your tongue problem persists.
What to expect at your health care provider's officeThe doctor will perform a physical examination, look closely at the tongue, and ask question such as:
Blood tests may be done to confirm specific disorders, particularly systemic causes of tongue disorders. Biopsyof tongue lesions may be needed in some cases.
Treatment depends on the cause of the tongue problem.
This list is not all inclusive. For more details, see the specific disorder.
ReferencesRakel 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.
A person might use tongue cleaners during their oral hygeine routine as the surface of the tongue builds up alot of dead cells and bacteria. The bacteria found on your tongue are connected to many common oral hygeine problems including bad breath.
Yes, "tongue" can be a verb meaning to touch or lick with the tongue.
No, the correct spelling of the word is "tongue".
No, getting a tongue piercing does not cause the tongue to split. The piercing involves creating a hole in the tongue for the jewelry to pass through, but it will not split the tongue itself. Splitting the tongue is a separate body modification procedure that involves surgically cutting the tongue in half.
I burnt my tongue on the burrito I ate for dinner. I bit my tongue.
go see your doctor i could be infected and if you leave it too long you could have tongue problems :/
In normal persons the tongue does not have anything to do with the Thyroid. Rarely, however the base of the tongue may have ectopic thyroid tissue
Sores everywhere and it looks like bubbles
Tongue cleaners help to rid the tongue of bacteria that could cause numerous health problems. In addition, tongue cleaners can also help prevent bad breath.
Of course .. if you don't you are inviting infection and/or medical problems down the road.
Could be teeth problems or thirst or nausea
mother tongue secondery language
If your allergic reaction is so bad that oyur tongue swells, go to the ER. Take out your tongue bar. If your tongue keeps swelling it'll swallow the ball and cause more problems. Tongue piercings usually stay open without jewelery for a while.
i think it means that you cant control your tongue wich can cause problems cause sometimes words just slip out of your mouth
You don't. Go to a professional. Very few problems can arise from a professionally pierced tongue, however, if you do it yourself you run a higher risk of infection, speech impediments and other somewhat serious problems.
Yes you should. Your taste buds are on your tongue. You need to find out why this is happening. Be sure if you are taking any medications that you remind your doctor of what you are taking as this could be a side effect of the medication.
Having "tongue-tie" (ankyloglossia) is a minor, congenital anomaly and means the frenulum ( a flap of mucus membrane under the tongue) is abnormally short and this restricts normal tongue movement. I am tongue tied, and I have absolutely no problems french kissing my boyfriend, so don't worry about it :).