Tongue ulcers can be white, gray, or yellow in color.They can be annoying, but most resolve on their own in a week or 2 at home.Genetics, biting your tongue, stress, certain food allergies, and, rarely, oral cancer can all play a role in developing blisters.If you know when to seek professional help, you can heal your tongue ulcer in no time.
Step 1: Use a soft toothbrush.
You can swap your firm or medium-bristled toothbrush for a soft one on the package.Small abrasions and tongue irritation can be caused by stiff-bristled toothbrushes.
Step 2: If you want a toothpaste without lauryl sulfate, switch to it.
Sulfates are found in many types of toothpaste.SLS can cause tongue ulcers.A SLS free toothpaste is recommended by your dentist.
Step 3: If you want to speed healing and prevent infections, try an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Ask your doctor if you can use an antimicrobial rinse.Many of these mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine, a strong antimicrobial agent, which can help heal your wounds but can also stain your teeth.Children under 2 years old are not allowed to use chlorhexidine.Most shouldn't be used more than 7 days in a row, but they should be taken as directed by your doctor.
Step 4: While your ulcer heals, choose soft and mild foods.
Sharp or rough foods, such as brittles or hard candies, should be avoided.Delaying healing can be caused by these.Don't drink hot beverages, they can burn your mouth, and drink very cold beverages through a straw.If you chew while talking, you are more likely to bite your tongue and irritate the ulcer.
Step 5: It's possible to reduce pain with gels.
You can numbing your ulcer up to 4 times per day with a nail-head sized amount of oral numbing gel.Do not use toothpaste or drink acidic beverages for at least an hour after applying the gel.You can buy over-the-counter numbing gels at your local pharmacy or grocery store.
Step 6: Salt water or baking soda can be used to promote healing.
Dissolve 10 g of salt or baking soda in a cup of water.Twice a day, rinse your mouth out with the solution.The sensitivity of tongue ulcers can be lessened by this.
Step 7: Milk of magnesia can be put on your tongue ulcer.
Milk of magnesia can be put into a cotton swab.The tip of the swab should be against your tongue ulcer.It's a good idea to repeat this up to three times a day.
Step 8: Ice can be used to relieve pain.
If it dulls your pain, put ice chips in your mouth.Cold can increase pain and sensitivity in some people.You can apply ice whenever you want to.
Step 9: New ulcers can be prevented by taking supplements.
The development of mouth ulcers may be prevented by certain types of vitamins.Take vitamins B, B complex, and C if you have trouble with recurrent tongue ulcers.If you are taking other supplements or medications, you should always consult your doctor before starting a new one.Talk to your doctor about the possibility that you have a deficiency in vitamins.There are deficiencies in vitamins B-12, zinc, and iron that can cause tongue ulcers.
Step 10: Go tobacco-free.
Talk to your doctor if you want to stop smoking and stop using oral tobacco.These products can cause irritation to the tongue.
Step 11: It's a good idea to avoid foods and drinks that can cause a reaction.
New ulcers can be caused by spicy, salty, or acidic foods and drinks.People who are sensitive to certain types of foods may be at risk.Cut these foods out of your diet if you get tongue ulcers frequently.
Step 12: Moderate your alcohol intake.
Try to drink less than 3 drinks a day and no more than 7 drinks over the course of a week.The risk of tongue ulcers caused by oral cancer can be greatly increased by heavy alcohol and tobacco use.
Step 13: Meditate.
Many doctors believe that anxiety can cause recurrent tongue ulcers, so try meditating to lower your stress level.If you want to clear your mind, sit quietly and take 5-15 minutes to focus on your breathing.If you can, clear your schedule of unnecessary commitments for a period of time to help you relax.
Step 14: Your dentist can check that your dental devices fit.
Bring any retainers, dentures, or headgear with you to your dentist appointment to make sure they fit correctly.Poor-fitting dentures, and even the rough edges of orthodontists can cause oral irritation.Small adjustments can be made by your dentist.
Step 15: Pay attention to the changes in hormones.
If you menstruate, you should track your monthly cycle to see if there are any changes in your hormones.Changes in hormones can cause tongue ulcers as your body adjusts.Hormonal birth control or other hormone-replacement therapy may be able to ease your symptoms if you find them troublesome.
Step 16: Take care of any potential side effects of your medication.
Discuss any long-term medical conditions that may affect your oral health with your doctor.Antibiotics and other drugs can cause tongue ulcers.Asthmatics, diabetics, and those who suffer from depression are more at risk for the side effects of their medication.Some negative side effects can be mitigated by changing your behavior.If you have a long-term condition, your doctor may be able to give you other medications with less side effects.NSAIDS, such as Advil and Tylenol, can cause tongue ulcers and should not be taken by people with them.Discuss tongue ulcer concerns with your doctor if he has prescribed a therapeutic NSAID regimen.
Step 17: If your ulcer doesn't heal in 3 weeks, you should see a doctor.
If your tongue ulcer lasts more than 3 weeks, make a doctor's appointment.It might need special care.It should heal within a week or two at home.
Step 18: If the ulcer becomes red or painful, make a doctor's appointment.
If your tongue ulcer becomes painful, you should see a doctor or dentist.It could be caused by a skin condition that needs to be treated with medication rather than home care.Cold sores, hand, foot, and mouth disease are examples of viral infections that can cause tongue ulcers.
Step 19: If your tongue blisters frequently, you should consult your doctor.
Tell your doctor about recurrent tongue sores if they are a sign of a more serious condition.There are a number of diseases that can cause recurrent tongue ulcers that heal slowly.The doctor can create a treatment plan for you.