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White bumps or pimples are small swelling that can develop on different parts of your tongue i.e. on or under the tongue, on the tip, sides or back.
There are a variety of reasons that can result to bumps on your tongue. Most of the bumps are harmless to your health while some can be symptomatic to serious body underlying conditions.
Both children and adults can experience bumps of different sizes and shapes depending on the cause. Some of them are also characterized with other symptoms like inflammation, pain or a burning sensation.
This discomforts may affect the daily normal functions of the tongue that includes speech, chewing, swallowing and testing defferent elements in food i.e. salty, sweet and sour. The tongue has normal tiny bumps known as papillae.

What Causes White Bumps on Tongue?

Bumps can also develop due to the following:

1. Lie bumps or transient lingual papillitis

White bumps may develop on your tongue when the papillae becomes swollen due to irritations. Many people normally suffers from this condition. The exact cause of lie bumps is unknown although it is linked to stress, hormonal imbalances and certain food allergies.
Transient lingual papillitis is not a problem to worry about. The bumps normally clears on their own without treatment after a few days although they can recur again. This condition is common among children and can be accompanied with fever and swollen glands.

2. Injuries to the tongue

The common injuries to the tongue normally results from tongue biting, using rough toothbrush to clean your tongue and wearing ill-fitting dentures. They causes irritations to the tongue that can trigger white bumps on side of tongue and other parts.
Tongue injuries are usually accompanied with other symptoms like pain or a burning sensation. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help to alleviate the pain. However, rinsing your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash can help to get rid of the bumps.

3. Canker sores

Canker sores can also result to painful white bumps on tongue and other parts of your mouth. The cause is unknown although they are triggered by minor injuries to the tongue, excessive stress, hormonal imbalances, allergic reactions and poor immune system.
The good news is that, canker sores normally heals without treatment within 7 to 10 day. To speed up the healing process, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers and some of the home remedies for canker sores. However, don’t hesitate to visit your doctor when it is accompanied with fever or when it recurs frequently after a short time.

4. Allergic reaction

White bumps can develop on your tongue after encountering an allergen. The common allergic reactions normally results from eating certain foods, some dental care products and medication. The bumps are usually larger towards the back of the tongue.
An allergic reaction is usually characterized with other symptoms like sore throat, nausea, vomiting, skin rash and runny nose among others. It is important to visit your healthcare provider when experiencing complications like difficulties in breathing and chest pain. However, minor allergic tongue swellings can be treated by taking some antihistamines.

5. Oral cancer

Oral cancer causes appearance of white or red bumps in the mouth that does not go away. Oral cancer normally affects the lips, tongue, cheeks and floor of the mouth. It is characterized with various symptoms that includes white bumps on tongue and sore throat, hoarseness, difficulties in chewing and swallowing food, numbness, persistence soreness and weight loss.
The chances of getting oral cancer increases due to smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, using smokeless tobacco, excessive sun exposure, having a family history of cancer and suffering from other conditions like human papilloma virus.
It is recommended to visit your doctor when having bumps in the mouth or on tongue that does not go away. Oral cancer can easily be treated when discovered earlier. Various treatments like surgery to remove the growth and radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

6. Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol

Tobacco or weed smoke and alcohol contain harmful chemicals that causes irritation of the taste buds to form bumps. Food particles, dead cells and other debris can get trapped in the swollen taste buds to make them appear as white bumps.
In addition, smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol increases your risk of contracting life threatening diseases like oral cancer. As you read above oral cancer is also the major cause of white bumps on your tongue. It is therefore important to quit alcohol and smoking and focus on cleaning your tongue and other oral cavities.

7. Oral thrush

White bumps on tongue can also result from oral thrush. This is a fungal infection that causes the affected tongue to develop bumps that are covered with a white or a yellow coating. Oral thrush normally affects different parts of your mouth like the gums, palate and the tonsils.
This infection is caused by a yeast known as candida. It is characterized with other symptoms that include: white patches in the mouth, loss of taste, cracked mouth corners and painful sensation from the affected areas.
There are various risk factors that triggers the outbreak of oral thrush. Some of the factors includes practicing poor oral hygiene, wearing dentures, dry mouth, smoking, taking antibiotics for a long time, weak immune system and some of the cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

8. Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is characterized by small painless bumps to develop on different parts of the mouth including the tongue and on the genitals. When suffering from this infection you are also likely to develop white patches in the mouth and a red rash on the palms and soles of your feet.
The bumps normally disappears and reappear during the second stage. When discovered earlier, it can be treated easily using an antibiotic injection or taking a course of antibiotic tablets. However, it is important to refrain from engaging in sexual activities until it is healed.

9. Tongue piercing

Different types of tongue piercing like horizontal tongue piercing, venom tongue piercing and snake eye tongue piercing can lead to a white bumps on tongue near the pierced site. This may be an indication that your piercing is infected.
The bump may be accompanied with other symptoms like bleeding, presence of yellow or green discharge from the pierced site, pain, itching and redness. Consult your professional tongue piercing when you start to experience the first signs of an infection.

10. Poor oral hygiene

Dead cells, food particles and other debris can accumulate on the surface of the tongue blocking the pores. The accumulated materials can also harbor bacteria and other pathogenic micro-organisms that can cause an infection that can lead to bumps.

Reasons for White Bumps on Back of Tongue

There are various reasons that can cause white bumps to appear on the back of your tongue. In the first place, it is important to understand that you have normal bumps on the back of the tongue. It is natural for everybody to have some bumps at the back of the tongue. The size may vary from tiny bumps to large from one person to the other.
Different factors like eating spicy, salty or acidic foods and drinks may irritate such bumps making them to appear bigger. You should also expect to have enlarged taste buds when suffering from various underlying body conditions like sinuses, hyperthyroidism and others.
Practicing poor oral care hygiene may cause food particles, bacteria and other debris to accumulate on the surface of such bumps. This may make them to appear white in color or they may cause an infection that causes inflammation.
Suffering from sexually transmitted infections can also result to white bumps on tongue especially at the back. STDs that are caused by virus or bacteria such as Syphilis and HIV can cause sores or bumps to develop on the various parts of your mouth. They may also trigger inflammation of the normal bumps at the back of your tongue.
An allergic reaction can also cause white bumps to appear at the back of tongue, sides and even under. This happen after encountering an allergen in food, oral care products or in medicines. An allergic reaction is accompanied with other symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, vomiting, sore throat, skin rash among others.
Having conditions like Leukoplakia causes excessive growth of cells in the mouth that may lead white bumps or patches on different parts of the tongue including at the back, on the lips, floor and roof of the mouth and inside the cheeks.
There is no specific cause of leukoplakia although it is linked to smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol, injuries to the oral tissues, too much exposure to the sun, taking a course of antibiotic and having other oral infections like oral cancer.

What does White Bumps on Side of Tongue mean?

What is the meaning of having white bumps on the sides of your tongue? White bumps on the sides of your tongue can result from a number of causes. The common causes includes tongue cancer, canker sores, oral thrush, and irritation from ill-fitting dentures, poor oral hygiene and other oral infections.
When the bumps on the sides of your tongue get infected, they may be characterized with other symptoms like pain, inflammation, burning sensation or bleeding. This may cause a lot of discomforts when chewing and swallowing food.
Oral cancer is also characterized with white bumps on side of tongue and sore throat. Such bumps don’t go away even after tying some of the home remedies treatment. They may spread to the underside of tongue and floor of the mouth during the second stage.
Most people normally discover that they are suffering from oral cancer during the second stage when it has already caused a big damage. The chances of survival are higher when cancer is discovered early. It can be treated using various treatments like surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Does STD Causes White Bumps on Tongue?

White bumps on the tongue can also result from sexually transmitted diseases or infections. The major STD that results to this tongue condition includes syphilis and HIV. This infections are also accompanied with other symptoms that includes sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, rashes on genitals and some other parts of the body among other symptoms.
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum. The symptoms of this infection varies depending with the stage. It results to a single painless bump during the primary stage. The secondary stage is normally accompanied with multiple sore and rash on the feet soles and palm. The sores also develops on the mouth and genitals.
Syphilis is transmitted through sexual activities and also from the mother to the baby during delivery. This infection is treated using antibiotic injection or taking a course of anti-biotic tablets.
HIV infection is the other common cause of white bumps on the mouth including the tongue. It is also accompanied with other symptoms like sore throat, dry cough, sores on the skin, rapid weight loss, fatigue and pneumonia among other symptoms.
There is no treatment for HIV and AIDS, it is therefore important to protect yourself by having protected sex, having one faithful sexual partner and getting tested after every three month.

Why do I have White Bumps on Tip of Tongue?

The common cause of white bumps on tip of the tongue is tobacco smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol. Tobacco smoke and alcohol contain toxic chemicals that causes irritation of the taste buds located at the tip of your tongue. They may also leads to an infection that causes zits to appear on your tongue.
Injuries or trauma to the tip of the tongue can result to painful bumps. The common injuries are caused by accidentally tongue biting, tongue piercing, taking very hot, spicy or acidic foods and drink. The injury can also get infected leading to various symptoms like pain, inflammation or a burning sensation.
White spots on the tip of the tongue can also result from oral infections and diseases like, oral cancer, oral thrush and canker sores. This infections can affect both adults and children. It is important to get diagnosed to determine the specific cause of your condition before trying the various treatments.

Can you have White Bumps on Tongue and Sore Throat?

It is common to have white bumps on your tongue when having a sore throat. Sore throat simply occurs due to a viral infection that brings the cold. This normally happen when your immune system is weak. It therefore creates a chance for bacteria to multiply and spread to cause inflammation of the taste buds located on the surface of the tongue. Other causes includes:

• Thyroid cancer. It causes white bumps on the tongue and throat. Other symptoms included cough, swollen lymph nodes and hoarseness among others.
• Allergic reactions
• Strep throat.

It is important to consult your doctor when having white pimples or bumps on the tongue and throat. It may result from life threatening conditions that requires immediate treatment. However, less serious conditions can be treated by using some of the home remedies treatment.

How to Treat white Bumps on your Tongue

Most of the white tongue bumps usually heals on their own without treatment while others may require a medical treatment to get rid of the underlying condition. However, you can use the following remedies to speed up the healing process and alleviate the discomforts that are associated with the bumps.

• Gargle with a saline solution

Salt water contains antibacterial properties that will help to kill germ and other micro-organisms that causes bumps on your mouth. It also helps to relieve any swelling and inflammations that may be present with the bumps.
Simply dissolve 1 tablespoon of sea salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle the solution in your mouth for at least half a minutes before spitting it out. Use the salt solution after taking every meal daily until when your condition improves.

• Maintain a good oral hygiene

Use a soft bristle brush to clean your teeth and tongue after taking every meal. It is also important to floss your teeth regularly. This may help to get rid of the white bumps before contracting an infection. You can also use a tongue scraper to remove all the debris that accumulates on the tongue.
Rinse your mouth with a high quality mouthwash for at least twice daily. It helps to kill the bacteria that can cause an infection. Avoid using a mouthwash that contains alcohol as it may cause irritation of the bumps.

• Avoid foods and products that triggers irritation

It is important to avoid certain foods that causes irritation or pain when trying to get rid of white bumps on tongue fast. Acidic foods and drinks such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, coffee and sodas can cause irritation and other discomforts. You should also exclude some spices in your meals like chili powder, pepper, cinnamon or mint.
Refrain from food and oral care products that triggers an allergic reaction like eggs, shellfish, wheat and others. It is also advisable to quit smoking and alcohol consumption when trying to resolve your tongue condition.

• Eat cold and soft foods and drinks

Consuming cold and soft foods and drinks reduces the inflammation and other discomforts that comes with tongue bumps. Drinking ice cold water or drinks help to numb the tongue temporarily. Soft foods prevents further damage to your tongue.
Stick to soothing foods like ice cream, yogurt, milk and other soft drinks. Avoid consuming hard foods like snacks, chips, crispy and other hot foods and drinks.

• Apply some ice chips on the tongue

Allowing some ice chips to melt of the surface of your tongue may help to provide an addition pain relief from the bumps. It aids in numbing the affected areas temporarily as well as reducing any swelling that may be present.
The ice also moisturizes your mouth preventing it from dryness. To use this remedy, you simply place some ice chips on the tongue and allow it to melt. Avoid sucking on the ice as it may cause damage to the bumps.

• Chew some mint leaves

Mint leaves are effective on how to get rid of white bumps on tongue that hurt. It contains both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that relieves the pain as well as guarding the bumps against infections. You simply chew some mint leaves daily before going to bed until when your condition heals.

• Use over-the-counter products

There are various over the counter antiseptic products that can help to get rid of the bumps fast. Covering the bumps with Oral base or Zilactin prevents irritations and speeds up the healing process without exposing them to infection.
There are also various antiseptic and an aesthetic mouthwash containing benzydamine or chlorhexidine that you can use without doctor’s prescription. They helps to relieve pain and well as preventing bacterial infections. Use these products as directed by the manufactures instruction.

• Consult your dentist or doctor

Tongue bumps that are caused by serious underlying conditions like canker may not disappear even after trying the above remedies and treatment. It is therefore important to make an appointment with your doctor when having bumps that are related to fungal, viral or bacterial infection, bumps that are persistence or when they causes excessive pain or bleeding.
The doctor will diagnose your condition to determine the cause. He or she may perform blood test or oral culture test to find out the cause behind your condition. The doctor will therefore prescribe the medicines to use.

Further References:

1. Tongue bumps: http://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/tongue-bumps#Overview1
2. Tongue problem basics: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tongue-problem-basics-sore-or-discolored-tongue-and-tongue-bumps?page=3

Sores are tiny cuts or ulcers that may develop under the tongue or other parts of your mouth. They may appears as red or white patches on the affected areas. They causes pain, inflammation or a burning sensation that affects the normal functions of the tongue that includes speaking, chewing and swallowing food.
A sore tongue is usually caused by something visible. However, there are also other underlying conditions that can result to pain under the tongue. If the pain is persistence, it is recommended to visit your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

What Causes Sores under Tongue?

Some of the common causes includes the following:

1. Canker sore

This is the common cause of open and painful sores on different parts of the mouth including under the tongue. They usually appear as yellow or white patches on the oral cavities. Canker sores are not contagious and usually heal on their own within 7 to 10 days.
Canker sores are also characterized with other symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, inflammation in the mouth and generally feeling unwell. Chances of developing this condition increases when having stress, weak immune system, food allergies, hormonal imbalances, mouth injuries and vitamin deficiencies.

2. Cold sores

Cold sore is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus 1. It causes fluid filled blisters to develop around the mouth and other parts of your face. On rare cases, cold sores can also develop inside the mouth including under the tongue.
There is no cure for cold sores, they normally heal on their own within seven to ten days. However, there are various antiviral medicines and painkillers that you can take to speed up the healing process and alleviate the symptoms.

3. Biting or scalding the tongue

Accidentally biting or scalding the tongue can result to a sore under tongue or on the other parts. This problem is normally experienced with those people who has a habit of grinding the teeth during the night. Eating very hot foods without testing the temperature can also result to a sore tongue.

4. Oral cancer

Oral cancer normally starts as tiny painless bumps that develop on the sides of the tongue. The floor of the mouth and under the tongue becomes second. Most people are diagnose with mouth cancer during the second stage when the most of the oral tissues are damaged.
The chances of treatment and survival are higher when oral cancer is detected early. Visit your doctor right away when experiencing unusual sore on different parts of your mouth that are persistence and resistance to some of home remedy treatments.

5. Allergic reactions

Your body immune system can react to various allergens found in food, medicines and dental care products to cause an allergic reaction. Food allergy can affect the oral cavities resulting to sore or painful tongue, lips, inside cheeks and other parts. It can also affect the skin.
The common foods that can trigger an allergic reaction includes shellfish, eggs, cow’s milk, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soy. Apart from sore tongue, you may also experience other symptoms that includes rash, swelling, sneezing, stomach pain, watery eyes and runny nose.

6. Oral lichen planus

This is an inflammatory skin condition that commonly affects the legs and arms. However, this condition can also affect the mouth. When the mouth is affected, you may develop a sore under tongue and on the walls of the mouth.
The exact cause of oral lichen planus is unknown. However, it is linked to allergic reactions and other body infections. It is recommended to visit your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment when you notice some of its symptoms.

7. Nutritional deficiencies

Inflammation or pain under tongue or other oral cavities can be symptomatic to certain nutritional deficiencies in your body. Inadequate intake or poor absorption of vitamin B can lead to deficiencies in your body. Deficiency of vitamin B and minerals like iron and zinc can lead burning tongue syndrome.
To avoid nutritional deficiencies, you have to take a balanced diet that contain plenty of vegetables, dairy products, whole grains, chicken meat and fish. You can also take vitamin supplements to boost their level in your body.

8. Tongue irritations

Smoking tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol can cause irritations to various parts of your tongue. Tobacco smoke also contains toxic chemicals that can damage your tongue. Taking hard and acidic foods can also lead to tongue irritations.

9. Excessive mouth dehydration

Having inadequate moisture in your mouth can lead to dryness, bad breath, sticky feeling and tiny cracks or sore under tongue to develop. Dehydration results from inadequate water intake, internal body conditions that affects the salivary glands, medication and hormonal changes
It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You can also chew sugarless gums and candy to simulate the production of saliva in your mouth. You can also consult your doctor when having a problem with your salivary glands.

10. Other causes

There are also other causes that can result to a painful under tongue. Some of them includes medical conditions like diabetes and anemia, viral infection such as foot hand and mouth, oral conditions like oral thrush, geographic tongue and leukoplakia.
Although some of the sores may heal on their own within 1-2 weeks, it is important to consult your doctor when having extreme painful patches or persistence bumps on the tongue. You will be diagnosed and treated depending with the cause of your condition.

 Why does it Hurt under the Tongue

Pain under the tongue is normally caused by something visible. Although the pain can also result from something serious that requires treatment. The common cause of pain on or under the tongue includes:

• Trauma or injuries from accidentally biting or scalding the tongue.
• Irritations from smoking tobacco excessively.
• Burning tongue syndrome in some postmenopausal women.
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes and anemia.
• Oral cancer that affects the tongue and other oral cavities
• Canker sores.
• Salivary glands diseases and tumors.

The pain may subside after some time when caused by minor injuries. However, it is recommended to visit your doctor when the pain becomes persistent, it can be as a result of a serious medical condition that requires a medical treatment.

White Sore under Tongue Meaning

Having white sores under your tongue can result from a number of things. The common causes includes canker sores, cold sores, lichen planus, oral cancer and exostosis among other condition. White sores on bottom of the tongue can affect both adults and children.
The sores varies in size and appearance depending with the cause. You can experience a little single sore or a clustered with oval or irregular in shape. Apart from the tongue, other parts of your mouth like inside the cheeks, gums and lips can also get affected.
The sores are always characterized with other symptoms like pain, inflammation or a burning sensation, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat and can even cause weight loss when caused by a serious underlying condition.
The sores normally heal after some time. However, to avoid the sores from recurring, try to find out and treat the underlying cause. This can be done with the help of your health care provider.

Why you have Red Sore under Tongue

Red sores under the tongue can harmless when caused by less serious conditions like eating spicy and acidic food. However, this condition can also be symptomatic to serious underlying conditions. The red sores are normally painful, they are likely to go away on their own with little or no treatment.
In most cases, red sores under the tongue or any other part of your mouth results from irritations. If you are eating very hot, spicy and acidic foods or wearing ill-fitting dentures, then you are likely to experience red sores in your mouth.
Other conditions like exostosis can also result to painful red sores underneath the tongue. This condition occurs when as extra bone develops in the lower jaw and presses against the underside of the tongue. It normally develops a bump that may become an open sore.
Canker sores may be the other reason as to why you are experiencing bumps underneath the tongue. There are various factors that can trigger the occurrence of the canker sores. Some of them includes food allergies, injuries to the oral tissues, weak immune system and other underlying body conditions.
The sores normally heals after 7 to 10 days. However, you can speed up the healing process by taking over-the-counter pain killers and using other remedies that has a soothing effect on the sores.

What Causes Canker Sores under Tongue?

Canker sores are also known as aphthous ulcers, they are round or oval shaped with a white or yellow center and a red boarder. They can develop on different parts of the mouth including on the surface or under the tongue, inside your cheeks, lips and gums.
They are usually open and painful sores. Before appearing, they may cause a burning sensation on the affected areas. There are three different types of canker sores that includes minor, major and herpetiform canker sores.
Minor canker sores are the most common and usually appears as a small oval shaped sores that heals on their own within 7 to 10 days without scarring. However, you can also suffer from major canker sores, although they are not common.
They are larger and deeper as compared to minor canker sores. They are extremely painful, healing may take up to one and a half month and they causes extensive scarring.
On the other hand herpetiform canker sore are uncommon and usually appears later in life. They are bigger in size and occurs in a cluster of sores. They are irregular in shape and normally heals within 7-10 days without scarring.
Although the exact cause of canker sores is unknown. There are various factors that can trigger the outbreak of this condition. They include the following:

• Allergic reactions to certain bacteria in your mouth
• Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation in women
• Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins and minerals especially vitamin B-12, zinc, iron and folate
• Weak immune system
• Excessive mental or emotional stress
• Injuries to trauma to the mouth tissues either from biting, dentures that are unfit or aggressive brushing.
• Dental care products containing sodium lauryl sulfate
• Viral infections.

Canker sores are also characterized with other symptoms that includes a tingling or burning sensation on the affected areas of the mouth and small oval-shaped sore under tongue and other parts of the mouth. Severe outbreak can also cause fever, swollen lymph nodes and generally feeling unwell.
This condition normally heals on its own without treatment. However, to ease the symptoms avoid eating spicy, salty and acidic foods that can cause irritation. It is also important to refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption during the healing process.

How to Stop Sores under the Tongue

Having sores on or under the tongue can be very stressful due to the discomforts that they cause. Although the sores normally heals on their own within a short time, there are various treatment you can use to get rid of them fast. They includes the following:

• Stop the cause of the sores

Canker sores is the main cause of recurrent ulcers under the tongue. This condition can result from brushing the teeth roughly, using a toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate, emotional or mental stress and much more.
Therefore, when trying to treat this condition, it is important to use a soft bristle brush and a toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate when performing an oral cleaning. Try to relax and have enough resting time to avoid stress.

• Treat the underlying condition

Internal body conditions like diabetes, weak immune system, and gastrointestinal tract diseases like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease are the major cause or recurrent mouth ulcers. It is therefore recommended to visit your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of such conditions.

• Make some changes to your diet

Making some changes to your diet can also help to get rid of sore under tongue. Ensure that your diet contains plenty of vitamin B, folate, zinc and iron. You can also take supplements when suffering from nutritional deficiencies of the above vitamins and minerals.
Refrain from taking spicy, acidic or salty foods when having mouth or tongue sores. They may cause irritation of the sores. Canker sores can also result from taking acid fruits like citrus, tomatoes and strawberries.

• Avoid irritating the sores

Irritations to the sores may delay the healing process. Try to avoid ill-fitting dentures that may scratch your open sores. It is also important to avoid smoking tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol. Tobacco smoke contains toxic chemicals that causes inflammation of the tongue.

• Try some of home remedies treatments

There are various home remedy treatments that contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that are important in fighting the bacteria that causes infection and relieving the pain. Some of the remedies includes the use of saline solution, hydrogen peroxide, over-the-counter medicines, ice chips and aloe Vera among others.

• Consult your doctor for treatment

Make an appointment with your doctor for diagnosis to find out the exact cause of the sores. After diagnosis the doctor will give you some prescription medicines that may include dexamethasone, tetracycline, topical gels and ointments and other treatments that may include an injection.

How to Treat Sore under Tongue

Sores on or under the tongue normally heals without treatment within 1 to 2 weeks. However, to speed up the healing process and alleviate pain and other discomforts, there are various home remedy tips you can use. They include the following:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm saline solution

Rinse your mouth with saline solution 2-3 times a day. It helps to disinfect the ulcers and hence preventing any bacterial infection. Warm saline solution also helps to reduce any swelling that may be accompanied with your condition. Here is how it is done:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of sea salt with 1 glass or warm water and stir well.
• Swish the solution into your mouth for 20 seconds
• Spit out the solution and rinse your mouth well using warm water
• Repeat 2-3 times a day until your condition improves.

2. Use some ice chips or ice cold drinks

This remedy is effective on how to heal canker sores fast. It helps to reduce the swelling of the sore as well as numbing the affected area. When using this treatment, don’t allow the ice to over-stay on the affected area as it may cause burning.

• Place some ice chips below your tongue for some time
• Alternatively, you can take ice cold drinks frequently throughout the day

3. Reduce the acidity of your mouth

Minor canker sores can result from excessive acid in your mouth. There are a number of things that you can do to lower the acidity of your mouth. They includes:

• Reduce or avoid acidic and spicy foods such as citrus fruits and carbonated drinks.
• Use a cotton ball to dab milk of magnesia on the sores.
• Chew some antacid tablets 2-3 times a day.

4. Use hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant that will help to guard your sore under tongue against bacterial infections. It also helps to speed up the healing process. The procedure below shows how to use this remedy:

• Mix equal quantities of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water
• Use the solution as a mouthwash to swish in the mouth for 20 seconds
• Repeat this procedure twice daily until your condition improves.

5. Honey

Honey was used from ancient times in treating various oral problems. It contains both antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help to prevent bacterial infection. It also has the soothing effects that helps to relieve pain and other discomforts caused by the sores.

• Apply few drops of natural honey directly to the sore. Although it will hurt for a few seconds but it will help to relive the inflammations
• Alternatively, you can mix 1 teaspoon of natural honey with ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder to make a paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected areas. leave it for 20 seconds before rinsing your mouth with warm water
• Repeat this remedy 2-3 times daily until when your condition improves.

6. Practice good oral hygiene

Improving your oral care hygiene can help heal canker sores fast. It reduces the amount of bacteria and other pathogenic micro-organisms that causes infections. Using a high quality mouthwash can also help to relive inflammations or burning sensation that results from the sores.

• Brush your teeth after taking every meal and floss regularly.
• When having canker sores, use a mouthwash containing dexamethasone or tetracycline to relieve the pain.

7. Reduce the pain

Having a sore under tongue can cause inflammation, pain or a burning sensation. It is therefore important to alleviate the pain and other discomforts as the healing process continues. This can be done by:

• Taking over the counter pain killers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Children are not supposed to take aspirin as it may cause some complications
• Avoid taking spicy, salty and acidic foods that causes irritation.

8. Use aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an effective natural remedy on how to fix canker sores on tongue. It contains both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that helps to fight bacteria as well as reducing the inflammations.

• Obtain fresh aloe Vera leaf and obtain a gel from it.
• Apply the gel directly to the sores under your tongue and other areas that are affected.
• Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a day
• Alternatively, you can rinse your mouth with the gel 2-3 times a day.

Blisters are small bumps that are filled with water or blood and they can erupt on the tongue or any other part of your body.
Tongue blisters are painful sores or ulcers that can be yellow or white in color and surrounded by a reddened area. Pain and inflammations can make it difficult to speak, chew or swallow food or drinks.

Why am I getting Blisters on my Tongue?

The following are common causes of tongue blisters:

1. Trauma or injury to the tongue

Injuries like accidentally biting tongue with your teeth, grinding the teeth and scalding your tongue can cause red blood blisters to develop on your tongue. Some people have a bad habit of clenching and grinding the teeth, this can result to painful ulcers on the edges of the tongue. You may experience some pain, inflammation or a burning sensation until when it heals.

2. Canker sores

Mouth ulcers or cancer sores can develop anywhere in the oral cavities including the tongue, inner surface of the cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth or on the gums. The exact cause of this condition is unknown although it is triggered by heightened stress.
Most of the people will or have experienced canker sores for at least once while others have a regular or chronic breakout that requires medical treatment. Canker sores are very painful especially when they occur on the tongue.

3. Oral cancer

Although most of the tongue zits are nothing to worry about, it is important to visit your doctor when having blisters on tongue that are persistence and resistance to some of the home remedy treatments. Oral cancer normally causes painless zits on the sides of the tongue during the initial stages.
This type of cancer will therefore spread to the floor of the mouth, lips and other parts. The chances of survival are high when cancer is diagnosed and treated earlier. However, most of the people who get diagnosed of mouth cancer are normally already in the second primary stage of cancer.

4. Burning tongue syndrome

Women who are postmenopausal are at a higher risk of developing this syndrome.  It is characterized by inflammation or a burning sensation of the tongue and other parts of the mouth. It may also cause a dry mouth. This condition is also associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency, yeast infections and irritations from dentures.

5. Herpetic stomatitis

This is a viral infection that causes zits in the mouth especially on the tongue. It is caused by herpes simplex virus. It is a highly contagious infection that spreads from infected person to the others especially in children.
This infection is normally accompanied with other symptoms like blisters on the oral cavities, drooling, and difficulties in chewing and swallowing food, swollen gums, fever and a burning sensation or inflammation in the mouth. Although it has no treatment, symptoms can be relieved by taking acyclovir and other pain relievers medicine.

6. Enlarged papillae

Inflammation or irritation of your taste buds can cause painful blisters on tongue. The exact cause of this condition is unknown but it may be related to stress, hormonal changes, food allergies and other medical conditions. This bumps normally clear on their own without treatment after few days.

7. Medical conditions

Tongue blisters can be symptomatic to certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes and anemia. To get rid of this tongue problem, you need to be diagnosed to determine the cause and use the required treatment depending with the underlying condition.

8. Smoking tobacco

Smoking tobacco causes inflammation of the taste buds. Dead cells, bacteria and food particles can get trapped in the enlarged papillae to cause an infection that can lead to tongue blisters. Tobacco smoke also contain toxins that can result to red zits on the tip of the tongue.

9. Mucocele

This are small blister-like lesions that develops on the sides of your tongue. They normally results from the damage of the tube that transfers saliva from salivary glands into the mouth. Therefore, leakage of saliva into mouth tissues instead of the mouth itself leads to development of the blisters.

10. Foot-hand and mouth disease

This is a viral infection that commonly affects children although it can also affect adults. This infection causes blisters to develop on the tongue and is later accompanied with fever. The tongue and mouth may develop ulcers while hand and foot may experience a rash.
Although this infection has no treatment, you can manage the symptoms by using good quality mouthwash and painkillers to relieve the pain and other discomforts.

What does Blisters on Tongue of a Child mean?

Children are susceptible to various tongue problems since their body immune system is still developing. Blisters on the tongue of your child can be worrisome to any parent. Various infections, medical condition, allergic reactions and injuries that can result to blister on the tongue of your toddler.
Mouth ulcers is the common cause of blisters on baby tongue. The ulcers can result from various causes including injuries from tongue biting. However, your child may be suffering from aphthous ulcers. This is a recurrent ulcer that causes a very painful blisters on the tongue or any other part of the oral cavity.
Mouth ulcers normally heals on its own within a week. However, it is important to take your child to the healthcare provider when it comes again and again or when it is too painful.
Small and painful zits on your baby’s tongue can also result from inflamed papillae. This condition results from injuries to the tongue due hot and spicy food or tongue biting. The inflammations normally heals on its own. However, it is important to avoid feeding your baby spicy, salty or hot foods.
Children can develop small, painless and fluid filled blisters on tongue and other different parts of the mouth including gums, lips and inner cheeks as a result of mucoceles. This are harmless zits that results from sucking mouth tissues with the support of the teeth.
Such blisters normally heals on their own. It is recommended to leave them alone. Opening them can cause an infection that may require a doctor’s treatment.
Allergic reactions may also cause your child to develop sores or swollen tongue and other oral cavities. An allergic reaction can result from foods and when introducing your child to oral care products. Allergic reaction can be accompanied with other symptoms like nausea, fever and skin rash. It is important to take your child to the doctor right away.
Viral infection like hand-foot-and-mouth can cause your child to develop painful blisters on the tongue, mouth cavities or a rash on the hands and feet. This infection is caused by Coxsackie virus.
Although this infection has no treatment, the symptoms can be relieved by giving your child painkillers like acetaminophen and taking a lot of fluids. Avoid giving him or her spicy, hot and salty foods that may worsen the irritation.

What Causes Blood Blisters under the Tongue

Blood blisters occurs when the blood vessels that are located on the sides or under the tongue gets ruptured. Apart from the tongue, blood blisters can also occur on other parts of the mouth including the sides of cheeks and gums.
Tongue blood blisters are very painful and may cause difficulties in chewing and swallowing food. They can affect anybody regardless of the age or gender. They result from a number of causes that includes the following:

• Tongue injuries

Minor injuries to the tongue that results from eating hard foods, wearing dentures that don’t fit correctly and accidentally biting the tongue can result to blood blisters. Eating spicy and acidic food can also trigger this tongue problem. It is therefore important to such injuries when trying to get rid of such blisters.

• Allergic reactions

Some foods, oral care products and medicines that contain an allergen can trigger an allergic reaction that can lead to blood blisters on different parts of the mouth including the tongue. You may experience this problem after eating citrus fruits, using certain drugs or after using oral care product that contain harsh chemicals.

• Nutritional deficiencies

Low intake or poor absorption of vitamins causes a deficiency that triggers blood blisters on tongue. This problem is commonly experienced due to deficiency of vitamin B-12 vitamin C. Taking supplements or foods that are rich in this vitamins can help to get rid of blood blisters on back of tongue and other parts.

• Oral ulcers

This is also another condition that can lead to blood blisters on oral cavities including the tongue. Oral ulcers can either occurs as canker sores or cold sores. Canker sore is more responsible to blood blisters as compared to cold sore. It can result to bleeding, inflammation and other discomforts.

• Oral herpes

This is a viral infection that is caused by herpes simplex 1 virus. This condition causes blood blisters to develop in all parts of your mouth like inside cheeks, under the tongue, gums and lips. This blisters are usually painful and may be accompanied with other symptoms like muscle pain, fatigue and fever.

• Angina Bullosa Hemorrhagica

This is a condition that normally affects elderly people especially those that are having diabetes, mouth trauma or using steroids. It causes medium sized blood blisters on tongue and other parts of the mouth. The blisters usually breaks quickly to form a wound and heals on its own without treatment.

• Excessive alcohol consumption

Individuals who abuse alcohol are at a higher risk of developing mouth ulcers that can lead to blood blisters on the tongue and other oral cavities. Avoiding alcohol or drinking responsibly can help to get rid of this tongue problem.

• Other causes

Other causes that may lead to tongue blood blisters includes low platelet count, bowel disease, excessive stress, Behcets disease, hormonal changes and neutrophil deficiency. It is important to visit your healthcare provider when experiencing frequent blood blisters on your tongue or on other oral cavities.

What does Water Blisters on side of Tongue mean

Water blisters occurs on the tongue when it has experienced a second-degree burn.  This affects the outermost layer and the second. It may appear red and swollen. Eating or drinking hot foods without testing the temperature increases the risk of burning your tongue.
Postmenopausal women are also at risk of developing a burning tongue syndrome. Low estrogen level may cause the taste buds to decline their sensitivity. Burning syndrome normally occurs in two types i.e. primary and secondary.
The cause of primary burning syndrome is unknown while the secondary burning syndrome can result from mouth dehydration, oral thrush, geographic tongue, oral lichen planus, vitamin deficiency, and excessive stress, injury from dentures, allergic reactions, and acid reflux disease, hormonal imbalances and other conditions like diabetes.
The symptoms of a burnt tongue depends with the degree of burning. A first degree normally affects the outermost layer of the tongue. It may cause pain, redness and swelling of the tongue.
Second-degree burning affects the first and second layer. It may result to water blister, redness and swelling. The third-degree burning affects the deeper tissues of the tongue.
Tongue infections can also lead to white or water filled blisters to develop on different parts of your tongue. Staphylococcus bacteria is the main cause of blisters under tongue. Other infection like yeast infection may also result to this tongue problem.

Can you get Fever Blisters on Tongue

Fever blisters or cold sores are caused by herpes simplex 1 virus. It is a highly contagious infection that spreads through saliva or skin contact. This infection causes a cluster of tiny blisters to develop on different parts of the mouth like lips and tongue.
After infection, the virus will remain dormant in your nerves and may reactivate again and again to cause a cold sore. This virus are normally reactivated by a cold or fever. Other factors like weak immune system can also cause this virus to reactivate.
There are also other factors that may trigger reactivation of this virus. Some of them includes mental or emotional stress, illness, injury or trauma to the lips and dental surgeries or treatment. Herpes simplex virus 2 normally affects the genital. Other parts of the body like hands and eye can also get affected.
This infection is also characterized with other symptoms that includes headache, fever, vomiting, sore throat and nausea. The blisters may also become too painful making it difficult to chew and swallow foods properly.
Although this infection has no treatment, you can use medicines like acyclovir, famciclovir or Val acyclovir to alleviate the symptoms. However it is also important to have enough rest and take a lot of fluids during the outbreak of this infection.

Are Blisters on Back of Tongue Contagious?

Blisters can occur on different part of the tongue including the back of tongue, sides of the tongue, under the tongue or on the surface. Blisters can result from various causes like trauma or injuries, canker sores, oral cancer, burning tongue syndrome, herpetic stomatitis, enlarged papillae or food-hand-and-mouth disease.
It is important to identify the cause of blisters on tongue before finding the treatment. There are various remedies that can help to alleviate the symptoms that are associated with the blisters.
However, it is important to visit your healthcare provide for treatment if the blisters becomes resistance to home remedy treatment or when they cause excessive pain, inflammations or a burning sensation.

How do you Get Rid of a Blisters on your Tongue?

Most of the tongue blisters normally heals on their own without treatment within a week. However if you want to speed up the healing process, prevent infections and alleviate pain and other discomforts, there are various treatment that you can use. They include the following:

1. Gargle with a saline solution

Saline solution has anti-inflammatory properties that helps to relieve inflammation, burning sensation, pain and other discomforts that are caused by the blisters. In addition, salt has antiseptic properties that helps to fight bacteria and guards against infection. Here is how to prepare:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of sea salt in 1 cup of warm water. Stir it well to mix.
• Gargle the solution into your mouth for 20-30 seconds and spit it out.
• Use a warm water to rinse your mouth thoroughly.
• Repeat this procedure 2-3 times daily until the blisters heals

2. Use ice or cold and soft drinks

Using an ice or drinking cold and soft drinks will help to relieve the inflammation and other discomforts that are caused by the tongue blisters. This remedy is also effective for providing a temporal numb on the areas that are affected.

• Place some ice chips on the surface of the tongue and allow them to melt. Alternatively, take regular sips of ice cold water to relieve the inflammations.
• Do not such as the ice chips as it may cause irritation. It is also important not to allow the ice to overstay on the tongue as it may cause burning effects.

3. Avoid food, oral products and other habits that increases irritation

There are various foods, drinks, oral care and some habits that can increase irritation or inflammation of blisters on tongue. It is therefore important to avoid foods and products that may trigger or worsen the irritations. Some of the foods, products and habits to avoid includes:

• Spicy and salty foods and beverages that may contain pepper, chili powder or cinnamon.
• Acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes, orange juice, sodas, tea and coffee.
• Refrain from smoking tobacco and alcohol consumption.
• Omit some of the foods that triggers allergic reaction

4. Use baking soda

Baking soda is an effective remedy on how to get rid of tongue ulcers. It has anti-inflammatory properties that helps to relieve inflammations and other discomforts. Apart from treating the blisters, it also restores the PH of your mouth. This is how to prepare:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water and stir well.
• Gargle the solution into your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out.
• Alternatively, you can mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with few drops of water and apply it on the affected part of the tongue
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly using water
• Use this treatment 2-3 times daily until the blisters heals.

5. Rinse your mouth using anti-septic mouthwash

Rising your mouth with a good quality alcohol free antiseptic or anesthetic mouthwash will help to get rid of blisters on tongue within the shortest time possible. It helps to prevent infections by killing the bacteria as well as relieving the pain.

• Ensure that you obtain a mouthwash containing benzydamine or chlorhexidine.
• Swish small amount of the mouthwash into the mouth for 20 seconds and spit it out
• Use the mouthwash for at least 1-2 times a day until when your tongue problem is resolved.

6. Rinse your mouth using hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective remedy on how to get rid of tongue canker sores. It contains antibacterial properties that helps to get rid of bacteria and pathogenic micro-organisms that can cause an infection.

• Mix equal quantities of hydrogen peroxide and water
• Use a cotton ball to apply the solution directly on the blisters
• Allow it to penetrate into the blisters for 2 minutes
• Rinse your mouth with water
• Use this remedy 1-2 times daily until when the blisters disappears.

7. Use Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an effective treatment for a number of conditions including the tongue blisters. It has antibacterial and natural healing properties that helps to kill the bacteria as well as speeding up the healing process. Here is how to use:

• Extract a gel from a fresh aloe Vera leaf
• Apply the gel directly on the blisters
• Leave it for 3-5 minutes before rinsing your mouth with clean water.

8. Consult your doctor for treatment

If the blisters are persistence for more than 1 week after using some of the home remedy treatment, it is a high time to make an appointment with your doctor. Some of the blisters are symptomatic to underlying conditions that requires a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. Visit your doctor when:

• When the blisters are too painful or inflamed.
• If they don’t go away after a week of using home remedy treatment or when they are recurring.
• When the blisters are accompanied with other serious symptoms.

Scalloped tongue is also called crenated tongue, crenulated tongue or pie crust tongue. These are terms that are simply used to describe a tongue that is having indentations or waves on the sides. The indentations normally occurs as a pressure from the teeth that compresses the tongue.
A swollen tongue may also develops scallops or wavy borders due to the pressures that is exerted against the teeth. Scalloped and Sore tongue can result from various causes and can be accompanied with inflammations, pain or a burning sensation.
Crenated tongue is usually accompanied with various symptoms. It usually becomes swollen, inflamed or enlarged with wavy or grooved boarders that resembles teeth marks. Although the color rarely change but it may develop some redness at the edges where pressure is exerted.
A crenated tongue is not harmful by itself. It is symptomatic to underlying conditions or causes. It is the underlying condition that may result to various symptoms like swollen tongue, enlarged lymph nodes, sore throat and inflammations among others.

What is the Cause of a Scalloped Tongue?

Some of the causes of pie crust tongue includes the following:

1. Enlarged or swollen tongue

When the tongue is swollen, it tends to apply pressure against your teeth or dental arches. A swollen tongue usually becomes too big for your mouth. It will therefore develop some scalloped, grooved, or wavy edges that look like teeth marks.
There are various causes or underlying conditions that can result to a swollen tongue. Some of them includes, dehydration, allergic reactions, tongue or mouth cancer, canker sores, tongue piercing, scarlet fever, neoplastic growth, thyroid disorders, amyloidosis and injuries among others.

2. Vitamin and mineral deficiency

Inadequate intake or poor absorption of vitamin B12 and folate into your body can lead to a blood disorder known as megaloblastic anemia. This disorder can lead to excessive or abnormal production of red blood cells and may result to various symptoms including scalloped tongue.
When trying to get rid of this condition, it is recommended to take vitamin-12 supplements. Alternatively, you can include the following food in your diet; dairy products, poultry, fish and other foods that are rich in vitamin B-12.

3. Thyroid or hypothyroid

Various tongue problems like scalloping, coated, dryness, discoloration or pain can be symptomatic to underlying conditions like inadequate thyroid or hypothyroidism. Thyroid is a small gland that produces thyroid hormone. This hormones plays a very big role in body metabolism to produce energy.
It also affects how vitamins and minerals are absorbed and utilized in your body. Its deficiency in your body can cause your tongue to become too big for your mouth. It will therefore exert pressure against the teeth resulting to scalloped edges.
Apart from crenated tongue, thyroid condition can lead to other symptoms that includes fatigue, headaches, dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, body aches, cold hands and feet, constipation, brain fog, memory loss, allergies and other conditions like cancer and diabetes.

4. Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is also another condition that causes scalloped tongue. This condition is characterized with some disturbances in the pattern of breathing. When suffering from this condition, you may have 1 or more breathing pauses or swallow breath while sleeping.
Disruptions in sleeping patterns may cause the tongue to fall back into the oral cavities. When the tongue is in this state, the teeth can easily exert pressure on it to cause scallops or grooves at the edges. Sleep apnea causes pie crust tongue although in rare cases.

5. Temporomandibular joint disorder

Temporomandibular disorder is a problem that affects the jaws and the muscles of the face that supports and controls it. The exact cause of this disorder is unknown but dentist believes that it results from injuries to jaw, joints and muscles of the neck and head
This disorder is also linked to other causes like grinding teeth that may exert a lot of pressure to the joints, arthritis in the jaw joints, movement of  the disc between the ball and sockets of the joint and stress can also affects the facial muscles leading to this condition.
This condition causes instability of the jaws. Therefore, people who are suffering from this disorder will try to clench their teeth using the tongue to keep the jaw into position. This can result to scallops or grooves at the edges of your tongue.

6. Dental issues

Narrow teeth arch can also lead to having sides of tongue wavy. Narrow teeth arch or ill-fitting dentures may compress the sides of the tongue to create teeth-like marks or a scalloped tongue. It is therefore important to go for well-fitting dentures to avoid wavy tongue sides.

7. Spleen QI deficiency

Spleen qi deficiency is also characterized with scalloped or swollen tongue, fissures, fatigue, pale tongue, low appetite and weight loss. This happens when the spleen fails to perform its functions that affects your digestion system.

8. Bad habits and anxiety

Some people have developed bad habits that can result to crenated tongue. Grinding, clenching and pressing the tongue against the teeth arch for a long time can lead to waves or grooves on the boarders of the tongue. You can also press the teeth against the tongue when having anxiety.

Is a Scalloped Tongue Dangerous?

Tongue is a very important muscle that helps in chewing, swallowing and speech. However it may develop some problems that are symptomatic to underlying conditions like under active thyroid or hypothyroidism. A healthy tongue is supposed to be pink in color and moist.
However, some conditions like hypothyroidism causes the tongue to become scalloped, swollen, dry, coated or painful. These symptoms are trying to send a signal that is showing there is something wrong with your health.
Thyroid is a small gland found in the lower part of your neck that produces thyroid hormone. This hormone plays a very important role in metabolism to release energy. It also helps in cell differentiation, cell metabolism and regulates how other nutrients are used in your body.
Underactive thyroid is caused by pregnancy, problem of thyroid at birth, pituitary glands disorder of disorder of the hypothalamus. A part from having crenated tongue, hypothyroidism can lead to other symptoms that includes depression, fatigue, dry skin, unexplained weight gain, constipation, and changes in your menstrual cycle and memory loss among others.
If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to other various diseases like cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, arthritis, low or high blood pressure and many more. Treatment involves taking hormone replacement tablets daily, taking food rich in vitamin B, biofeedback, homeopathic medicine and radiation therapy.

How does a Scalloped Tongue look Like Edges

Crenated tongue usually appears at the edges.  The indentations appears along the lateral borders of the tongue due to the compression by the teeth arch. The surface of the tongue may retain its normal pink color but in some cases, the edges may appear red due to friction or pressure that is exerted.
As you read earlier, this is a symptomatic condition that is harmless to your health. It is good to understand that this is not a disease. It only appears when the tongue is pressed against the teeth. That is why the scallops only appears at the edges of the tongue.
This problem is common among individual who have macroglossia. This is simply having an enlarged tongue that is unable to fit in your mouth well. It is a symptom that is characterized with individuals who are suffering from Down’s syndrome.
Scalloped or crenated tongue tends to be swollen, inflamed or enlarged with a wavy sides. These wavy edge resembles teeth marks. Since it is caused by different underlying condition, the patient may experience other symptoms depending with the cause.
Before treating crenated tongue edges, it is important to visit your doctor for diagnosis to determine the underlying condition. The doctor will check your mouth to find out if there is any other symptoms. He or she may also perform blood test before recommending for a treatment.

What is a Scalloped Tongue Sign of?

Having a tongue that is scalloped is the first sign of sleep apnea disorder. This is a more serious condition than snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway is blocked by the tongue, tonsils or an enlarged uvula.
Sleep apnea is characterized with pauses in breath or lapses in breathing during sleeping. This happen when scalloped or crenated tongue falls back to obstruct the air way. When having this condition, you may experience 5 to 15 apneic episodes per hour. Severe condition can cause 30-100 episodes per hour.
Patients who are suffering from this sleep condition may experience various symptoms like loud snoring, gasping in the sleep, and lack of concentration, depression, decreased libido, tooth grinding or clenching, unexplained weight gain, frequent urination and chronic fatigue.
The dental signs includes acid reflux, enlarged tongue or tonsils, scalloped or pie crust tongue and tooth wear from bruxism. Obstructive sleep apnea can also lead to other body conditions that includes heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, impotence and acid reflux.
The other symptoms includes excessive daytime sleeping that may be dangerous, having headache in the morning, insomnia, dry mouth and throat in the morning after waking up, shortness of breath, abrupt awakening and having difficulties to control high blood pressure.
There are various factors that increases the risk of developing sleep apnea. They include the following:

• Excessive weight or obesity
• Male are more prone to sleep apnea as compared to women
• Having large or scalloped tongue
• Huge neck muscles or fats of greater than 17 inches in male or 16 inches in females
• Having a history of asthma or allergic reaction in the childhood
• Enlarged tonsils that have not been removed
• Difficulties in breathing
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Oral piercings
• Having diabetes
• Smoking nicotine
• Excessive alcohol consumption and using tranquilizers

It is important to seek for treatment when you experience the above symptoms. There are different treatment that you may use. They include the use of continuous positive airway pressure, surgery, shedding some weight and use of oral appliances.
It is also recommended to make some life changes that includes avoiding smoking nicotine, quite alcohol consumption and use of tranquilizers, sleeping by the side or stomach and avoiding fatty and junk foods. You should also keep the nasal passages open by using saline nasal sprays.

How to Treat a Scalloped Tongue

A scalloped or crenated tongue is a harmless condition and therefore it does not require direct treatment. It is recommended to get diagnosed to find out the underlying cause. Therefore treatment will be determined by the cause. However, there are various treatments and home remedies you can use depending with the underlying cause of the crenate tongue. They include:

• Treat the swollen tongue

A tongue can become swollen for a number of reason. The common causes of swelling are allergies, tongue piercing or injuries and some medical conditions. Once you have identified what causes your tongue swelling, it will become easier to relieve the swelling.
Taking over the counter antihistamines helps to alleviate tongue swelling that results from allergic reactions. Identify and avoid food, drugs or tongue piercing jewelries that triggers allergic reactions.
If swelling is accompanied with some pain, place some ice chips on the surface of the tongue and allow it to melt. It helps to relieve pain and swelling. Don’t allow the ice chips or cubes to overstay on your tongue as it may cause burning.

• Take vitamin B-12 supplements

As you read earlier, Vitamin B-12 deficiency in your body can lead to scallops at the edges of the tongue. Digestive system problems increases the risk of developing deficiency of this type of vitamin due to poor absorption.
Therefore, if you are diagnosed with deficiency of vitamin B-12, your doctor may give you a hydroxocobalamin injection regularly for a number of weeks. Alternatively, you can increase intake of food like daily products, poultry, eggs and fortified breakfast cereals among others that are rich in this type of vitamins.

• Treat hypothyroidism

If the underlying condition is found to be thyroid hormone deficiency or hypothyroidism, there are various treatments that can be done to restore the normal production of thyroid hormone in order to get rid of scalloped tongue.
You can consider to go for hormone replacement therapy or administration of thyroid hormone supplements followed by some dietary changes to include foods that are rich in vitamin B. Other treatments includes traditional Chinese medicine, osteopathy, biofeedback therapy and acupuncture.

• Avoid clenching or grinding teeth

In some cases, crenated tongue results from the pressure created on the border of the tongue from the teeth. It is therefore important to keep space between the teeth and tongue when you are not chewing or swallowing food.
If you are having misaligned teeth and are causing pressure at the border or edges of the tongue, you can visit your dentist for proper alignment of the teeth. This will help to reduce the pressure that is created between the teeth and your tongue.

• Treat sleep apnea disorder

Sleep apnea being one of the causes of crenated tongue, it is therefore important to find treatment when your tongue problems results from this condition. You can simply make some changes to your lifestyle that contributes to sleep apnea.
Some of the life changes to make includes having enough sleep every night, quit smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol, refrain from taking sleeping pills or tranquilizers, sleep by your side or stomach or avoid sleeping while facing upward and also shed some weight to prevent constrictions in the throat.

• Manage your stress

Some studies have linked stress to pie crust tongue. Poor stress management can lead to various health problems. Stress can lead to bad habits like clenching teeth, grinding teeth or compressing the tongue against the teeth.
Stress can also lead poor food habits. Some people prefer junk foods, sugary and fatty. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies that can result to various tongue problems. It is therefore important to manage stress by sharing your problem with your best friend, try to be humorous, have enough sleep, and avoid being perfectionist among other tips.

Cracked or grooved tongue is also known as scrotal tongue. It is simply when small or pronounced grooves or fissures develops on the surface of your tongue. It is considered normal to have certain types of cracks on the tongue. This condition can be harmless to your health.
However, it is not recommended to diagnose this condition by yourself. Some cracks on the tongue can cause pain, soreness and sensitivity to certain foods and drinks. It is a good idea to visit your healthcare provider to evaluate your condition since it can result from infections and other underlying body conditions.
The seriousness of this condition depends with the depth of the grooves or cracks and other symptoms like inflammation, burning sensation, pain or swelling of the tongue. A grooved tongue is characterized by the following:

• Fissures, grooves or cracks appearing only on the surface of the tongue. There is no any other part of the mouth that is affected
• The tongue becomes sensitive to certain foods and drinks especially acidic, spicy or hot. It may cause inflammation or a burning sensation when eating such foods.
• The cracks varies in depth. They may be shallow or slightly deeper depending on the cause.
• The cracks may be accompanied with other symptoms like soreness, pain or a burning sensation.
• The color and texture of the tongue changes. It may appear red and rough in texture.

A scrotal tongue can affect any body despite of the gender or age. There are various risk factors increases your chances of getting fissured tongue. For instance, weakened body immune system in infants and elders puts them at a risk of developing oral conditions like thrush. Other body conditions like diabetes also plays a role in developing this tongue condition.
The cracks can appear during the childhood. However, they become more pronounced with age. As you get older, the grooves also becomes more pronounced.

What is the Cause of Cracked Tongue?

Although most of the causes of cracked tongue are unknown, the following conditions or diseases are linked to it:

1. Geographic tongue

This is a harmless condition that affects the surface of the tongue. The surface of the tongue is normally covered with hair-like projections known as papillae. When having geographic tongue, it causes some patches on the tongue to lack the papillae.
This causes the areas that are missing papillae to be smooth with raised borders of the normal papillae. The patches gives the tongue a geographic appearance. This condition may appear alarming but it does not cause any serious risk to your health.
This condition may cause some pain or inflammations when eating spicy, salty or acidic foods. The exact cause of geographic tongue is unknown. This condition normally disappears on its own without treatment after a couple of month and may re-appear again if not treated.

2. Biotin deficiency

Biotin belongs to B vitamin family that plays a very role in body metabolism and fat synthesis. Deficiencies of this vitamin can cause the tongue to crack. You may also develop other symptoms like dry skin, hair loss, acne, skin dermatitis, weak nails, fatigue, gray skin and paleness.
Although it is rare to suffer from biotin deficiencies since most of the food that we take contain this type of vitamins. There are various conditions that can lower the absorption of biotin to your body such as excessive consumption of alcohol, regular intake of antibiotics and consuming raw egg white.

3. Oral thrush

Oral thrush is also known as candidiasis. It is a yeast infection that develops in the mouth as a result of fungus infection. Cracked tongue is among the symptoms of this mouth infection. A part from grooved tongue, this infections may also cause white bumps or lesion, pain and swelling of different parts of your mouth.
There are various factors that increases the risk of developing oral thrush. They include having weak immune system, suffering from diabetes, iron and B vitamin deficiencies, wearing dentures and often use of antibiotics. Infants and elderly people are prone to oral thrush due to weak immune system.
To combat this infection, take yogurt with active cultures to balance the level of fungus in your mouth. You can also visit your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. He or she may will give you antifungal medicines to take for a couple of days.

4. Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome

This is a rare condition that its cause is yet to be known. It results to cracked tongue among other symptoms that includes paralysis of the face, lip and facial swelling. The swollen lips can also develops some cracks that are painful. Salivary glands are part of the mouth that can also be affected during the outbreak of this condition.
Patience that are suffering from this condition normally recovers within a few hours or days. However, a severe outbreak can lead to permanent lip and facial swelling if not treated.

5. Tongue cancer

Tongue bump or lesions that are resistance to home remedy treatments and persists for a long time can be as a result of cancer. Tongue cancer is among head and neck type of cancer. The areas around the bumps may become sore, painful and cracked due to the growth.
It is important to visit your doctor when having a cracked tongue with some persistence swellings. Tongue cancer can easily be treated when discovered earlier. There are various treatments like chemotherapy, radio therapy and drug therapy that may be used to treat your condition.

6. Black hairy tongue

Black and hairy tongue is commonly caused by tobacco smoking, poor oral hygiene and drinking coffee or tea mostly. Smoking and alcohol consumption can cause the papillae to become inflamed and enlarged. Food particles, bacteria, dead cells and other debris can get trapped on the overgrown papillae to cause cracked black and hairy tongue.
It is important to keep your tongue clean all the time by brushing your teeth and scraping the tongue after every meal and before sleeping to avoid oral problems. Avoid habits like smoking tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol that can cause damage to your tongue and other organs.

7. Down syndrome

This is a genetic disorder that causes physical and mental problems in children before birth. Children who are suffering from this disorder have distinctive features like fissured tongue, flat face, short neck and arms. They may also suffer from intellectual disabilities that varies from one child to the other.
This results from a problem with the baby’s chromosomes. Having extra chromosome or other problems with chromosomes causes a Down syndrome.
Women are at a higher risk of delivering a baby with this condition when they get pregnant when old, having a history of this disorder in the family or having another baby with Down syndrome.

8. Sjogren’s syndrome

This is also another disorder that causes fissured, grooved or cracked tongue. It develops when your body attacks its own moisture-producing glands. The common glands that are affected includes tear and salivary glands that are located in the mouth and other parts of your body.
When suffering from this disorder, you are likely to develop other symptoms like cracked and swollen tongue, fatigue, dry mouth, inflamed and itchy eyes, and joint pains. This syndrome is believed to be caused by environmental and genetic factors.
When you suspect having this disorder, it is recommended to visit your healthcare provider. Although it has no cure, the symptoms can be controlled by stimulating saliva and artificial tears.

9. Dehydration

It is possible to develop a cracked tongue when your body is dehydrated. Also, the grooves or fissures on the tongue becomes more pronounced when there is insufficient moisture in the mouth. Once you start feeling thirsty, it shows that your body is already dehydrated. Take small ounces or water frequently.

10. Trauma or injuries to the tongue

Subjecting your tongue to constant injuries or trauma as a result of brushing too aggressively or friction from chipped tooth can cause cracks or fissures to develop on your tongue. Also a habit of grinding the teeth while a sleep can subject the tongue to a friction that causes cracks over a long time.

11. Use of tobacco and alcohol

Chewing and smoking tobacco causes inflammation and enlargement of the papillae which can lead to various infections that causes cracks on the tongue. Consumption of alcohol also plays a major role in development of cracks. In first place, it causes dehydration that is another cause. It also irritates the taste receptors.

What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Cracked Tongue?

Different organs on your body like the tongue can tell you a lot about your nutrition and health. Deficiencies or poor absorption of certain vitamins in your body can cause your tongue to develop various symptoms like cracks, soreness, and loss of papillae, ulcers or a burning sensation.
Deficiencies of B vitamin is the main cause of various tongue problems. This vitamin plays a very big role in your body that includes metabolism and absorption of other nutrient. Vitamin deficiencies can also lead to other symptoms like fatigue and painful muscles. Vitamin deficiencies that lead to cracks in tongue includes:
Riboflavin
Riboflavin is B2 vitamin, its deficiency is the major cause of cracked or fissured tongue. It plays a very big role in energy production, skin and vision health and also helps the body to use other vitamins like B6, folate, iron and niacin.
Deficiencies of riboflavin is rare since most of the foods we take contain this type of vitamins. However, deficiency symptoms may be noted in people who consume excessive amount of alcohol or those that don’t consume milk or its products.
The deficiency symptoms includes cracked, redness, inflamed, painful or smooth tongue. Other parts of the body may also experience skin rash and eye problems. However, it is recommended to take foods like milk, milk products, cereals, green vegetables, meat, liver, kidney or egg white that are rich in riboflavin.
Biotin
Biotin or B7 vitamin also plays very important roles in your body. It helps in energy metabolism, glucose synthesis, fat synthesis and amino acid metabolism. This vitamin are found in most of the foods that we eat like cauliflower, peanuts, liver, chicken meat, mushrooms and egg yolks.
Excessive consumption of alcohol and over-consumption of egg white can lead to deficiencies of biotin in your body. Therefore you are likely to experience symptoms like cracked tongue, pale or gray skin, hair loss, dry skin or dermatitis and muscle pain among others.
Folic acid
This is also another vitamin that its deficiency may cause tongue problems like cracks and soreness. Its deficiency is mostly caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, poor nutrition and long term use of antibiotics
Rich sources of folate includes leafy vegetables, seeds, liver, chicken meat, legumes, eggs, citrus fruits and cereals. It is recommended for adults to take at least 400micrograms a day of folic acid, pregnant and breast feeding mothers may need more than that.

Is a Cracked Tongue Painful?

Cracks on the tongue can be accompanied with other symptoms like pain, inflammation, itchiness or a burning sensation. The pain level varies depending with the cause, you may experience some pain especially when taking spicy, acidic, salty or hot foods and beverages.
However, you can easily control the pain using home remedies and treatment. However, don’t hesitate to visit your healthcare provider in case the pain persists after tying the following remedies.

• Make some changes to your lifestyle to prevent irritation. This includes avoiding intake of spicy, salty and acid foods and beverages.
• Avoid chewing or smoking tobacco and minimize alcohol consumption during the healing process of your fissured tongue.
• Alleviate the pain by placing ice chips on the surface of the tongue. Let it melt on its own without sucking and don’t allow it to overstay on the tongue. This can be done twice a day.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to reduce the pain. Avoid blood thinning pain relievers like aspirin.

When the cracks on the tongue are severe and painful, it is also a good idea to avoid using your routine toothpaste. You can opt for other alternatives like baking soda for oral care in the meantime as you wait for the cracks to heal.

How is Geographic Tongue different from Cracked Tongue

The surface of your tongue is covered by numerous hair-like projection referred to as papillae. However, a geographic tongue is a harmless condition that causes some patches of missing papillae on the tongue. The patches with missing papillae appears to be red and smooth with raised borders.
The patches will therefore give your tongue a map-like appearance. After some time the patches usually heal and migrate to another part of the tongue. This is why this condition is also referred to as migratory glossitis. A part from cracked tongue, it is characterized by various symptoms like:

• Sensitivity of the tongue to certain foods and beverages. You may feel pain, inflammation or a burning sensation when taking salty, spicy or acidic foods.
• Smooth, red and irregular shaped patches that keeps on migrating from one location to the other.

The exact cause of this condition is unknown but it is believed to result from chemicals found in alcohol or tobacco smoke, psoriasis, taking too hot foods and drinks, allergic reactions, taking spicy, salty and acidic foods or as a result of other infections of the tongue. More research is needed to find out the connection.
Geographic tongue can affect anybody but you are at a higher risk if your other family members have a history of this condition. It can be inherited from your family members. Other conditions like fissured tongue also predisposing factors to geographic tongue.

How to Diagnose a Cracked Tongue

Cracked or grooved tongue diagnosis involves making an appointment with your healthcare provider to determine the cause of your condition. The doctor will examine or look at your tongue carefully to determine if there is any other symptom that is accompanied with cracks.
He or she will also ask several questions concerning your condition. For instance, the doctor may need to know for how long you have experienced cracks on the tongue, if you have taken any medication or not any other symptoms you may be feeling like pain.
The doctor may also perform other tests that involves blood and biopsy of the lesions or bumps on your tongue to determine if the cracks are caused by tongue cancer or other underlying conditions like Melkersson-Rosenthal.
He or she will therefore prepare your medical report that shows the cause of your condition and some of the recommendations. Treatment will be determined by the cause, therefore you may be given some prescription medicines to use for a couple of days.

How to Cure a Cracked Tongue

Once you have identified the cause of your cracking tongue, it is easier to find a remedy a treatment to your condition. Some of the fissures or grooves normally disappears without any cure white others requires diagnosis and treatment. There are various treatments and remedies that you can use to get rid of grooves in tongue. They include:

• Improve your dental hygiene.

Bacteria, dead cells, food particles and other micro-organisms can hide in the grooves on your tongue and hence causing an infection that may deepen the cracks. It is therefore important to perform a proper dental cleaning.
Use a soft-bristle brush or a scraper to clean the tongue after every meal and before going to bed. You can also use a high quality mouthwash to clean your mouth. It helps to kill bacteria and other pathogenic micro-organisms that causes mouth infections.

• Take vitamin supplements

If you have confirmed from the doctor that your tongue fissures are as a result of biotin deficiency, you can take vitamin supplements. Alternatively, you can increase the intake of foods that are rich in biotin like eggs, chicken meat, cauliflower, and mushroom among other foods.
It is also importance to avoid habits that prevents absorption of biotin into your body. Some of the habits includes eating raw egg white, excessive consumption of alcohol and long term use of antibiotic drugs.

• Take more water to prevent dehydration

Keeping your body hydrated is a simple remedy on how to fix a cracked tongue fast. As you read earlier, dehydration is among the causes of fissures on tongue. Always keep a bottle of water at hand. Take little water at regular intervals to keep your tongue and mouth moisturized.

• Reduce the irritation

Cracked or fissured tongue can be sensitive to some food and additives. It is therefore important to refrain from spicy, acidic and salty foods until the cracks are healed. Irritation may delay the healing process which can subject the tongue to infections.
Others things that can causes irritation like chewing or smoking tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol should also be avoided. Consult your dentist on the measures you can take to avoid friction from chipped tooth or dentures.

• Place ice chips on the tongue to reduce pain

To reduce pain, irritations and other discomforts, place some ice chips on the tongue and allow it to melt on its own without sucking. This can be done 2-3 times a day until the pain is relieved. Avoid overstaying the ice on the tongue is it may cause burning.

• Apply some glycerin

Glycerin has a soothing effects that helps to reduce the discomforts caused by a grooved tongue. It also helps to moisturize the tongue, lips and mouth lining to prevent further cracking. You can use this remedy twice a day until your tongue heals.

• Go for medical treatment

Some of the cracks can result from different infections like oral thrush that requires a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. After the doctor will have performed the tests, you may be given some antifungal medicines to use for several days.

What does a white coating on tongue mean? A white coated tongue occurs when bacteria, fungi, debris and dead cells get trapped in enlarged or inflamed papillae that are found on the surface of your tongue. In most cases, this condition is harmless to your health and temporary. There is nothing to worry about when there is no any other sign of a serious disease.
However, in some cases, a white coated tongue can be symptomatic to underlying disease or infection that can be life threatening when left untreated. It is important to visit your health care provider to determine the cause of this condition when it is persistence or accompanied with other symptoms.
White coatings that is causes by harmless conditions can easily be removed by brushing or scrapping your tongue regularly. However, those that results from more serious condition may require a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment.

Why do I have a White Coating on my Tongue?

There are various factors that can cause this tongue condition. They include the following:

1. Dehydration

Is a white tongue a sign of dehydration? Dehydration is the major cause of temporal white tongue coating and dry mouth. Taking water frequently can help to prevent this condition. Once you start feeling thirsty, it shows that your body is already dehydrated.
The other symptoms of dehydration includes dark colored urine, infrequent urination, headaches and exhaustion. Although you are supposed to take at least 8 glasses of water a day, the mount of water you need per day depends on your body weight, the activity you are doing and the climate of your area.

2. Smoking

Smoking tobacco causes inflammation or swelling of the taste receptors. Bacteria, fungi, dead cells and other debris can get trapped in the swollen taste buds to cause an infection that results to white coating on tongue. The smoke from tobacco also contains chemicals that are harmful to mouth tissues and your health.

3. Excessive consumption of alcohol

In the first place excessive consumption of alcohol causes excessive dehydration of your body. As you read earlier dehydration is among the causes of white patches on the tongue.
Secondly, alcohol causes inflammation of the taste buds. Dirty, bacteria and fungi may get trapped in enlarged papillae to cause infections that leads to white coating. Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption and focus on how you can get rid of the white patches.

4. Poor oral hygiene

Practicing improper oral hygiene increases the amount of bacteria, fungi and other pathogenic micro-organisms that are found in your mouth. Poor hygiene can also lead to accumulation of dirty, bacteria and dead cells on the surface of your tongue. This may lead to white coating on tongue.
Improve your oral care hygiene. Brush your teeth after taking every meal and before going to bed. Floss your teeth frequently and use a high quality antiseptic mouthwash to clean your mouth. It helps to reduce the amount of bacteria that are found in your mouth.

5. Oral thrush

Oral thrush is also known as candida, it is a yeast infection in the mouth as a result of fungus. This is the same fungus that causes vaginal yeast infection. This condition causes white patches that resembles a cottage cheese to develop on the mouth surface including the tongue.
There are various factors that increases the chances of developing oral thrush. They include the following:

• Having a weak immune system
• Other body conditions like diabetes
• It is common among infants and elderly people
• Taking inhaled steroids for conditions like asthma or lung infections
• Wearing of dentures
• Often use of antibiotics.

It is recommended to visit your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment when you suspect having oral thrush. To restore a mouth that is damaged from oral thrush, take plain yogurt, probiotic supplements and antifungal medicines.

6. Leukoplakia

A part from dehydration that is the common cause of white patches in mouth, leukoplakia can also lead to white coated tongue. This condition causes excessively growth of cells in the mouth. Other parts of the mouth can also be affected by this condition.
Leukoplakia results from irritations of the tongue especially from smoking tobacco. This condition is not dangerous on its own although there is chances of developing mouth cancer later in life if not treated. It is therefore important to visit your doctor for treatment when you notice overproducing cells in the mouth.

7. Oral lichen planus

This is another cause of white coating on tongue. It causes several white raised lines to develop on the tongue. Other parts of your mouth can also get affected when suffering from this condition. The exact cause of this condition is not known but it is linked to low body immune system.
Mild cases of this condition does not cause discomfort. However, a severe condition can result to a burning sensation, inflammation or pain and other discomforts. Severe oral lichen planus can be managed by using a high quality mouthwash to clean the mouth.

8. Syphilis

This is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through sexual contact. It spreads from one person to the other through direct contact with open sores on skin or mucous membrane. It causes small painless sores to develop on genitals and rectum. They can also appear as white coating on tongue and other parts of the mouth as white painless sores.
After infection, syphilis bacteria can remain dormant in your body and reactivate again after a long time. If not treated, this infection can cause complications like brain damage and even death.
It is therefore recommended to visit your doctor when you suspect that you are infected. It can easily be treated using anti-biotic tablets or penicillin injection.

9. Mouth cancer

Mouth cancer is also referred to as oral cancer or oral cavity cancer. It is in a category of head and neck cancer. It can develop on any part of your mouth including tongue, gums, lips, roof of mouth, floor of mouth, inside cheeks and lip.
When the tongue is affected, it begins in the flat squamous cells that are located on the surface of your tongue. It can be treated using surgery to remove the affected cells. Other treatments involves chemotherapy, radiotherapy and drug therapy.
Visit your healthcare provider for treatment when you notice overgrowth of some cells on your tongue or any other part of the mouth. Mouth or tongue cancer can easily be treated when noticed earlier.

10. Geographic tongue

Geographic tongue is also among what causes white and flaky patches on the tongue. The patches resembles those that develops on the skin when suffering from eczema. It is believed that this condition occurs when your body is under stress.

What does White Patches on Tongue Mean?

Having white patches on the tongue is caused by various things. The common causes of this tongue condition includes excessive dehydration, smoking tobacco, excessive consumption of alcohol, poor oral hygiene, oral cancer, geographic tongue, leukoplakia, lichen planus, oral thrush and canker sores among other causes.
Some of the causes of white patches on tongue are characterized by other symptoms like inflammation or a burning sensation of the taste receptors, bad breath and swollen tongue. This difficulties can affect the daily functions of the tongue like speaking, tasting different elements in food, chewing and swallowing food.
White patches on tongue treatment depend with the cause. Less serious causes can be treated by making some lifestyle changes like avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, taking plenty of water to avoid dehydration and improving your oral hygiene.
Those that are causes by more serious condition requires a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. The doctor will prescribe some medicines to use like antifungals, antibacterial or any other treatment depending with the test results.

Reasons for White Coating on Tongue and Bad Breath

White coated tongue and bad breath are common things that many people are struggling to eliminate. It is difficult for some people to smell their own breath, it is people who are around you that will feel it when you speak or yawn.
One way of finding out whether you have a bad breath is by asking your close friend to smell your breath. Alternatively, the best way to find out the smell of your breath is by checking the color of your tongue. A white coated tongue is usually accompanied by bad breath.
There are several obvious causes of white tongue and bad breath. They include the following:

• Improper oral healthcare

Poor oral healthcare can lead to accumulation of food particles, dead cells and other debris to accumulate between your teeth and on the tongue surface. The dirty mouth environment harbors bacteria and other micro-organisms that causes bad breath and white tongue coating.
It is recommended to brush your teeth using a brush and toothpaste after every meal and before going to bed. Also, use a high quality mouthwash to rinse your mouth. It helps to kill bacteria that causes white coatings and bad breath.

• Dry mouth

Dry mouth results from dehydration of the body that causes white coating on tongue. Inadequate saliva in the mouth inhibits the removal food particles from the mouth. Saliva also helps to kill harmful bacteria that causes different mouth conditions. Therefore its deficiencies can lead to bad breath and white patches.

• Certain foods

There are some foods that can lead to bad breath when eaten. The common ones includes red onions and garlic. When some particles are left in the mouth, they can lead to bad breath. Gargle some water in the mouth after eating a meal that contains garlic or red onions.

• Smoking tobacco

Bad breath and tongue patches is the common problem that is associated with tobacco smoking. It causes inflammation of the taste buds. Foo particles, dead skin cells and bacteria can get trapped in the enlarged papillae to cause white tongue coating and bad breath.

• Medical condition

There are various medical conditions that can lead to bad breath. Some of them included sinusitis. Tongue surgeries can also cause difficulties in performing proper oral care practices.

• Acid reflux condition

Regurgitation of food and other materials from the stomach to the mouth can also cause a bad breath and other mouth problems.

Can you get a White Tongue When Sick?

It is common to have a white coated tongue when sick. White coated tongue can be symptomatic to some conditions like candida, oral thrush, lupus, syphilis, leukoplakia, jaundice and liver congestion.
Some of this conditions are also accompanied with other symptoms like sore throat, fever, headache, tongue swelling, inflammation or pain and swollen lymph nodes. Some of this conditions may become severe and hence requires a doctor’s consultation.

What is a White Coating on Back of Tongue Sign of?

White coating at the back of your tongue is mostly caused by poor oral health. Some people may find it difficult to clean the whole tongue from the back due to the chocking effect of brush or tongue scrappers. Therefore most of us will start cleaning the tongue from the center instead of the back.
Apart from improper oral health, there are also other causes of white tongue coating as you read earlier. However, it is recommended to visit your doctor when this condition is accompanied with other symptoms like tongue swelling, inflammation, bleeding, pain or a burning sensation.

Why is my Tongue White and Sore

Various oral infections that results from bacteria, fungi and viruses can also cause a white coated tongue and a sore throat. For instance, fungus can cause oral yeast infection that affects the tongue and throat. Yeast infection is also known as oral thrush or candidiasis, it is caused by fungus candida.
Oral thrush commonly affects infants and elders due to their weak immune systems. Other factors that increases the risk of developing oral thrush includes, wearing dentures, recent intake of antibiotics and other body conditions like diabetes.
This oral fungal infection can be controlled by taking yogurt with live active cultures that helps to restore your oral balance. Severe infection requires doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. You may be given prescription antifungal medicines to take for a couple of days or weeks.
Bacterial infections like sinus and strep throat can cause white tongue and sore throat. They are usually accompanied with other symptoms that includes pain around eyes and nasal cavities, headache, nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, swollen lymph nodes fever and swollen tongue.
Viral infection like HIV and Aids can also cause white tongue and sore throat. There is no treatment for viral infections. However, you can take some ARVs to control the symptoms of such body conditions.

What is this White Coating on Tongue of Baby

Babies can also develop a white coated tongue due to normal food residues accumulation or as a result of underlying medical condition. Using a wet washcloth to wipe the tongue can help to determine whether the white coating is as a result of food residues or medical condition.
White residues that persist after wiping the baby’s tongue may be an indication of underlying medical condition. Oral thrush is the common condition that causes white patches on tongue, lips, inner side of cheeks and roof of mouth in babies under the age of 1 year due to their low body immune system.
Scarlet fever is another condition that causes white tongue coating in babies. This condition is also known as white strawberry tongue. It causes inflammation of the taste buds that are on the surface of the tongue. It is also characterized with other symptoms like fever, sore throat, rash and swollen lymph nodes.
The other causes includes, geographic tongue and coxsackievirus. It is important to take your baby to a healthcare provider to determine the exact cause of this tongue condition. Some causes can be life threatening when left untreated.

How to Get Rid of White Coating on Tongue

The tongue is a very important muscle that help in tasting different elements in food i.e. sweet, salty and sour. It also helps in speaking and swallowing food.
A healthy tongue is normally pink in color and fairly is structure. However, different conditions and circumstances can cause it to have a white coating that may lead to bad breath and other problems that affects its functions.
Therefore, it is important to get rid of the white coating on back of tongue and other areas that may be affected before it become severe.
However, when this condition persist after trying the various home remedy treatment, don’t hesitate to visit your healthcare provider to determine the cause and provide the necessary treatment. Here are the various tips of how to get rid of the white tongue:

1. Take plenty of water to avoid dehydration

Dehydration is the common cause of temporal white coating on tongue. Taking small amount of water frequently can help to guard your tongue against this condition. Don’t wait to feel thirsty before taking water. Feeling thirsty means that your body is already dehydrated.

2. Practice good oral hygiene

Ensure that you brush your teeth and clean your tongue using a tongue scrapper after taking every meal, clean your mouth thoroughly before going to bed. It is also important to swish a high quality anti-septic mouthwash in your mouth once or twice daily. It helps to kill harmful bacteria that causes infections.

3. Avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol

Smoking tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol causes taste buds to become swollen and inflamed. Bacteria and dirty can get trapped in the inflamed taste buds to cause infection that results to white patches on tongue.
Alcohol also causes dehydration of the body which is another cause of white coatings on tongue. It is therefore important to quit smoking and consumption of alcohol and focus on treating your damaged tongue.

4. Use salt to get rid of white tongue coating

Salt is an effective remedy on how to get rid of white coating on tongue. Its coarse texture act as a natural scrapper to remove dead cells and other debris that accumulates on the tongue to form a white coating. It also has anti-septic properties that helps to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth.
It is easy to use this remedy, you simply apply salt crystals on the surface of the tongue and use a soft toothbrush to remove the debris. Use this treatment twice daily until the tongue resumes its normal color. After this, gargle water into the mouth and spit out.

5. Use vegetable glycerin

Vegetable glycerin is the best on how to clean the white stuff off your tongue. It helps to remove the white tongue coating, moisturizes dry mouth as well as getting rid of a bad breath.  Put few drops of glycerin on the affected areas and use a soft bristle toothbrush to remove the white patches.
Use clean water to rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing. Repeat this treatment 2-3 times daily until the tongue restores its normal color.

6. Lemon juice for white coated tongue

Lemon juice has anti-septic properties that helps to kill bacteria and fungi that causes infections like oral thrush in the mouth and thus preventing and eliminating the white coatings on your tongue. Obtain some fresh lemon juice and swish in the mouth and spit it out. This treatment also helps to prevent bad breath.

7. Use probiotics

Probiotics are also effective on how to get rid of white film on tongue. It contains L. acidophilus and B. lactic cultures which kills harmful bacteria and fungi in your mouth. To use this remedy, you simply mix probiotics powder with some water to make a solution.
After performing your routine dental or mouth care, use the probiotic solution as a mouthwash. Swish it in your mouth and swallow once a day. Then take a glass of water. Alternatively, you can go for probiotic supplements that are taken orally 3 times a day.

8. Use hydrogen peroxide to get rid of white coated tongue

Hydrogen peroxide has both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that helps to get rid of bacteria and fungi that accumulates on the tongue to form a white coating. It also provides other advantage like whitening the teeth as well as eliminating bad breath in your mouth.
Using 3% hydrogen peroxide, prepare a solution by mixing one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and two teaspoon of water. Dip a soft-bristle brush into the solution and use it to scrub your tongue. Spit the solution out and rinse your mouth with water. Repeat 3 times daily until the tongue resumes the normal color.

9. Try oil pulling to remove the white coating

Oil pulling is an excellent remedy for white coating on tongue that was use from traditionally to get rid of a white tongue. This remedy works best especially when your tongue condition is as a result of oral thrush. It helps to remove the yeast and other toxins on the tongue.
To use this treatment, place some extra-virgin coconut oil on the tongue before brushing. Swish the oil in every corner of the mouth for about 15 minutes. Spit it out and rinse your mouth thoroughly using water. Repeat the treatment once daily until you get the best result.

10. Use baking soda

Baking soda has exfoliating properties that helps to remove different materials that accumulates on the surface of the tongue. It also maintains the pH of the mouth by neutralizing the acids. To make this remedy more effective, mix some baking soda and lemon juice to make a paste.
Apply the paste on the tongue and use a soft-bristle brush to exfoliate the tongue. When done, spit it out and rise your mouth with water thoroughly. Use this treatment once a day. Alternatively, make a baking soda mouthwash by mixing it with water to make a solution and swish it in the mouth.
However, if your condition is persists after trying the above remedies, don’t hesitate to visit your healthcare provider to determine the exact cause of your condition.
White coating on tongue can be symptomatic to underlying life threatening conditions like oral cancer that requires a doctor’s treatment.

References:

1. Coated or white tongue: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coated-tongue/Pages/Introduction.aspx
2. White tongue: http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/white-tongue/basics/causes/sym-20050676
3. The white tongue, bad breath conundrum: http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/bad-breath/article/the-white-tongue-bad-breath-1215