How to cope with pain in the tongue

The tongue is sensitive to pain. Cancer sores, injuries or infections can cause discomfort in one part or all of the tongue. Treatments depend largely on the cause.

A person can treat tongue pain with a few simple home remedies. However, certain conditions can cause tongue pain and these will need medical attention.

This article looks at home remedies and different medications for treating tongue pain.

Home treatments 

Home treatments and other methods include:

Maintaining good oral hygiene

Keeping a clean mouth could help a tongue heal. Brushing teeth and rinsing the mouth reduces harmful bacteria, which reduces the risk of infection.

A person should use a soft toothbrush to avoid irritation and scratching of the mouth. They should also avoid using strong mouthwashes, as this can aggravate the pain in the tongue.

Rinse the mouth with salt water

If a person has an injury to the tongue, keeping the area clean could promote healing. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that a gentle saltwater rinse can reduce the risk of infection.

To make a solution, add half a teaspoon of salt to a small glass of warm water. Gently rinse the salt water a few times and then spit.

Rinse the mouth with cool chamomile

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, chamomile is an herbal medicine that can soothe mouth sores. Although it is generally safe, there is limited evidence of its benefits.

People usually consume chamomile as an infusion or in tea. To treat mouth pain, a person can gently rinse the mouth with cold tea. He or she can also soak a sachet of chamomile and lightly tap the affected area.

Using sage as an herbal medicine

Sage is an herbal medicine and could reduce inflammation of the mouth. A person should place sage leaves in boiling water and allow it to cool before rinsing it in the mouth. This can help to relieve cancer sores on the tongue.

More research is needed to understand the full effects of sage on sore throat or tongue. Currently, there is no strong evidence that the herb effectively treats any medical condition.

Putting honey on the wound

A 2019 review notes that honey has antibacterial properties and may promote wound healing after burns. Winchester Hospital suggests that this natural substance could help alleviate the symptoms of cancer wounds.

In an earlier study, participants applied honey to their cancer wounds 4 times a day for 5 days. They then reported a reduction in pain and ulcer size.

Having regard to food and drink

Spicy, salty or acidic foods can irritate the tongue and mouth. People should try to cut out spicy curries and meals that contain a lot of citric acid until the tongue pain has healed. They should also avoid crunchy foods with sharp edges, such as crisps, which could damage the tongue.

Soda can also irritate the pain in the tongue or cancer wounds, so if a person wants to drink these drinks, it is better to replace them with something else. 

Avoidance of smoking

Tobacco can slow down the healing of wounds and irritate the tongue. People with tongue pain who smoke regularly may need to try nicotine patches to help them kick the habit.

When to see a doctor

A person may wish to seek medical advice if their sore lasts longer than 2 weeks, if there are multiple sores or if an ulcer is large. A doctor may suggest medication or an oral dressing.

People should see a dentist if a denture, brace or tooth injures the tongue. This will help prevent further damage to the mouth.