This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years
Does your tongue look swollen? A swollen tongue isn’t just unsightly – it can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to speak, eat and drink. There’s a range of things that can cause swelling in the tongue, from allergies and infections to medication side effects.
Some tongue swelling is mild and will go away on its own. Other swelling can be serious and requires urgent medical attention.
Here, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for a swollen tongue.
Common causes of swollen tongue
Let’s look at some common swollen tongue causes. The main culprits include:
Trauma or injury
If you burn your tongue or accidentally bite it when you’re eating, it can cause your tongue to swell temporarily.
Allergic reaction
Allergic reactions are a common cause of tongue swelling. You can have an allergic reaction to medication, food, or substances like insect bites can cause swelling in the tongue. If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should seek urgent medical attention. Mild allergic reactions can get better on their own.
Infection
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to tongue swelling. Types of infection that can inflame your tongue include oral thrush, strep, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis, gonorrhoea, and herpes.
Medical conditions
Other swollen tongue causes include medical conditions, particularly autoimmune disorders. Conditions like hypothyroidism, lichen planus, and Sjögren’s Syndrome can cause the tongue to swell due to an overactive immune system. People with Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome and amyloidosis are also prone to tongue swelling.
If a medical condition is the cause of your swollen tongue, the symptoms may be longer term than other causes, like injury or allergies.
Medication side effects
If you’re taking certain medications, this could be the cause of tongue swelling. Some medications can cause a non-allergic reaction known as angioedema, resulting in swelling in the tongue, face, and lips. Blood pressure medication, antidepressants, painkillers, and statins for high cholesterol are just a few types of drugs that could be causing your tongue to swell.
Symptoms of swollen tongue
How can you tell if your tongue is swollen? Common swollen tongue symptoms include:
Enlargement or puffiness of the tongue.
Pain, discomfort, or itching.
Difficulty speaking or swallowing.
Changes in taste sensation.
Redness or discolouration.
Smoothness on the tongue (due to loss of papillae on the surface).
Limited tongue mobility.
Excessive salivation.
Diagnosis
If you have swollen tongue symptoms that don’t seem to be easing, you should seek medical advice. You can visit a healthcare professional like your GP for a check-up, who will give you a physical examination to determine the cause. They may need to run some diagnostic tests to identify any underlying conditions or infections.
If you have a severely swollen tongue or difficulty breathing, you should seek urgent medical care.
Treatment for swollen tongue
Home treatment for swollen tongue
If you have a mild swollen tongue or one caused by trauma (burning or biting), there are some home treatments you can try to alleviate discomfort.
Ice – To help reduce inflammation, you can suck on some ice chips or wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth before holding it against the affected area.
Saltwater – Mix a teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water. Swill it around your mouth or gargle it for around a minute. This helps to treat swollen tongues by reducing the swelling and killing harmful bacteria.
Drink plenty of fluids – Keep your mouth hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Avoid irritating food and drink – Steer clear of spicy, salty, and acidic foods until your tongue heals. Things like spicy curries and carbonated drinks can irritate your tongue more.
Good oral hygiene – Make sure to practice good oral hygiene to reduce harmful bacteria, like flossing daily and brushing your teeth twice a day. Mouthwash also helps maintain oral hygiene but avoid ones that may irritate your tongue more, like those containing alcohol.
If you seek medical help for a more severe or persistent swollen tongue, you may be prescribed medications to treat it.
Antihistamines may be prescribed as a swollen tongue allergy treatment.
Topical corticosteroids and retinoic acid can be given for oral sores and tongue inflammation.
Antibiotics can be given to treat infections causing swelling in the tongue.
Immunosuppressants may be prescribed for autoimmune conditions.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers can be taken to reduce the swelling and ease pain.
Topical gels can reduce pain by numbing the tongue.
Saliva stimulants can be given to ease a dry mouth.
Preventing swollen tongue
The best swollen tongue treatment is prevention. Sometimes a swollen tongue is beyond your control, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk.
Take care to avoid allergens or triggers, especially if you know you have an allergy.
Don’t consume food or drink that’s too hot. Let it cool before you put it in your mouth to avoid burns.
Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly to keep your teeth and mouth clean. You should also attend regular dental check-ups to maintain the health of your teeth and mouth.
Take care not to cut your tongue when eating sharp food like crisps and boiled sweets.
To maintain a high standard of oral hygiene, brushing with an electric toothbrush removes more plaque for cleaner teeth and healthier gums. In addition to toothpaste, you should use floss and mouthwash for an ultra-clean mouth
When to seek medical help
Seek urgent medical help if:
Your tongue is severely swollen, and you are struggling to breathe.
Your tongue is progressively swelling more.
You have other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction like hives, discolouration of the lips, nausea and vomiting.
You cannot swallow.
FAQs about swollen tongue
How long does a swollen tongue last?
How long a swollen tongue lasts depends on the cause. If it’s caused by trauma or injury, it might last a few hours to a few days. Allergic reactions should improve within a day or two with treatment, but swelling caused by infections might last a week or more.
Can stress cause a swollen tongue?
Stress cannot directly cause a swollen tongue. Habits associated with anxiety, like teeth grinding and tongue biting, can cause tongue swelling. Severe stress can also weaken your immune system, which makes you more susceptible to infections that can result in swelling of the tongue.
What foods can cause a swollen tongue?
Foods that can cause a swollen tongue are usually those that trigger an allergic reaction, such as shellfish, nuts, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat. Individual reactions may vary, so it's essential to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have a food allergy.
Is a swollen tongue a sign of an allergic reaction?
A swollen tongue can be a sign of an allergic reaction. If you have a severely swollen tongue and are having difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention. However, there are other causes of tongue swelling, like injury to the tongue, infection, medical conditions, and medication side effects.
How can I reduce swelling in my tongue?
You can reduce mild swelling in your tongue with at-home treatments like ice and saltwater. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and maintain good oral hygiene. If you have a severely swollen tongue, seek medical attention.
Can poor oral hygiene cause a swollen tongue?
Yes, poor oral hygiene can contribute to a swollen tongue. Inadequate oral care can lead to bacterial or fungal infections, such as oral thrush or periodontal disease, which can cause inflammation and swelling of the tongue. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help prevent this.
