When should I see a dentist or doctor about a tongue sore?

It is worth getting a dental or medical practitioner to diagnose the sore on tongue if it lasts more than two weeks, is very painful, or shows unusual changes. As there are different types of sores on the tongue, getting clarity on what type it is will help confirm if there are any underlying issues, if it is contagious and the proper treatment for it.

Are tongue sores contagious?

It depends what type of tongue sore it is and so it is worth seeking medical advice for a proper diagnosis. Some are, like cold sores caused by the herpes virus. Canker sores, however, are not contagious. Identifying the type of sore is key to ensure it is not spread to others let alone.

Can poor oral hygiene cause tongue sores?

Yes, bacteria buildup can irritate the tongue and contribute to sores. Regular brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning can help prevent them. It’s important that when there is a sore on the tongue, you brush gently and with soft-bristled toothbrush or tongue cleaner to avoid scrubbing the sore directly and preventing further irritation. Optimum oral care regime also includes regular check-ups with the dentist and dental hygienist.

Can stress cause tongue sores?

Yes, bacteria buildup can irritate the tongue and contribute to sores. Regular brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning can help prevent them. It’s important that when there is a sore on the tongue, you brush gently and with soft-bristled toothbrush or tongue cleaner to avoid scrubbing the sore directly and preventing further irritation. Optimum oral care regime also includes regular check-ups with the dentist and dental hygienist.

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Sores on the Tongue: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

06-04-2025

Sores on the tongue are a common ailment that can happen for a variety of reasons. Whilst canker sores and mouth ulcers may be the most familiar reasons for a sore on the side of the tongue, certain foods, allergies, and underlying medical conditions can also cause a tongue sore. Despite being painful, and occasionally impacting our eating and drinking habits, most tongue sores are harmless and will clear up without any medical assistance within a couple of weeks. In this article, we will discuss how to recognise the most common sore tongue causes, treatment methods, and when it may be necessary to consult your doctor.

Key Takeaways

In most instances, sores on the tongue are not a severe condition and will heal over in a week or two.
Different sores have different levels of severity. Keep an eye on sores that last over 3 weeks and seek medical attention if there is pain.
Maintaining good bodily health can positively impact your oral health.

Signs and Symptoms of Sores on the Tongue

Depending on their cause, sores on the tongue can appear slightly differently. While these changes may seem minor, they can be crucial in identifying the underlying causes behind a sore on the tongue. Most sores will be either:

Small, red spheres
Large, white or grey patches
Raw, open and bleeding

Other symptoms may also accompany a sore on the side of tongue including some wider swelling, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or discolouration on the tongue.

If sores persist and recur regularly, this can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition causing mouth sores.

Types of Sores on Tongues and their Treatments

Canker Sores

One of the most common types of tongue sores is a canker sore. Canker sores can appear on their own or in clusters and look like small white or red bumps on the side or top of the tongue. They can cause mild to severe pain depending on location and number.

If you are wondering ‘are canker sores contagious?’ the answer is thankfully no, as unlike some other mouth sores, canker sores cannot be passed between individuals.

Despite being so common, medical professionals are still unsure of what causes canker sores on tongues, but several triggers have been identified, including:

Trauma within the mouth (biting or burning your tongue etc.)
High stress or anxiety levels
Eating spicy or acidic food
Food allergies
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (namely B12)
Certain medications

Canker Sores Treatment

If you are wondering ‘how to get rid of canker sores’ you may be disappointed, as there is no set treatment for the ailment. Most canker sores will clear up on their own within a couple of weeks, but there are several ways you can lessen the discomfort of the condition, such as:

Saline rinses
Painkillers, both OTC medications and topical creams/ gels that can be used to numb any pain
Antimicrobial mouthwashes
Gentle oral hygiene products (soft bristles toothbrushes etc.)

If your canker sore lasts longer than 3 weeks, is severely painful, or affects your ability to eat or drink, consult your doctor.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are a common type of blister that affects the face and mouth. Although most cold sores will appear on or around the lips, they can develop and form on the tongue as well.

Cold sores are a symptom of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1), which, once contracted, stays with a person for life. When a cold sore is developing, you may feel a tingling sensation in a singular spot, followed by the formation of a painful, fluid-filled blister. Once HSV-1 is in your system, several triggers can provoke the onset of a cold sore, including:

Stress and fatigue
Hormonal changes (including periods)
Oral trauma
Sunburn
Minor illnesses
Surgery

Cold sores are highly contagious, and while you have a blister or a scabbed-over sore, you should avoid close contact (including kissing, oral sex, or sharing eating/drinking utensils) with anyone else.

Cold Sore Treatment

Much like with canker sores, if you are wondering ‘what kills cold sores instantly?’ you are likely to be disappointed. Cold sore treatments focus mainly on treating symptoms of HSV-1 and speeding up the healing process rather than bypassing it. Cold sores should heal without medical assistance within 2 weeks, but within that time you may use:

Antiviral creams applied directly to the cold sore site which can help eradicate it
Painkillers to alleviate pain and reduce the temptation to touch the sore
Cold sore patches to protect the skin and allow it to heal properly

Oral Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is an autoimmune condition that can affect the skin and mouth. When dealing with the oral variation of this condition, symptoms may include:

Ulceration within the mouth
Swollen gums
A change in tongue colour
Itchy white or lace-like patches around the body

The exact cause of oral lichen planus is still unknown, but it is believed that trauma to the mouth, medicines, or allergies can all be responsible for the onset of the condition.

Oral Lichen Planus Treatment

If you believe you are suffering from oral lichen planus you should consult your doctor. Lichen planus is a chronic condition and can be eased but not cured. Steroid medications are commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of oral lichen planus as well as immunosuppressants which can lessen pain.

Occasionally, UV light therapy is used for oral lichen planus treatment, but this will tend to be in severe cases.

Erythroplakia

Another condition that can cause sores on the tongue is Erythroplakia. Erythroplakia is a condition that affects the lining of the mouth mucosa, throat, and tongue and can cause red patches to appear on any of these areas. The most common Erythroplakia risk factors include:

Smoking
Excessive drinking or alcohol dependency
Poorly fitted dentures or dental work
Chewing tobacco
Poor oral health
HPV

Patches caused by Erythroplakia can be small enough to be mistaken as ulcers and can be flat and painless too. Most of these patches are harmless, but they can be precancerous so consult your doctor if you experience an Erythroplakia patch.

Erythroplakia Treatment

Depending on its cause, Erythroplakia treatment can vary. If sores are non-cancerous, then doctors will tend to advise you to limit drinking or stop smoking to avoid the recurrence of sores on the tongue.

If sores are cancerous, more serious treatment such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy will be required.

Protect Your Mouth

There are several reasons why you may experience sores on the tongue, from simple mouth ulcers and cold sores to more complex and serious conditions like oral lichen planus. Knowing the individual signs and symptoms of different sore types is vital for diagnosis and helping to separate a painful ulcer from a potentially precancerous growth.

Almost as important as diagnosis though is prevention, and a key element is maintaining good oral hygiene. That’s why Oral-B is committed to promoting the value of daily oral care — and the Oral-B iO Series electric toothbrushes lead the way. Powered by revolutionary magnetic iO technology, the iO Series delivers a clean that’s both thorough and gently.

For oral care you can trust, use Oral-B.

FAQs

When should I see a dentist or doctor about a tongue sore?
It is worth getting a dental or medical practitioner to diagnose the sore on tongue if it lasts more than two weeks, is very painful, or shows unusual changes. As there are different types of sores on the tongue, getting clarity on what type it is will help confirm if there are any underlying issues, if it is contagious and the proper treatment for it.
Are tongue sores contagious?
It depends what type of tongue sore it is and so it is worth seeking medical advice for a proper diagnosis. Some are, like cold sores caused by the herpes virus. Canker sores, however, are not contagious. Identifying the type of sore is key to ensure it is not spread to others let alone.
Can poor oral hygiene cause tongue sores?
Yes, bacteria buildup can irritate the tongue and contribute to sores. Regular brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning can help prevent them. It’s important that when there is a sore on the tongue, you brush gently and with soft-bristled toothbrush or tongue cleaner to avoid scrubbing the sore directly and preventing further irritation. Optimum oral care regime also includes regular check-ups with the dentist and dental hygienist.
Can stress cause tongue sores?
Yes, bacteria buildup can irritate the tongue and contribute to sores. Regular brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning can help prevent them. It’s important that when there is a sore on the tongue, you brush gently and with soft-bristled toothbrush or tongue cleaner to avoid scrubbing the sore directly and preventing further irritation. Optimum oral care regime also includes regular check-ups with the dentist and dental hygienist.

Sources

About Our Medical Reviewers

Dr Robert Lee is a dentist with more than thirty years of experience in the industry. Graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and from the University of New South Wales with a Master of Business Administration, Robert’s career has taken him all over the world – from Australia to Germany to his current position in Chicago, where he is the founder of Denticus Inc., offering strategic dental consulting. Robert has previously worked for Procter & Gamble as the Director of Professional Scientific Relations in both the Cincinnati and Sydney offices, being responsible for external relations and scientific exchange with leading professional associations and industry thought leaders. He was also responsible for all technical and scientific training for the professional teams in North America and Australia. Robert has been assisting the team at Oral-B by fact-checking and reviewing our blogs on dental health.

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