Canker sore on the side of the tongue

Tongue sores along the edges may be caused by physiological factors, or they may result from pathological factors such as trauma or oral ulcers. Appropriate treatment should be selected based on the underlying cause. The specific analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

Regular consumption of spicy and irritating foods—such as chili peppers and hot pot—may irritate the tongue's mucous membrane, potentially leading to mucosal erosion and sores. This is generally a normal phenomenon, and maintaining a light diet usually suffices.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Trauma

If a patient accidentally scrapes the edge of the tongue while eating, it may cause local injury and lead to tongue sores. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may use medications such as compound chlorhexidine mouthwash, compound borax mouthwash, or cydiodine lozenges for treatment.

2. Oral Ulcers

Oral ulcers may be related to genetic factors or deficiencies in trace elements, potentially causing mucosal damage and ulceration on both sides of the tongue, accompanied by redness and swelling, resembling sores along the tongue edges. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as zinc gluconate tablets, oral ulcer gel, or triamcinolone acetonide oral ointment.

Besides the above causes, conditions such as oral herpes simplex, oral lichen planus, or tongue cancer could also be responsible. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the exact cause and receive targeted treatment.