What causes tongue ulcers?

Sep 22, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

Tongue ulcers may be caused by factors such as oral trauma, stress and emotional fluctuations, vitamin B12 deficiency, bacterial infections, or recurrent aphthous stomatitis. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene, eat a balanced diet—especially foods rich in vitamins—and learn to manage emotions and maintain mental well-being to reduce the occurrence of tongue ulcers and other oral problems.

Under normal circumstances, tongue ulcers may be caused by factors such as oral trauma, stress and emotional fluctuations, vitamin B12 deficiency, bacterial infections, or recurrent aphthous stomatitis. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Oral Trauma

Biting the tongue accidentally, friction from hard foods, or improper use of oral hygiene tools can all cause surface damage to the tongue. The oral mucosa is highly sensitive, and once subjected to physical injury, it is prone to inflammatory reactions that lead to ulcer formation. Maintaining good oral hygiene in daily life is essential.

2. Stress and Emotional Fluctuations

Stress and emotional changes can affect the body's immune system and reduce the resistance of the oral mucosa. Prolonged mental tension, anxiety, or depression may also trigger tongue ulcers. Practicing deep breathing, yoga, or meditation in daily life can help alleviate psychological stress.

3. Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency is primarily caused by inadequate dietary intake, impaired absorption, or metabolic disorders. A lack of vitamin B12 may result in the aforementioned symptoms, possibly accompanied by fatigue and memory decline. Treatment should be conducted under a doctor’s guidance using medications such as vitamin B12 injections, adenosylcobalamin tablets, or hydroxocobalamin hydrochloride injection.

4. Bacterial Infection

Bacterial infections occur when bacteria invade and multiply within the body. When pathogenic organisms infect the oral cavity, they can trigger localized inflammatory responses, compromising the integrity of the oral mucosa and leading to tongue ulcers. Symptoms may include oral pain and fever. Patients should follow medical advice to take antibiotics such as penicillin V potassium tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or levofloxacin tablets for symptom improvement.

5. Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis may be associated with genetic factors, immune system abnormalities, malnutrition, and other causes. It is a common oral mucosal disease characterized by recurring oral ulcers, including those on the tongue, and may also present with symptoms such as oral pain and discomfort during swallowing. Treatment should follow medical guidance and may include medications such as fluocinonide acetate cream, Bingbor powder (Bingpeng San), or colchicine tablets.

In daily life, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, eat a balanced diet—especially consuming sufficient vitamin-rich foods—and learn to manage emotions effectively to maintain mental calmness, thereby reducing the occurrence of oral problems such as tongue ulcers.

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What causes a small swollen and painful area on the tip of the tongue, and what should I do about it?

In general, swelling and pain in a small area of the tongue tip may be caused by accidentally biting the tongue while eating, consuming excessively hot or spicy foods, tongue tip ulcers, lingual papillitis, oral herpes simplex, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms through general measures or medication under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain a light diet and avoid overeating.

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What medication can treat tongue sores?

In general, tongue ulcers are often associated with mucosal injury, infection, or decreased immunity. Common symptoms include oral ulcers on the tongue, pain, and difficulty eating. Patients may use medications such as watermelon frost spray, compound chlorhexidine mouthwash, kangfuxin solution, iodine glycerin, and vitamin B2 tablets as directed by a physician. It is also important to maintain good daily habits and avoid consuming spicy foods.

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What are some methods to eliminate bad breath?

In general, bad breath can be prevented by brushing teeth morning and evening, using dental floss to clean between teeth, rinsing the mouth after meals, regularly cleaning the tongue coating, and improving dietary habits. In addition, it is important to develop the habit of regular professional teeth cleaning to remove tartar and stubborn dental plaque. If bad breath persists, it may be related to oral diseases or digestive system problems.

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How can a person develop mouth ulcers?

In general, mouth ulcers may be caused by factors such as high mental stress, nutritional deficiencies, recurrent aphthous ulcers, herpetic gingivostomatitis, or traumatic oral ulcers. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth in the morning and evening, rinsing the mouth after meals, and avoiding excessively hot or spicy foods.