Why Does the Side of My Tongue Hurt?

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If you’ve ever experienced pain on the side of your tongue, it can be pretty uncomfortable, right?

That sudden sharp or dull ache can leave you wondering what might be going on.

The good news is that there are several reasons why your tongue might hurt, and most of them are fairly common and not a cause for major concern.

But, of course, it’s always good to know what could be causing the issue.

Let’s dive into some of the possible reasons why the side of your tongue might be hurting.

1. Canker Sores

Canker sores are small, round ulcers that can develop on the soft tissues inside your mouth, including your tongue.

They often show up on the sides or under your tongue, and they can be quite painful.

The exact cause of canker sores isn’t always clear, but stress, injury, certain foods, and a weakened immune system are common triggers.

What you might feel:

• A small, painful bump on the side of your tongue

• A tingling or burning sensation before the sore appears

• The pain might worsen when you eat or talk

What to do: Most canker sores heal on their own within one to two weeks.

You can use over-the-counter topical treatments, salt water rinses, or even avoid spicy foods to help manage the pain.

2. Tongue Injury or Biting

Accidentally biting the side of your tongue while chewing or during sleep can cause pain and swelling.

It may happen when you’re eating too quickly, chewing something tough, or even while talking.

What you might feel:

• A sharp, sudden pain when biting the tongue

• Swelling or bruising on the side of the tongue

• Pain that might subside after a few hours to a day

What to do: If you’ve accidentally bitten your tongue, the pain should go away on its own after a short time.

You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water or apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort.

3. Mouth Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)

Oral thrush is a yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida in the mouth.

It often leads to white patches on the tongue or the inside of the cheeks, and it can cause soreness and pain on the sides of the tongue.

What you might feel:

• Pain or discomfort in your mouth, including on the side of your tongue

• White or creamy patches on the tongue or inside of the cheeks

• A dry mouth or difficulty swallowing

What to do: Thrush usually requires antifungal medication, which your doctor or dentist can prescribe.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and managing any underlying conditions (such as diabetes) can help prevent recurring thrush.

4. Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a condition where you feel a burning sensation in your mouth, including the tongue, without any obvious cause like an infection or injury.

It’s often linked to dry mouth, hormone changes, vitamin deficiencies, or stress.

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What you might feel:

• A burning sensation on the tongue, especially on the sides

• Dry mouth or a metallic taste

• Pain that comes and goes throughout the day

What to do: If you suspect BMS, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider.

They may recommend treatments like saliva substitutes, vitamin supplements, or medications to help manage the symptoms.

5. Geographic Tongue

This condition sounds strange, but it’s actually quite common.

Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, causes irregular patches to form on the surface of your tongue.

These patches can sometimes appear on the sides of your tongue and might cause discomfort or pain.

What you might feel:

• Smooth, red patches with raised borders on the tongue

• Pain or sensitivity, especially when eating spicy or acidic foods

• The patches might move around or change location over time

What to do: Geographic tongue usually isn’t a serious problem and tends to improve on its own.

Avoiding spicy foods and using over-the-counter pain relief can help manage the symptoms.

If you’re concerned or the pain is intense, seeing a dentist or doctor can help rule out other conditions.

6. Vitamin Deficiency

A deficiency in certain vitamins, particularly B vitamins, iron, or folic acid, can lead to soreness on the side of the tongue.

This type of pain is often accompanied by a pale or glossy appearance to the tongue and general mouth discomfort.

What you might feel:

• Pain, soreness, or swelling on the tongue, especially on the sides

• A pale or shiny appearance of the tongue

• Other symptoms of deficiency like fatigue or weakness

What to do: If you suspect a vitamin deficiency, consider consulting with a healthcare provider.

They can recommend supplements or dietary changes to correct the imbalance and relieve the pain.

7. Allergic Reactions

If you’ve recently eaten something new or used a new oral product (like toothpaste, mouthwash, or a food item), it might trigger an allergic reaction.

This can lead to swelling and pain in the tongue, especially on the sides.

What you might feel:

• Swelling or tenderness in your mouth or on the tongue

• Itching or a rash in the mouth or around the tongue

• Pain that comes after eating or using new products

What to do: If you think you have an allergy, try avoiding the suspected trigger and see if the pain goes away.

If you experience significant swelling or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

8. Oral Cancer (Less Common)

While it’s rare, oral cancer can sometimes cause pain in the tongue.

This can occur in the form of a lump or sore that doesn’t heal, often accompanied by pain in the affected area.

Other symptoms of oral cancer may include difficulty swallowing, persistent mouth pain, and unexplained weight loss.

What you might feel:

• A persistent sore or lump on the side of the tongue

• Pain that lasts longer than two weeks

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking

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What to do: If the pain persists and doesn’t go away after a few weeks, or if you notice any unusual changes in the appearance of your tongue, see a healthcare provider for an evaluation.

Early detection of oral cancer increases the chances of successful treatment.

9. Tobacco Use

If you smoke or chew tobacco, this can irritate the side of your tongue, leading to pain or discomfort.

The chemicals in tobacco can cause sores, dryness, or inflammation in your mouth, which might be noticeable on the sides of your tongue.

What you might feel:

• Pain or a burning sensation on the side of your tongue

• Mouth dryness or sores that don’t heal

• Increased sensitivity to hot or spicy foods

What to do: Quitting tobacco products can help alleviate the pain and prevent further irritation.

Using mouth rinses and staying hydrated can also help ease discomfort in the short term.

When to Seek Medical Help

Most of the time, pain on the side of your tongue is nothing to worry about and will resolve on its own with some basic care.

However, if the pain lasts for more than a week, worsens, or is accompanied by other troubling symptoms (like difficulty swallowing, swelling, or unexplained changes in your tongue’s appearance), it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Summary

Pain on the side of your tongue can be caused by a variety of factors, including canker sores, injuries, infections, or even vitamin deficiencies.

While many of these causes are harmless and resolve on their own, some cases require medical attention, especially if the pain persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Pay attention to your body, and don’t hesitate to seek help if something feels off!

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