Pain in the tongue is a disease that causes a burning sensation, dryness and, indeed, pain. The causes can be many, including a bite or sunburn, fungal infections such as thrush, mouth ulcers and even burning mouth syndrome, also known as glossodynia or burning mouth syndrome. In some cases, the etiology of the pain is unknown. Based on your symptoms and possible medical diagnosis, there are different treatments that relieve pain and discomfort.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Home Remedies
Step 1. Rinse your tongue with cold water
If you have bitten it, then you should wet it with cold water to get rid of any traces of blood, food and debris and thus prevent a possible infection.
- If you have completely pierced the entire thickness of your tongue, go to the emergency room immediately.
- Once you have washed your tongue with cold water, you can suck on an ice cube to reduce pain and swelling.
Step 2. Suck on an ice cube or popsicle
This way you reduce the burning sensation and / or pain. The cold numbs the area, prevents you from feeling excessive pain and reduces edema so as to limit the discomfort.
- This remedy is particularly useful in case of involuntary sunburn and bites.
- The liquid that is produced with the melting of the ice also allows a certain degree of hydration; in this way the tongue does not dry out and the pain does not get worse.
Step 3. Rinse with a saline solution
The warm saline solution cleans the tongue and relieves the pain sensation. You can rinse every two hours until the pain and discomfort subside.
Add a tablespoon of salt to a glass of hot water and stir until completely dissolved. Use the solution as a mouthwash by moving a large sip in your mouth for 30 seconds. Focus on the painful areas of the tongue. When you're done, spit out the solution
Step 4. Avoid consuming anything that can aggravate the situation
When you have glossodynia, you should avoid eating anything that can make the pain worse, such as acidic and spicy foods or using tobacco. While these precautions do not speed up the healing process, they do make the situation more bearable.
- Eat soft, refreshing, tongue-soothing foods that don't make the pain unbearable; for example you can make yourself smoothies, puddings or choose soft fruit such as bananas. Yogurt and ice cream are perfect because they are fresh and soothing.
- Acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes, orange juice, sodas, and coffee only make your suffering worse. Also avoid mint and cinnamon, which can increase the discomfort you feel in your mouth.
- Try toothpaste that is suitable for sensitive teeth or toothpaste that does not contain mint or cinnamon.
- Don't smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco, as both of these can aggravate the pain.
Step 5. Drink more fluids
Stay hydrated throughout the day; in this way you not only reduce the feeling of dry mouth, but accelerate the healing process.
- Take plenty of fresh water or juice to keep your mouth moist.
- Stay away from drinks like coffee or tea in this way they cannot make the burning sensation and pain you feel in the tongue worse.
- Do not take alcohol or caffeine, they are irritating.
Part 2 of 2: Diagnosis and Pharmacological Therapy
Step 1. Go to the doctor
If you are experiencing pain in your tongue and home remedies have not paid off, visit your doctor. He will be able to identify the cause of the pain and advise you on the appropriate therapy for your case.
- You may experience tongue pain from a viral, bacterial or fungal infection of the mouth, a nutritional deficiency, inadequate dentures, bruxism, allergies, stress, anxiety, or excessive friction on the tongue. Burning mouth syndrome could also be the cause.
- You may not even notice any physical changes in your mouth or tongue when you suffer from this syndrome. Or you may have symptoms that are typical of irritation or infection, such as white patches on the tongue in cases of thrush, bumps, ulcers, or burning.
Step 2. Undergo tests to arrive at a diagnosis
If you have tongue pain or symptoms of burning mouth syndrome, then your doctor may order a series of tests to determine the cause. Laboratory tests are often not conclusive, but help the doctor to identify the most appropriate therapy.
- The doctor will use several diagnostic tools to define the etiology of your symptoms. He will definitely give you a blood test, mouth swab, biopsy, allergy tests, and stomach acid evaluation. They will also offer you a psychological test or assessment to rule out that the pain is related to anxiety, stress or depression.
- You may also be advised to stop taking certain medications to make sure they are not causing the problem.
Step 3. Take tongue pain medication
Based on the results of the tests, your doctor may prescribe drug therapy to relieve your symptoms. If the tests are not conclusive, then your doctor may recommend medications or home remedies to help you find some relief from the pain and discomfort.
- The three drugs commonly used in these cases are amitriptyline, amisulpride and olanzapine; their function is to block the action of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) responsible for the conduction of the pain or burning signal of the tongue.
- Your doctor may also consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to help combat discomfort, especially if you have trouble sleeping. The most common are acetominophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, all of which can be purchased without a prescription.
- Follow the doctor's instructions regarding the dosage of painkillers or read the drug leaflet carefully.
Step 4. Use balsamic candies or sore throat sprays
Both of these products contain a mild pain reliever that helps you find relief from tongue pain. You can buy them in pharmacies, parapharmacies and even online.
- You can find comfort by eating balsamic candies or using sprays every 2-3 hours, or by following your doctor's instructions or those on the package.
- Remember to suck on the candies until they are completely dissolved. Do not chew them or swallow them whole, as they may numb your throat and as a result you may find it difficult to swallow them.
Step 5. Spread capsaicin cream on your tongue
It is a topical pain reliever that allows you to counteract pain. You can apply it 3-4 times a day.
- The cream will initially increase the pain, but it will disappear quickly.
- Remember that prolonged use of capsaicin cream damages the tissue fibers of the tongue until it causes a permanent loss of sensation.
Step 6. Use an antiseptic mouthwash
Those that contain chlorhexidine or benzydamine are used to treat infections of the oral cavity, but are also useful against pain and swelling of the tongue.
- Benzydamine reduces pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins, the chemical mediators that occur when pain is caused by inflammation.
- Pour 15ml of benzydamine mouthwash into a glass and then rinse for 15-20 seconds before spitting it out.
