Glossalgia is pain in the tongue area without any visible changes. It manifests itself as a feeling of burning, tingling, rawness, tingling in the tongue, a feeling of dryness in the mouth, not associated with food intake and other irritants. Glossalgia is always secondary to the underlying disease (neurosis, gastrointestinal diseases, liver diseases, endocrine disorders) or injury (dentition placement, tooth extraction, oral surgery, etc.). Eliminating the cause of glossalgia leads to its disappearance.
Causes
Pain on the side of the tongue occurs under the influence of internal and external factors. This could be a simple injury or a serious pathology.
Self-medication is dangerous with complications!
Attention
Despite the fact that our articles are based on trusted sources and have been tested by practicing doctors, the same symptoms can be signs of different diseases, and the disease may not proceed according to the textbook.
Pros of seeing a doctor:
- Only a specialist will prescribe suitable medications.
- Recovery will be easier and faster.
- The doctor will monitor the course of the disease and help avoid complications.
find a doctor
Do not try to treat yourself - consult a specialist.
External factors
Pain in most cases develops due to underlying causes.
Inflammation
Infection in the oral cavity affects not only the gums and mucous membranes, but also some areas of the tongue. The small papillae on the side become inflamed, ulcers form, redness appears, and the person feels an unpleasant burning and itching.
If the side of the tongue hurts, the cause may be the development of an inflammatory process, injury, negative effects of external factors, incorrectly installed fillings or dentures, dental diseases, allergies, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Blood tests, ultrasound, x-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging will help make an accurate diagnosis.
The choice of therapeutic tactics depends on the root cause of the pathological condition.
Infectious bacteria can enter the oral cavity from the outside or from the inside, for example, with an infectious disease of the nasopharynx.
Injuries
You can accidentally bite the side of your tongue while jumping, falling badly, or chewing large pieces of hard food. Such a mini-injury is very disturbing, but the appearance of the inflammatory process increases pain and contributes to the development of redness. Epileptics bite their tongues during another attack.
If tongue pain occurs, it is important to independently feel and examine the organ from all sides.
If you suspect the growth of a tumor-like formation in the body of the tongue, you should immediately contact an oncologist.
Dentist
Novikova Olga Alexandrovna
8 years of experience
Uncomfortable dentures
If the edges of the products are poorly processed and left sharp, then the tongue can be injured while eating. The same thing happens if too large parts of the locking connection were used during prosthetics. Complex orthopedic structures often injure the lateral surface of the tongue during adaptation.
Poor quality fillings on teeth
Untreated edges of treated areas, excess composite material and protruding “gaps” can rub not only the oral mucosa, but also the side of the tongue. This problem arises when visiting unqualified dentists in cheap clinics.
Why can our articles be trusted?
We make health information clear, accessible and relevant.
- All articles are checked by practicing doctors.
- We take scientific literature and the latest research as a basis.
- We publish detailed articles that answer all questions.
These are just the most common causes of pain on the side of the tongue. To accurately determine the causes of the unpleasant syndrome, you should undergo an examination by a doctor.
Internal reasons
In addition to external factors influencing the muscular organ of the oral cavity, the influence of internal prerequisites is also noted.
Glossitis
Tongue disease has several forms. Catarrhal glossitis develops due to stomatitis, candidiasis and surface damage. The ulcerative variety is manifested by characteristic wounds, organ swelling and bleeding. Desquamative develops due to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, parasitic infections and metabolic disorders.
Glossalgia
This is a dangerous pathology, the symptom of which is pain on the side and at the base of the tongue. In addition to the unpleasant syndrome, there is a burning sensation and long-lasting itching - this poisons life and prevents you from eating normally.
This disease is caused by problems with the intestines and stomach. Changes in hormonal levels and frequent stress can also affect the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the mouth. If treatment is not started on time, the problem will affect the gums and the inner surface of the cheeks.
Allergy
Often, pain on the right or left side of the tongue is the result of an allergic reaction to certain foods or medications. It is necessary to monitor your diet and medication intake to determine for sure why this reaction occurs.
Stomatitis
This disease has several forms of manifestation and causes. The symptoms of dental pathologies are similar: ulcers on the mucous membranes of the mouth, redness and swelling on them and on the gums. Wounds form under a dull gray film on the lateral and central surface of the tongue. In this case, any dentist will identify the disease and prescribe treatment.
Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract
If the secretory activity of the stomach is impaired, then the side of the tongue is always covered with erosions. The sores are small in size and are protected by a white film with a red border. The wounds presented are very painful and difficult to heal. They go away only after the stomach functions are restored.
In any case, it is impossible to independently determine the cause of soreness of the tongue on the side. If this is not a minor injury, then you should consult a doctor, especially if the discomfort continues for several days.
Raynaud's syndrome
Another cause of discomfort is poor circulation of small vessels. This condition is provoked by cold, severe stress, and vibration. As a result, a spasm occurs that reduces blood flow to the face and limbs. The affected area turns white, then blue. This is primary Raynaud's syndrome and can affect the tongue.
A person feels tingling, numbness or pain in the affected area, then blood flow is restored and everything returns to normal.
Unpleasant symptoms will quickly disappear if you warm up, calm down and relax.
The secondary syndrome is called Raynaud's disease. This is a dangerous health condition that is caused by a compromised immune system or peripheral nerve damage due to diabetes. Raynaud's disease manifests itself with the same symptoms as the syndrome, but has more serious consequences.
About the features of symptoms
Soreness of the tongue on the side is always accompanied by other symptoms, according to which the doctor can make a diagnosis during the first examination of the patient. Inflammation almost always develops in the affected area - it can be seen by such manifestations as:
- redness of the mucous membrane;
- ulcers and erosions;
- sensation ;
- whitish or gray coating;
- the papillae of the tongue are enlarged;
- swelling of the organ around the edges or completely.
In some diseases, dry mouth, increased salivation, swelling of nearby lymph nodes, and an increase in local temperature are observed. If a neurological pathology develops, a person may experience an unexplained numbness of the tongue, difficulty speaking, and a headache.
Stroke
In some cases, a numb tongue is the first sign of an acute disruption of the blood supply to the brain. Stroke is considered the second most common cause of death after a heart attack.
If numbness or tingling in your tongue is accompanied by other warning signs, call emergency medical services immediately.
Danger signs:
- slurred, distorted speech;
- loss or confusion of consciousness, delirium;
- weakness, immobility, numbness of half the body;
- urinary or fecal incontinence;
- impaired vision, coordination;
- difficulty breathing with swelling of the face.
What to do
The symptoms of various causes are similar to each other, but for clarification, consultation with a specialist is required - only he will decide what to do next. If this is mechanical damage, then there is no need to worry, but in the case of glossitis or glossalgia, the help of more than one doctor may be required.
Who treats tongue
The tongue plays an important role in human life: this muscular organ is involved in speech activity and also helps in chewing food; by its appearance one can judge a person’s overall well-being.
In any case, you should start with the dentist. During the examination, he will identify the problem and, if it is due to a poorly installed filling or prosthesis, he will solve the problem on the spot - he will simply grind off the sharp edges. If the cause of the trouble is a product with a complex design, he will refer you to the appropriate specialist.
If a dental problem is not detected, consultation with a therapist, surgeon, gastroenterologist, allergist, or dermatologist will be required. You cannot delay the examination and self-medicate; an experienced doctor will find the cause and prescribe the correct therapy.
Migraine
Tingling of the face, lips, or tongue is observed before a moderate to severe headache attack. Migraines are characterized by periodic or regular episodes of discomfort. It is observed only in one part of the head.
Symptoms that predict a migraine:
- bright dots or zigzag lines before the eyes;
- loss of sensation in the limbs or tongue;
- slow, slurred speech;
- auditory hallucinations.
- No-spa - what it helps with: using the drug for pain
- Ringworm in humans
- Cleansing the body at home - where to start and how to do it
Diagnostics
To determine the diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo the following types of research:
- general and detailed analysis of blood and urine;
- Ultrasound of internal organs;
- secretory function of the stomach;
- contrast x-ray of the stomach;
- CT or MRI – performed for timely detection of oncology;
- synthesis pancreatic hormones
You cannot refuse the examination - continued exposure to provoking factors will lead to a deterioration in the condition of the oral cavity and the spread of the disease to other organs.
Hypocalcemia
Tingling lips or tongue causes abnormally low calcium levels. The symptom occurs when the parathyroid gland is malfunctioning or there is a lack of food rich in the mineral. To diagnose the problem, you need to take a blood test.
Symptoms of hypocalcemia disappear when a person begins taking mineral supplements.
Additional signs of calcium deficiency:
- muscle spasms;
- cramps of the arms and legs;
- stiffness of body parts.
About treatment with various methods
After determining the diagnosis, treatment should be carried out by a specialist whose competence is the identified pathology. If several diseases are identified, complex therapy will be required. The main directions of treatment are the following methods.
Self-medication is dangerous with complications!
Attention
Despite the fact that our articles are based on trusted sources and have been tested by practicing doctors, the same symptoms can be signs of different diseases, and the disease may not proceed according to the textbook.
Pros of seeing a doctor:
- Only a specialist will prescribe suitable medications.
- Recovery will be easier and faster.
- The doctor will monitor the course of the disease and help avoid complications.
find a doctor
Do not try to treat yourself - consult a specialist.
Injury
If the injury occurred as a result of poor-quality prosthetics or the installation of an untreated filling, then the defects must be eliminated by an appropriate specialist. At the same time, treatment of the mucous membrane with dental gels and rinsing with solutions are prescribed. Careful oral care is recommended.
Dental manifestations
It is required to put fillings on areas with caries, use high-quality toothpaste and carefully care for the oral cavity. Stomatitis or glossitis is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and agents that suppress the activity of harmful microorganisms. In combination with general therapy, the mucous membrane is treated with antiseptics and gels.
Endocrine diseases
It is necessary to restore hormonal levels and take medications to maintain the level of excretion of elements. Provides constant monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Stomach diseases
Drugs are prescribed against bacteria that cause gastritis and stomach ulcers, antacids, sorbents, and missing enzymes. Doctors recommend following a therapeutic diet, drinking mineral water, and treating your mouth with anti-inflammatory drugs.
Infection
Here you should first eliminate the source of inflammation with antiviral and antibacterial agents. If the cause is yeast-like fungi, then antimycotic drugs are prescribed. It is imperative to maintain local and general immunity. Taking vitamin and mineral complexes and healthy nutritional supplements will strengthen the body's resistance to various infections.
Diseases of various organs
The occurrence of pain on the side of the tongue due to the development of pathologies of internal organs requires systemic treatment. Therapeutic measures are prescribed for the main diagnosis and treatment of the oral cavity with various medications.
Minor injuries or burns
In this case, you should avoid products that irritate the nipple strings on the tongue or injure them: chips, crackers, candies with sharp edges and harmful dyes. Freshly cooked soups should not be eaten; they must be allowed to cool for at least 15 minutes. The same must be done with tea, coffee and other hot drinks.
Allergy to medications
Antihistamines will help get rid of unpleasant symptoms. Sorbents help bind and remove allergens from the body. The attending physician will prescribe medications with a similar effect, but without containing substances that provoke a reaction.
Vitamin B deficiency
A tingling tongue is a common symptom of a lack of important substances. These include folates and cobalamins. These are vitamins B 9 and B 12, the deficiency of which is manifested by severe fatigue. It is explained by the fact that these substances are responsible for the production of red blood cells, which affect the health of the nervous system. Low levels of B vitamins often lead to anemia. One of its symptoms is a change in taste.
Most vitamins enter the body from food. If the diet is poor, the risk of deficiency of these substances increases.
Foods rich in B vitamins:
- fish;
- meat;
- eggs;
- dairy products;
- green vegetables;
- tomatoes;
- peanut;
- Orange juice.
With age, stomach acidity decreases and the body is unable to absorb vitamins from food. Some medications have the same properties. Metformin, Esomeprazole, and other drugs interfere with the absorption of beneficial substances.
Late diagnosis or untreated vitamin B deficiency can cause permanent nerve damage. Therapy includes mineral supplements or injections for difficult cases.
General recommendations for treatment and prevention
Whatever the reason that led to damage to the lateral part of the tongue, recommendations for treatment and prevention should be followed. Here are the following tips:
- For the duration of the treatment, it is necessary to switch to soft, pureed food. Food should be warm so as not to irritate the papillae of the tongue, mucous membrane of the mouth and gums.
- Recommended are puree soups, chicken broth, berry or fruit jelly, steamed cutlets, and mashed potatoes.
- vegetables only boiled or stewed, preferably pureed, without large pieces or seeds.
- Crackers, seeds, and chips are strictly prohibited
- You should not eat food that is too hot or, conversely, cold, as well as quite spicy or sour. Here the harm of excess sugar and salt is noted.
It is necessary to carefully care for the oral cavity, brush not only your teeth, but also your tongue and gums from plaque. It is important to use only high-quality hygiene products: toothpaste, mouthwash, and it should be alternated between an alcoholic variety and one without the main component.
It is necessary to monitor your health, visit your doctor on time and not ignore his appointments. If your tongue is painful, you should consult a specialist without delaying it or self-medicating.
To protect yourself from this problem, you need to think about stopping smoking and drinking alcohol. These bad habits also cause tongue pain. Before getting a piercing, you need to think carefully about the consequences - you can provoke an infection in the oral cavity, which occurs as a result of the wrong choice of salon. There is nothing more important than health - this should be constantly remembered.
