General Information About Tongue Ulcers
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
They are small, superficial, and very painful sores with a pale center and a red border, resulting from the erosion and loss of integrity of the mucous membrane of the tongue.
Accidentally biting the tongue while speaking, burning it with hot drinks, intense psychological stress, B12/iron/folic acid deficiencies, consumption of acidic foods, and immune system disorders like Behçet's Disease are the main causes.
A visible sore on the tongue, a severe burning sensation when consuming salty, spicy, or acidic foods, and increased pain during brushing or speaking.
Unless caused by the Herpes virus (cold sores), classic aphthous tongue ulcers are absolutely not contagious. They do not spread from person to person through contact or kissing.
A regular ulcer heals completely within 1-2 weeks without leaving a scar. However, if a sore on the tongue persists for more than 3 weeks, bleeds, and feels hard (like a mass) to the touch, a biopsy must be taken due to suspicion of Tongue Cancer.
Oral hygiene must be maintained, and acidic and spicy foods should be avoided. Local anesthetic creams, cortisone oral pastes from the pharmacy, and warm salt/baking soda water gargles accelerate healing and relieve pain.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
