Tongue hurts on the side and at the base: what does it mean, reasons, how to treat

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.

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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.

Why does the tongue hurt on the side, at the base or edge of an adult?

To understand why your tongue hurts, you need to pay attention to which part of it the pain is localized.

Inflammation (glossitis)

Pain in the tongue on top, side and in the middle often indicates the development of glossitis - an inflammatory disease that can have different etiologies: fungal, viral, bacterial, allergic. The treatment tactics for this pathology depend on the type of pathogen: a viral infection cannot be defeated with antibiotics, and a bacterial infection cannot be defeated with antiviral drugs. Therefore, glossitis treatment should be started only after a thorough diagnosis and under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Glossitis may be accompanied by enlarged sublingual lymph nodes, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. The main symptom of the disease is rashes localized on the mucous membrane of the tongue. They can look like round aphthae, herpetic blisters or sores and almost always appear in tandem with a white, yellow or gray coating.

The tongue can become inflamed due to poor oral hygiene, injuries, or a weakened immune system. The most common types of glossitis and their corresponding symptoms are listed in the table:

Allergy

The cause of redness, swelling and soreness of the tongue can be an allergic reaction. Common allergens are:

• Products: pineapples, kiwi, oranges, berries and others.
• Cosmetic products. It is necessary to carefully select cosmetics not only for the lips, but also for the face. Poor quality creams can cause a severe allergic reaction, accompanied by the appearance of rashes and swelling in various areas of the oral cavity. It is especially dangerous when the base of the tongue becomes inflamed and swollen, since this phenomenon can lead to difficulty breathing.
• Poor quality alcohol. If, while drinking alcoholic beverages, the skin becomes covered with red spots, it means that they are inflamed due to an allergy. In this case, you need to urgently stop drinking alcohol.

When drinking low-quality red wines, the tongue becomes stained and begins to tingle, which can only mean one thing - the drink contains a caustic dye. In women, an allergic reaction to wine of poor quality occurs many times more often than in men.

Inflammation of the sublingual salivary gland

If the left or right edge of the tongue is swollen, stinging and painful, it is worth checking the condition of the sublingual salivary gland. As this disease develops, it becomes painful to chew, swallow food and talk. In addition, the disease is characterized by:

• 
  Decreased salivation and dry mouth.

• When one gland is inflamed, there is swelling, pain in the area of ​​the affected gland and in the tongue on its side (right or left), as in the photo.
• When both glands are inflamed, there is swelling and pain in the area of ​​the gland and the base of the tongue.
• Increasing temperature.
• Redness of the oral mucosa.
• Swelling of the lower face and chin.

If these symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor. Uncontrolled course of the disease, as well as self-medication, can lead to serious complications, including:

• Phlegmon.
• Fistula.
• Stenosis (narrowing) of the ducts.
• Salivary stone disease.

Neuralgia

The tongue may itch due to neuralgic diseases. The reason why the tongue hurts on the side on the left or right against the background of numbness, tingling, burning may be neurodental syndrome or glossalgia. The disease is caused by disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system, hormonal imbalances, stress and psycho-emotional disorders. This means that glossalgia occurs several times more often in women than in men.

Symptoms of the disease:

• Heaviness, discomfort, feeling that the tongue is “tired”, swollen, itchy.
• Pain, burning on any side of the tongue - left, right, middle, at the base.
• Numbness and tingling.
• Disappearance of all symptoms while eating.

Injuries

Injuries are one of the most common causes of pain on the sides of the tongue. Types of damage:

• Mechanical. They appear as a result of hasty chewing of food and intensive brushing of teeth. These actions lead to scratches, cuts, and biting. If there are microtraumas, the tongue begins to itch. Even minor mechanical damage can cause inflammation and pain in the side of the tongue - this is where the organ is most often injured.
• Thermal. Occurs as a result of burns. Excessively hot food injures the tongue, causes pain and provokes inflammation.

On the right and left sides of the tongue, the tongue may hurt due to injury caused by an incorrect bite, incorrectly installed dentures, or chipped teeth. Most often, microtraumas in the mouth appear during the period of adaptation to installed orthopedic structures.

Oncology

Sometimes the cause of pain in the tongue is malignant and benign neoplasms. The pain syndrome in oncology is localized inside the organ; the tongue can hurt both on the sides and at the base. In women, oral cancer is several times less common than in men.

The severity of pain and accompanying symptoms depend on the stage of development of the disease:

• Initial. It is characterized by the presence of whitish spots, papillomas, and small seals covering the lateral surfaces of the tongue.
• Average. It is characterized by severe pain, increased salivation, and bleeding of the tongue. The formation of an ulcer or a dense growth, abundantly covered with papillomas, is possible - see photo.
• Heavy. Accompanied by severe pain and tumor growth.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to treat pain in the tongue on the side, base and tip

The reason why the tongue hurts at the root, edge or sides can only be determined by a doctor. Therefore, if you experience pain and discomfort in your mouth, you should contact a dentist or therapist as soon as possible, who will, if necessary, refer you to another specialist.

The treatment complex is prescribed taking into account the root cause that caused pain on the side, in the middle or at the base of the tongue:

• Allergies can be effectively eliminated by antihistamines in combination with sorbents.
• Glossitis is eliminated through complex therapy, including the use of anti-inflammatory, antiseptic drugs, as well as antifungal, antibacterial or antiviral drugs, depending on the causative agent of the disease. For local treatment of the inflamed oral mucosa, dentists prescribe special gels, ointments, solutions, and balms.
• Incorrectly installed dentures and fillings of inappropriate shape require treatment in a dental clinic.
• Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system and hormonal imbalances are corrected by an endocrinologist through hormone therapy.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract must be treated through complex therapy: diet therapy, sorbents, enzymes, antacids, drugs that improve the digestion process.

What to do at home

You don’t need to decide on your own what to do if your tongue hurts and is swollen on the side, in the middle, or at the base - you need to immediately consult a dentist. If you cannot immediately get an appointment with a doctor, you can temporarily alleviate the condition using folk remedies:

• Rinsing the mouth with a warm decoction of chamomile, calendula or sage. Decoctions will help relieve pain, inflammation and itching.
• Rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda and salt - natural antiseptics. In a glass of hot water you need to dissolve a teaspoon of salt and the same amount of soda. The finished solution must be cooled. Rinsing should be done twice a day.

If your tongue is swollen, itchy, itchy and sore on the side on the left, in the middle above or at the tip, you do not need to deal with the problem yourself using folk remedies. Only a doctor can cure diseases that provoke such symptoms. Therefore, you need to seek medical help as soon as possible.

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:

1. 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.
2. Recommended are puree soups, chicken broth, berry or fruit jelly, steamed cutlets, and mashed potatoes.
3. vegetables only boiled or stewed, preferably pureed, without large pieces or seeds.
4. Crackers, seeds, and chips are strictly prohibited
5. 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.

Why does a child’s tongue and oral mucosa hurt?

Children's tongue hurts for the same reasons as adults. However, you should pay attention to the following:

• Soreness in the tip of the tongue can be caused by injury, incipient stomatitis, or allergies.
• Pain on the side of the tongue is often the result of injury, especially during teething, allergies, especially if the tongue is swollen, or stomatitis.
• The root often swells and hurts due to viral and infectious diseases (ARVI, sore throat).

Regardless of the severity of the pain syndrome, you must immediately contact your local pediatrician. You cannot treat small children yourself. If it is not possible to see a doctor on the day symptoms are detected, you can use harmless folk painkillers:

• give your child tea with chamomile, which has an anti-inflammatory and calming effect;
• persuade the baby to do an oral bath (holding liquid in the mouth) or rinse the mouth with a weak soda solution.

It is necessary to adjust the children's diet. When consuming it, food should be soft, warm and not irritate the damaged and inflamed mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Hot, spicy and sour dishes should be excluded from the daily children's menu.