Sore Tongue: Check Your Symptoms and Signs With the Symptom Checker by MedicineNet.com

Sore Tongue Symptoms

Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Related
Symptoms & Signs

A number of different conditions can result in pain and/or the presence of abnormalities or sores on the tongue. Problems with the tongue can result from infections, tumors, chronic medical conditions, trauma, or toxins. Inflammation of the tongue is medically known as glossitis. Pain in the tongue is known as glossodynia. Because soreness or painful lesions on the tongue can have a wide variety of causes, treatment and outlook depend upon the particular condition that is responsible.

In some cases, pain that originates in other sources (such as cardiac angina or problems with the teeth and/or jaws) can be experienced in the tongue, even though the tongue itself is normal. This is known as referred pain.

Health concern on your mind? Visit the Symptom Checker.

REFERENCE:

Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.

Terms related to Sore Tongue:

Glossitis
Glossodynia
Tongue Lesions
Tongue Ulcers

Causes of Sore Tongue

Allergy An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. ...learn more »
In This Article
Allergy Article
- Allergy facts
- What does an allergy mean?
- What causes allergies?
- Who is at risk and why?
- What are common allergic conditions, and what are allergy symptoms and signs?
- Hay Fever
- Asthma
- Allergic Eyes
- Allergic Eczema
- Hives
- Allergic Shock
- Where are allergens? Everywhere
- In the air we breathe
- In what we ingest
- Touching our skin
- Injected into our body
Anemia Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin...learn more »
In This Article
Anemia Article
- Anemia facts*
- What is anemia?
- What causes anemia?
- Can inadequate iron cause anemia?
- What about acute (sudden) blood loss as a cause of anemia?
- What are other causes of anemia?
- Can anemia be hereditary?
- What are the symptoms of anemia?
- How is anemia diagnosed?
- What is a complete blood cell (CBC) count?
- How is blood collected for a complete blood cell (CBC)?
- What is the red blood cell (RBC) count?
- What is hemoglobin?
- What does a low hemoglobin level mean?
- What is the hematocrit?
- How is hematocrit determined?
- How is anemia treated?
- What are the complications of anemia?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for anemia?
Angina Angina is chest pain that is due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. Angina can be caused by coronary artery...learn more »
In This Article
Angina Article
- Angina facts
- Introduction to angina
- What is angina and what are the symptoms of angina?
- What causes angina?
- What are other causes of chest pain?
- Why is it important to establish the diagnosis of angina?
- How is angina diagnosed?
- What are the treatment options for angina patients?
- Angina medications
- Angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery
- What's new in the evaluation of angina?
- What's new in the treatment of angina and heart attacks?
Birth Defects Birth defects have many causes and currently, are the leading cause of death for infants in the first year of life. Some of the...learn more »
In This Article
Birth Defects Article
- What are birth defects?
- What causes birth defects?
- What are the different types of birth defects?
- What are the treatments for birth defects?
Burning Mouth Syndrome Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes pain in the mouth. BMS may be caused by menopause, dry mouth or...learn more »
In This Article
Burning Mouth Syndrome Article
- What are signs and symptoms of burning mouth syndrome?
- What are causes of burning mouth syndrome?
- How is burning mouth syndrome diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for burning mouth syndrome?
- What are helpful tips for dealing with burning mouth syndrome?
Burns (First Aid) Burns are categorized by severity as first, second, or third degree. First degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The...learn more »
In This Article
Burns (First Aid) Article
- Introduction to burns
- How are burns classified?
- What is the significance of the amount of body area burned?
- How important is the location of a burn?
- What about electrical burns?
- What about chemical burns?
- First aid for burns
Canker Sores Canker sore is a small ulcer crater in the lining of the mouth. Canker sores are one of the most common problems that occur in...learn more »
In This Article
Canker Sores Article
- Canker sores facts
- What are canker sores?
- What are symptoms of canker sores?
- What are the causes of canker sores?
- Are canker sores the same as fever blisters?
- What steps can be taken to help canker sores?
- What is the treatment for canker sores?
- What kind of topical medications (gels or ointments) are available for canker sores?
- Can mouthwash solutions be used with canker sores?
- What oral medications are available to help canker sores?
- What should I do if I get canker sores frequently?
- What research is being done in the area of canker sores?
Diabetic Neuropathy Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that causes damage to the nerves; this is related to the blood glucose of the...learn more »
In This Article
Diabetic Neuropathy Article
- Diabetic neuropathy facts
- What is diabetic neuropathy?
- What are the types of diabetic neuropathy?
- What are the symptoms and signs of diabetic neuropathy?
- How is diabetic neuropathy diagnosed?
- What are treatments for diabetic neuropathy?
- What are self-care measures to help relieve diabetic neuropathy?
- Can diabetic neuropathy be prevented?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the acidified liquid contents of the stomach backs up into the...learn more »
In This Article
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Article
- GERD facts
- What is GERD (acid reflux)?
- What causes GERD?
- What are the symptoms of uncomplicated GERD?
- What are the complications of GERD?
- How is GERD diagnosed and evaluated?
- Symptoms and procedures to diagnose GERD
- GERD tests
- How is GERD treated?
- Lifestyle changes and GERD diet
- GERD medications
- GERD surgery
- What is a reasonable approach to the management of GERD?
- What are the unresolved issues in GERD?
Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital) Herpes simplex infections are common and when they appear around the mouth and lips, people often refer to them as "cold sores"...learn more »
In This Article
Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital) Article
- Herpes simplex infections (nongenital cold sores) facts
- What are herpes simplex infections?
- What causes cold sores?
- What makes herpes (cold sores) recur?
- How do cold sores spread?
- What are the signs and symptoms of cold sores?
- What is primary oral herpes?
- What does recurrent herpes look like?
- How long do cold sores last?
- What are the possible complications of oral herpes (cold sores)?
- What other conditions can look like oral herpes (cold sores)?
- What is angular stomatitis?
- What are canker sores?
- How is oral herpes diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for cold sores, are there any home remedies, and what medications are used?
Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone...learn more »
In This Article
Hypothyroidism Article
- What is hypothyroidism?
- What are the thyroid hormones?
- Thyroid hormone regulation - the chain of command
- What causes hypothyroidism?
- What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
- How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
- How is hypothyroidism treated?
- What is subclinical hypothyroidism?
- What's best for you?
- Hypothyroidism At A Glance
Leukoplakia Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch that develops on the tongue or inside the cheek. Causes of Leukoplakia may include...learn more »
In This Article
Leukoplakia Article
- Introduction
- What causes Leukoplakia?
- What are the symptoms?
- How is Leukoplakia diagnosed?
- How is Leukoplakia treated?
Lichen Planus Lichen planus is a common skin disease that features small, itchy pink or purple spots on the arms or legs. the abnormal areas on...learn more »
In This Article
Lichen Planus Article
- Lichen planus facts
- What is lichen planus?
- What causes lichen planus?
- How is the rash of lichen planus different from that of most other common rashes?
- What are the symptoms and signs of lichen planus?
- What does lichen planus look like?
- How is lichen planus diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for lichen planus?
- What is the long-term prognosis of lichen planus?
Oral Cancer The term oral cancer includes cancer of the mouth (oral cavity) and the back of the mouth (oropharynx). Red and white patches...learn more »
In This Article
Oral Cancer Article
- What is the oral cavity?
- What is cancer?
- Who's at risk for oral cancer?
- What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
- How is oral cancer diagnosed?
- How is oral cancer treated?
- Methods of treatment
- What are the side effects of treatment for oral cancer?
- What is rehabilitation for oral cancer?
- What happens after treatment for oral cancer?
- What does the future hold for patients with oral cancer?
- What resources are available to patients with oral cancer?
- Oral Cancer At A Glance
Smoking (How to Quit Smoking) Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or...learn more »
In This Article
Smoking (How to Quit Smoking) Article
- Smoking and quitting smoking facts
- What problems are caused by smoking?
- What is addictive disease and why is smoking considered addictive?
- What are the signs of cigarette addiction?
- Why should someone quit smoking?
- What are the steps in quitting?
- Getting ready to quit smoking
- On the day you quit smoking
- Staying quit
- What methods can help a person quit smoking?
- Behavioral modification and self-help literature to quit smoking
- Nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking
- What prescription products are available for smoking cessation?
- How are nicotine-containing products used safely?
- What is in the future for smoking?
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Bruxism may be caused by stress or anxiety and often happens during sleep....learn more »
In This Article
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Article
- What causes people to grind their teeth?
- What are bruxism symptoms and signs?
- Why is teeth grinding harmful?
- What is the treatment for bruxism?
- Do children grind their teeth?
Thrush Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus. Symptoms of Thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a...learn more »
In This Article
Thrush Article
- Thrush facts
- What is thrush?
- What causes thrush?
- What are risk factors for thrush?
- What are thrush symptoms and signs?
- How is thrush diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for thrush?
- Are there home remedies for thrush?
- What is the prognosis of thrush?
- Can thrush be prevented?
Toothache Toothache usually refers to pain around the teeth or jaws. In most instances, toothaches are caused by tooth or jaw problems,...learn more »
In This Article
Toothache Article
- Toothache facts
- What is a toothache?
- What are dental causes of toothaches and how are they treated?
- Dental cavities and dental abscesses
- Gum disease
- Tooth root sensitivities
- Cracked tooth syndrome
- Temporalmandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Impaction and eruption
- What are non-dental causes of toothaches?
- How is toothache during pregnancy managed?
- Are home remedies effective for toothaches?
- Can toothaches be prevented?