Tongue Hurts on Side? Causes, Relief & When to See a Doctor

Understanding Why Your Tongue Hurts on the Side

The most common reasons your tongue hurts on the side are accidental biting, irritation from sharp teeth or dental appliances, and dietary irritants. Often, the solution involves simple home remedies like gentle oral hygiene, avoiding irritants, and using over-the-counter pain relievers. If the pain is severe or persistent, seek medical advice.

Common Culprits: The Usual Suspects

These are the most frequent reasons for tongue pain on the side. They are usually temporary and resolve with simple care.

• Accidental Biting: This is probably the most common reason. A momentary lapse in concentration while eating, talking, or even sleeping can lead to a painful bite. The side of the tongue is particularly vulnerable.

• Sharp Teeth or Dental Appliances: If you have a chipped tooth, a poorly fitted filling, or braces, the sharp edges can constantly rub against the side of your tongue, causing irritation and pain. Retainers, dentures and even new crowns can be to blame.

• Dietary Irritants: Certain foods and beverages can irritate the tongue. Spicy foods, acidic foods (citrus fruits, tomatoes), salty snacks, and alcoholic beverages can all be triggers.

• Oral Hygiene Practices: Overzealous brushing, especially with a hard-bristled toothbrush, can injure the delicate tissues of the tongue. Some mouthwashes containing alcohol can also irritate the tongue.

• Dehydration: Lack of adequate hydration can lead to a dry mouth, which can make the tongue more susceptible to irritation and pain.

Less Common, But Important Considerations

If the above doesn’t seem to fit, it’s important to consider these less frequent causes.

• Mouth Ulcers (Canker Sores): These small, painful sores can develop on the tongue, gums, or inner cheeks. The exact cause is unknown, but stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and vitamin deficiencies are thought to be contributing factors.

• Infections: Viral infections (like herpes simplex, causing cold sores), fungal infections (like oral thrush), and bacterial infections can all cause tongue pain and inflammation.

• Geographic Tongue: This harmless condition causes patches of smooth, red areas on the tongue, surrounded by slightly raised borders. The patches can move around over time. While often asymptomatic, geographic tongue can sometimes cause sensitivity to certain foods.

• Burning Mouth Syndrome: This chronic condition causes a burning sensation in the mouth, even when there are no visible signs of irritation. The cause is often unknown, but nerve damage or hormonal changes may play a role.

• Glossitis: This refers to inflammation of the tongue, which can be caused by allergies, infections, or nutritional deficiencies (especially iron, vitamin B12, or folate).

• Nerve Damage: Trauma to the head or neck, dental procedures, or certain medical conditions can damage the nerves that supply the tongue, leading to pain, numbness, or altered taste.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can cause mouth sores and tongue pain as a side effect.

• Allergies: Food allergies or allergies to dental products (like toothpaste or mouthwash) can cause an allergic reaction in the mouth, leading to tongue pain and swelling.

• Underlying Medical Conditions: In rare cases, tongue pain can be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases (like lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome), or even oral cancer.

When to Seek Professional Help

Most cases of tongue pain on the side resolve on their own or with simple home remedies. However, it’s important to see a doctor or dentist if:

• The pain is severe or unbearable.
• The pain persists for more than a week or two.
• You notice any visible changes on your tongue, such as sores, ulcers, lumps, or discoloration.
• You have difficulty eating, swallowing, or speaking.
• You have other symptoms, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or weight loss.

Prevention is Key

While not always avoidable, these strategies can minimize the chances of experiencing tongue pain:

• Chew carefully and avoid talking while eating. This reduces the risk of accidentally biting your tongue.
• Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth gently twice a day and floss daily.
• See your dentist regularly. This allows them to identify and treat any dental problems that could be irritating your tongue.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Avoid or limit irritating foods and beverages. This includes spicy, acidic, salty, and alcoholic items.
• Manage stress. Stress can contribute to mouth ulcers and other oral health problems.

My Experience & Quick Fix

The burning pain on the side of my tongue after that spicy Thai curry was intense and bothersome. I first carefully inspected my tongue in the mirror, looking for any obvious cuts, sores, or irritation. Nothing visible. It felt raw, however, and as if a nerve was on fire.

My Quick Fix:

1. Rinsed my mouth thoroughly with cool water. This immediately provided some temporary relief.
2. Avoided spicy and acidic foods for the next 24 hours. This gave my tongue a chance to heal.
3. Applied a thin layer of over-the-counter oral anesthetic gel (Orajel) to the affected area. I found this to be the MOST effective solution. It numbed the area and allowed me to eat and speak more comfortably.
4. Sipped on cold milk. This helped soothe the burning sensation, and the calcium seemed to help with the discomfort.
5. Checked my bite and teeth. After the initial discomfort subsided a little, I concentrated on the bite and carefully ran my tongue along the teeth, just in case of a rough patch. I visited a dentist a few weeks later to check for any damage, and she discovered a tiny chip in one of my molars.

Within a couple of days, the pain completely disappeared. I’ve since been more mindful of chewing and trying new, potentially spicy foods, and made sure to check for any tooth damage regularly! That dental check-up helped prevent future irritation from that barely-there chip.

Cost Considerations

Here is a table summarizing the potential costs associated with dealing with tongue pain on the side:

Note: These are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing pain on the side of your tongue can be frustrating and uncomfortable. By understanding the potential causes and taking appropriate measures, you can often resolve the issue quickly and effectively. Remember that if the pain is severe or persistent, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Good luck, and I hope this guide helps you find relief!