sore on my tongue that won't go away...

[Anna_Marie]

A few months ago I developed what looks like a big canker sore on the side of my tongue. Its white around it with a red center. It's very sore. Then a few weeks later I got another cluster of two on the other side of my tongue.

My whole tongue is very sensitive. I can't even eat ranch dressing without it burning. My tongue feels like it does when you burn it.

I have an appt with an ear nose and throat dr - but thats not for another month - and I am starting to worry about this. I know I should have seen the dr sooner but I just kept putting it off.

Has anyone ever experienced anything like this??

 

[Jennasis]

Could be a type of cold-sore. Caused by the herpes virus type 1. They usually appear on the lips, but it could be on the tongue. Or it could be a canker sore.

Do you smoke?

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/canker-sores

 

[nathalee81]

Could it be thrush? I believe it is caused by a fungus in your mouth-something that is always present, but can be thrown out of whack by certain medications?

Look up thrush on google and see if that is what it could be?

Whatever it is, hope you get to feeling better. Have you thought about trying to see your dentist, instead of ENT? Just a thought. It sounds like you are in pain, and I don't think I would be able to wait a month to see someone if I was in that kind of pain (of course, I am a big baby when it comes to pain).

 

[ChrizJen]

I'd talk to your doctor. I had that for over a month. I was miserable! I couldn't eat, and it was keeping me up at night! (Everyone thought I was nuts!) The first time I talked to my dr about it he said it was likely just an allergic reaction to something. But then it never went away.
I was diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency. Dr put me on a suppliment and it cleared up. I had a fairly severe deficiency, as my body is not able to properly absorb B12, so I had to get B12 injections for a while to rebuild my body's supply. I also have some residual neurological effects from the deficiency that may never go away. But I haven't had problems with my tongue ever since starting on the B12.

 

[Jennasis]

Also could be caused by reflux.

I know I asked if you smoke, but do you drink?

there are a whole boatload of things it could be, ranging from "no big deal" to, well, a big deal. See your doctor or dentist ASAP.

 

[scnana]

My first thought was to ask if you had talked to your dentist as well. A few years ago I had something called Oral Lichen Planus (may not be the exact spelling) and my dentist sent me for a biopsy. I thought I had burned my tongue but it got worse instead of better. I used a gel that I think was called Lidex and it healed fairly quickly. Mine was attributed to stress.

 

[nmmom95]

That happened to me as part of an autoimmune disease. Have you seen your PCP?

 

[dngnb8]

Caused by the herpes virus type 1.

There are more then 1 type of Herpes Virus too. Elephant in the room.....

 

[Jennasis]

There are more then 1 type of Herpes Virus too. Elephant in the room.....

 

[princessmom29]

My first thought was to ask if you had talked to your dentist as well. A few years ago I had something called Oral Lichen Planus (may not be the exact spelling) and my dentist sent me for a biopsy. I thought I had burned my tongue but it got worse instead of better. I used a gel that I think was called Lidex and it healed fairly quickly. Mine was attributed to stress.

Are you talking about Leukoplakia? It is flat white spots, often with red centers that are sensitive/sore on the mouth and tounge. My sister has had this several times, and it was finally traced to high insulin levels earlier this year. Fo a long time the docs thought it was thrush and treaed it as such. It would get better, but never completely go away. Now that they have her insulin regulated, it is much better. She was told it could be from a thyroid imbalance as well.

 

[Pixiedust34]

Try to get an appt. with your dentist and he should be able to steer you in the right direction with finding out what it is and treating it. Meanwhile, avoid all acidic foods and alcohol. I hope you're better soon.

 

[Anna_Marie]

thanks for the replies! No, I don't smoke, or drink. Interesting someone mentioned reflux....I suffer from heartburn alot and sometimes (not too often) I wake up at night gasping for air cause its in my throat..ugh.

 

[shortbun]

thanks for the replies! No, I don't smoke, or drink. Interesting someone mentioned reflux....I suffer from heartburn alot and sometimes (not too often) I wake up at night gasping for air cause its in my throat..ugh.

From reading this thread, I would start a B12 regimine and get a good acid reducer/antacid-Pepcid Compleat comes to mind. You can chew up a couple of those everyday without fear. Definitely chew one prior to sleeping and avoid acidic food-sauces, oranges, chewing gum. I would also ask to see my dentist right away and ask the ENT to put me on a list for cancellations. Last, rinse a few times a day with warm salt water and get some of that toothpaste that is without the canker sore causing agent(can't remember what it's called).

 

[IdesOmarch]

Could be a type of cold-sore. Caused by the herpes virus type 1. They usually appear on the lips, but it could be on the tongue. Or it could be a canker sore.

Do you smoke?

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/canker-sores

This was what I was going to say, definitely sounds like that.

 

[declansdad]

 

[dngnb8]

For medical purposes, it has to be considered. If they are asking, it could be. Sorry if it offends you. Having been in the Medical Field myself, there is no good way to address the topic.

Whether classy or not, the issue exists.

 

[dngnb8]

thanks for the replies! No, I don't smoke, or drink. Interesting someone mentioned reflux....I suffer from heartburn alot and sometimes (not too often) I wake up at night gasping for air cause its in my throat..ugh.

You may be burning your orifice with gasto acids. You can also get esophageal vericies *sp* this way too. The acid eats away the esophageal mucus and begins to blister it there too.

I would see about getting treatment.

 

[Jennasis]

For medical purposes, it has to be considered. If they are asking, it could be. Sorry if it offends you. Having been in the Medical Field myself, there is no good way to address the topic.

Whether classy or not, the issue exists.

Yes I know, but I was trying to be non-alarmist while still suggesting she see her doctor, who is the ONLY person qualified to truly diagnose the OP. But hey, at least you realize it wasn't a classy move.

 

[SandrA9810]

Just got over one, it was on the inside of my cheek. They happen all over though. Mine are stressed related and can feel it forming when things get stressful. Avoid salts and acidic foods, or cringe in pain with ever bite. There's some remedies that work for people, I just use it as a tool to keep stress in control.

 

[ZandZsMom]

My daughter complained of this same thing for about 2 - 3weeks...for the first few day, I just fluffed it off thinking she ate something too hot. Now my son has it. Both are prone to cold sores so I'm thinking their's is viral.