A sore or white tongue is not usually serious and is often easily treated.
Things you can do yourself
Do
-
use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth
-
brush your tongue or use a scraper to help improve a white tongue
-
use a straw to drink cool drinks
-
take paracetamol or ibuprofen
Don't
-
do not use a toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulphate
-
do not eat hard, spicy, salty, acidic or hot food and drink that may irritate your tongue
-
do not smoke
-
do not drink alcohol
You can ask a pharmacist about:
- what's causing your sore or white tongue
- if you can buy anything to help with any pain or irritation
- if you should see a dentist or GP
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP or dentist if you:
- have pain or itchiness that does not go away or gets worse
- have white patches on your tongue
Common causes of a sore or white tongue
Biting or burning your tongue with hot food or drink can cause pain and swelling. This should only last a few days.
A white tongue can be a sign of a health condition.
Do not self-diagnose. Contact your GP if you're worried.
Lichen planus
Leukoplakia
Geographic tongue
Mouth ulcer
Read about mouth ulcers.
Oral thrush
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
