Tongue problems

Definition

Tongue problems include pain, swelling, or a change in how the tongue looks or functions.

Alternative Names

Dark tongue; Burning tongue syndrome - symptoms

Considerations

The tongue is mainly made up of muscles. It is covered with a mucous membrane. Small bumps (papillae) cover the surface of back part of the tongue.

  • Between the papillae are the taste buds, which allow you to taste.
  • The tongue moves food to help you chew and swallow.
  • The tongue also helps you form words.

There are many different reasons for changes in the tongue's function and appearance.

PROBLEMS MOVING THE TONGUE

Tongue movement problems are most often caused by nerve damage. Rarely, problems moving the tongue may also be caused by a disorder where the band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short. This is called ankyloglossia.

Tongue movement problems may lead to:

  • Breastfeeding problems in newborns
  • Difficulty moving food during chewing and swallowing
  • Speech problems

TASTE PROBLEMS

Taste problems can be caused by:

  • Damage to the taste buds
  • Nerve problems
  • Side effects of some medicines
  • An infection, or other condition

The tongue normally senses sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes. Other "tastes" are actually a function of the sense of smell.

INCREASED SIZE OF THE TONGUE

Tongue swelling occurs with:

The tongue may get wider in people who have no teeth and do not wear dentures.

Sudden swelling of the tongue can happen due to an allergic reaction or a side effect of medicines.

COLOR CHANGES

Color changes may occur when the tongue becomes inflamed (glossitis). Papillae (bumps on the tongue) are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth. Geographic tongue is a patchy form of glossitis where the location of inflammation and the appearance of the tongue change from day to day.

HAIRY TONGUE

Hairy tongue is a condition in which the tongue looks hairy or furry. It can sometimes be treated with antifungal medicine.

BLACK TONGUE

Sometimes the upper surface of the tongue turns black or brown in color. This is an unsightly condition, but it is not harmful.

PAIN IN THE TONGUE

Pain may occur with glossitis and geographic tongue. Tongue pain may also occur with:

After menopause, some women have a sudden feeling that their tongue has been burned. This is called burning tongue syndrome or idiopathic glossopyrosis. There is no specific treatment for burning tongue syndrome, but capsaicin (the ingredient that makes peppers spicy) can offer relief to some people.

Causes

Minor infections or irritations are the most common cause of tongue soreness. Injury, such as biting the tongue, can cause painful sores. Heavy smoking can irritate the tongue and make it painful.

A benign ulcer on the tongue or elsewhere in the mouth is common. This is called a canker sore and can appear for no known reason.

Possible causes of tongue pain include:

Possible causes of tongue tremor:

Possible causes of white tongue:

  • Local irritation
  • Smoking and alcohol use

Possible causes of smooth tongue:

Possible causes of red (ranging from pink to reddish-purple) tongue:

Possible causes of tongue swelling:

Possible causes of a hairy tongue:

Home Care

Practicing good oral self-care can help hairy tongue and black tongue. Be sure to eat a well-balanced diet.

Canker sores will heal on their own.

See your dentist if you have a tongue problem caused by dentures.

Antihistamines can help relieve a swollen tongue caused by allergies. Avoid the food or drug that causes the tongue swelling. Seek medical attention right away if swelling is starting to make breathing difficult.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if your tongue problem makes it difficult to eat or breathe or if the problem persists.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The provider will perform a physical exam, to look closely at the tongue. You may be asked questions such as:

  • When did you first notice the problem?
  • Have you had similar symptoms before?
  • Do you have pain, swelling, breathing problems, or difficulty swallowing? Are there problems with speaking or moving the tongue?
  • Have you noticed changes in taste?
  • Do you have a tongue tremor?
  • What makes the problem worse? What have you tried that helps?
  • Do you wear dentures?
  • Are there problems with the teeth, gums, lips, or throat? Does the tongue bleed?
  • Do you have a rash or fever? Do you have allergies?
  • What medicines do you take?
  • Do you use tobacco products or drink alcohol?

You may need blood tests or a biopsy to check for other conditions.

Treatment depends on the cause of the tongue problem. Possible treatments include:

  • If nerve damage has caused a tongue movement problem, the condition must be treated. Therapy may be needed to improve speech and swallowing.
  • Ankyloglossia may not need to be treated, unless you have speech or swallowing problems. Surgery to release the tongue can relieve the problem.
  • Medicine may be prescribed for mouth ulcers, leukoplakia, oral cancer, and other mouth sores.
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed for glossitis and geographic tongue.

References

James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Pruritus and neurocutaneous dermatoses. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 4.

Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Chi AC. Oral manifestations of systemic diseases. In: Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Chi AC, eds. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 4th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2016:chap 17.

Pham KL, Mirowski GW. Oral diseases and oral manifestations of gastrointestinal and liver disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 24.

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Review Date: 3/1/2023
Reviewed By: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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