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Sore or white tongue

Author:NHS.uk
Written on:2020-06-02
Go to Health A-Z:Click A-Z


Sore or white tongue

  • Sore or white tongue


    • A sore or white tongue is not usually serious and is often easily treated.



      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






    • 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


    Find a pharmacy

    See a GP or dentist if you:


    • have pain or itchiness that does not go away or gets worse

    • have white patches on your tongue




    Biting or burning your tongue with hot food or drink can cause pain and swelling. But this should only last a few days.


    A white tongue can be a sign of a health condition.


    Do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.

    Lichen planus



    Open

    Read about lichen planus.

    Leukoplakia

    Read about leukoplakia.

    Geographic tongue



    Pink

    Read about geographic tongue.

    Mouth ulcer



    White/grey

    Read about mouth ulcers.

    Oral thrush



    Tongue

    Read about oral thrush.





    NHS.uk


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