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The tongue comprises of a group of muscles that are responsible for the way we taste food, how we chew and swallow, and our ability to talk. Since we use our tongue constantly, common problems such as soreness, pain or discoloration can affect the functioning of the tongue. Though most problems with the tongue are not serious and can be easily treated and cured, there are cases where symptoms such as pain or persistent soreness can indicate a more serious medical condition. It is therefore important to seek medical advice if you notice any problem with your tongue.

There are a number of possible reasons for a sore tongue. These range from harmless conditions such as dental problems or vitamin deficiencies to more serious ailments such as diabetes or oral cancer. Causes of sore tongue include:

• Yeast infection or oral thrush that may make the tongue raw and sore
• Other infections that may cause a sore tongue include oral herpes, strep infection, and syphillis
• If you eat food that is too hot, you run the risk of damaging the sensitive tissues of the tongue and mouth.
• There are certain irritants such as chewing tobacco and sour candies that can cause sores and ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue.
• A jagged tooth or an uneven edge of a denture may cause localized rawness
• Canker sores or mouth ulcers could be the cause of temporary soreness of the tongue
• Braces could rub against the tongue and cause sores and pain
• Nervous habits such as biting your cheeks or tongue or chewing on your lips can damage tissues in your mouth and lead to soreness and inflammation.
• Injury to the tongue caused by accidentally biting it
• Grinding your teeth can irritate and cause soreness to the sides of the tongue
• Excessive smoking may lead to sore tongue
• Hormonal changes during menopause can result in Burning Tongue Syndrome
• Deficiency of B complex vitamins
• Chemical imbalance in the tongue
• Glossitis or inflammation of the tongue
• Geographic tongue – mild inflammatory disorder of the tongue
• Dry mouth syndrome
• Medical conditions such as diabetes and anemia can result in symptoms such as soreness or pain in the tongue
• Less likely causes of a sore tongue include neuralgia and heart disorders
• In rare cases, a raw or sore tongue may be a symptom of a more serious medical condition such as oral cancers, HIV/ AIDS, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases.

A raw mouth often accompanies a sore tongue. Raw mouth causes include viral or bacterial infections, stress, and hormonal changes

Symptoms

Following is a checklist of symptoms that may accompany a sore or raw tongue. If you experience any of these, consult your doctor or dentist at the earliest:

• The pain is limited to a particular area of the tongue
• The soreness and pain is felt all over the tongue
• Pain may be dull, shooting or stabbing
• You may experience a burning or tingling sensation
• Pain may persist or worsen over time
• The tongue is red and swollen
• The tongue may be discolored with patches that are white or cream in color
• There are yellow spots all over the tongue that may or may not be painful
• You have a high fever

In case you experience breathing difficulties, swelling of the tongue, face, or mouth or loss of consciousness along with a sore or painful tongue, call 911 immediately as these are signs of anaphylactic shock and could prove fatal if not treated in time.

Home Remedies for Sore or Raw Tongue

If you suffer from feelings of soreness or pain in the tongue, try the following raw tongue home remedies. If the soreness persists, consult with your doctor or dentist as there may be an underlying medical condition causing the rawness.

• Use a soft bristled brush to reduce injury to your gums and tongue
• Increase the intake of foods rich in vitamin B, folate and iron. Studies show that people prone to canker sores are deficient in B-complex vitamins. To remedy the situation, foods such as lentils, peas, beans and legumes are good sources of folate while lean meats and seafood contain high amounts of vitamin B. Iron rich foods such as tofu, beef and fortified cereals can also help prevent mouth sores and ulcers.
• Avoid spicy and hot foods as these may aggravate the condition.
• Make a solution of half-teaspoon sodium bicarbonate mixed with a glass of warm water and gargle with this every hour until the soreness reduces.
• If mouth sores or ulcers are causing the soreness, gargle often with cool water mixed with a pinch of salt for immediate pain relief.
• Rinsing your mouth with milk can help alleviate feelings of soreness and burning sensation.

It is always recommended that you get medical help to treat your condition. In doing so you could be much at ease as you get a complete knowledge of your condition.

References:
Read more: http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/003047.htm#ixzz1zAdNhH8z