9 Home Remedies for Tongue Sores

Last Updated on December 7, 2018 by Marc Seward

Home Remedies for Tongue Sores

Despite being hailed as the strongest muscle in the body, the tongue can be very sensitive. There are a number of conditions that can affect the tongue including discoloration, pain and soreness. Sores on the tongue can be especially annoying, often making it extremely difficult to eat and drink This article will take a look at some of the most effective home remedies to treat tongue sores.

Causes of a Tongue Sore

Tongue sores often present themselves as red lumps or small bumps or raised area on the tongue. They can be extremely uncomfortable and often painful. There are a number of potential causes including the following:

Trauma : The most common cause of a tongue sore is physical trauma of some kind. Most people will have accidentally bitten their tongue or tried eating or drinking something when it is piping hot. This can result in injury to the tongue causing sores and pain. Similarly, grinding your teeth can damage the tongue, causing it to become swollen and irritated.

Canker Sores : Canker sores which can appear inside the mouth may also appear on your tongue. The precise cause of a canker sore is unknown but they are linked to periods of high stress.

Smoking : People who smoke are more likely to develop sores on their tongue as well as other tongue issues.

Viral Infections : Certain infections can cause tongue soreness.

Certain Foods : Foods which are overly spicy or salty can cause tongue sores.

Most of the time, a tongue sore will heal of its own accord but there are certain home remedies that can speed up the healing process. Here are some of the best….

Home Remedies for Tongue Sores

1) Baking Soda

Baking soda is a very cheap and convenient remedy for a number of oral issues. It makes for a great tooth cleanser but that is not all. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can really help treat tongue sores by easing inflammation and soothing any pain.

• Make a nice smooth paste by mixing half a teaspoon of your baking soda with a just a little distilled water.
• Apply the paste to your sores with your finger or a cotton swab.
• Allow it to work for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth out with water.
• Alternatively, add a teaspoon of your baking soda to a glass of warmish water, mix well and use it as a mouthwash to rinse your mouth a few times each each day.

2) Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is especially well renowned for its skin applications but it also has all the natural properties necessary to treat various oral issues including tongue sores. Aloe vera gel has natural anti-inflammatory properties which can help relieve inflammation and ease pain. You can use aloe vera juice as a form of mouthwash or use the gel directly from the leaf.

• Take a fresh aloe vera leaf and cut it lengthwise.
• Extract the gel and apply it directly to your tongue sore.
• Repeat this remedy several times each day until the sore has healed.

3) Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another effective remedy for treating tongue sores. It can help treat the sore quickly while it also has excellent antibacterial properties which can help to reduce the risks of further infection. Make sure that you use 3% hydrogen peroxide.

• Mix a little hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of warm distilled water.
• Use a cotton swab to apply the solution to your sore.
• Leave it in place for 10 seconds before rinsing out your mouth with clean water.
• Repeat the treatment several times daily until your sore has healed.

4) Licorice

Licorice has anti-inflammatory actions and is often used as a home remedy for various conditions from sinus infections to oral health. A paste or solution made with licorice root can help treat a tongue sore while relieving inflammation and easing your pain.

• Mix a teaspoon or so of powdered licorice root with sufficient clean water to make a nice, smooth paste.
• Use a clean cotton swab to apply the finished paste to your tongue sore.
• Leave the paste work for a couple of minutes before rinsing it of with a glass of warm water.
• Repeat two or three times each day until your sore has healed.

An alternative is to make a solution with licorice root and water and use it as a mouthwash.

• Add a tablespoon or so of powdered licorice root to a cup and a half of boiled after and let it steep and cool.
• Use the solution to rinse out your mouth twice a day.

5) Essential Oils

Certain essential oils are excellent for oral health because they contain a variety of healing properties including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic actions. Some of the best essential oils to use for tongue sores and canker sores include lavender, tea tree and clove essential oils.

• Add just a few drops of your chosen essential oil to one glass of warm water.
• Use the solution to rinse out your mouth morning and night.
• Be careful not to ingest any of the solution.

6) Honey

Honey has antibacterial qualities as well as helping to soothe pain and inflammation. This makes it an ideal remedy for oral problems like tongue sores.

• Take a little honey and dab it onto the affected part of your tongue.
• Repeat several times throughout the day.

Alternatively, you can make a healing paste by combining your honey with turmeric.

• Add a tablespoon of your honey to half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix it into a paste.
• Apply the paste to your sore with a cotton swab.
• Repeat several times a day until your sore has healed.

7) Sage

Sage is another great natural remedy for various oral conditions including tongue sores. It has calming properties that can ease inflammation and relieve pain as well as healing astringent effects on your sores.

• Add a handful of sage leaves to a pot of water.
• Bring the water to the boil then simmer for 5 minutes or so.
• Strain the liquid and allow it to cool.
• Use the liquid as a mouthwash to rinse your mouth out several times each day.

8) Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper can also be used to effectively treat a tongue sore. It contains a compound called capsaicin which has natural analgesic properties that help to relieve pain. It can also help reduce inflammation in your tongue and mouth.

• Add a little powdered cayenne pepper to a little water and mix it into a smooth paste.
• Apply the paste to your tongue sores with a clean finger or cotton swab.
• It may cause a tingle sensation at first but that is a sign that the treatment is working.
• Repeat two or three times a day.

9) Salt

Using salt to make a saline solution to rinse out your mouth is a tried and trusted method of treating oral issues like tongue sores. It can help to reduce inflammation and pain while reducing the risk of infection.

• Simply mix a teaspoon or so of table salt into a glass of warm water.
• Stir it well then use the solution to rinse out your mouth several times each day.

Alternatively, just dab a little bit of salt directly onto your sores. It will sting a bit but can help heal and clean the sores very effectively,