Page 75 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: MOUTH, NOSE, AND THROAT PROBLEMS 73

Sore mouth or tongue

There are several possible causes for a sore mouth or tongue. The lining of your mouth can become irritated
and inflamed by hot, spicy foods or hot drinks, or because you overuse mouthwashes, drink heavily, or smoke.
Your tongue may be tender and have a smooth, red appearance, and your sense of taste may be altered.
You may also get a sore mouth if you bite your tongue or cheek accidentally, or if you have rough or broken
teeth or badly fitting dentures. Other causes include common mouth ulcers, gum disorders, and mouth
infections such as yeast. In rare cases, a sore mouth is caused by a more serious illness.
See also Mouth ulcer, p.71; Bleeding gums, p.74.

See your doctor first
NATURAL REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
● You have signs of an infection, such Soothing mouthwash Dissolve half
a teaspoon of baking soda (see p.179) or salt in
as white patches inside your mouth
● You feel lethargic, are not eating well, 1 cup (250 ml) of warm water, and use this to rinse
your mouth regularly during the day, especially after
and/or are losing weight eating. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for
● Your mouth and eyes are persistently dry
about 30 seconds before spitting it out.

What you can do yourself
DRUG REMEDIES
Use the following home treatments to soothe
an irritated mouth and tongue: Pain-relieving mouth treatments
● Drink 6–8 glasses of fluid a day. Cool drinks (see MOUTH AND THROAT TREATMENTS, p.187) can help
to relieve soreness. Some rinses, lozenges, and
and popsicles are soothing. Don’t drink alcohol sprays reduce pain and inflammation, while others
or smoke – both can irritate your mouth.
contain a local anesthetic that numbs sore areas.
● Try using a homemade mouthwash (see NATURAL However, using anesthetic preparations regularly may
REMEDIES, right). Avoid mouthwashes that contain increase irritation. Ask your pharmacist for advice
alcohol because they may cause further irritation. before giving mouth treatments to a child.
● Don’t give up brushing your teeth, just do it
gently using a very soft toothbrush.
● Eat small, frequent meals of soft foods, such Seek further medical advice
as pudding, mashed potato and gravy, yogurt,
Arrange to see your doctor if:
and custard. Avoid salty, spicy foods, coarse foods
such as toast, and acidic fruit juices. ● The soreness becomes worse, or does not
subside after a few days of using the self-help
● Try using a pain-relieving mouth treatment
measures described here
(see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
● If you have a dry mouth, use sugar-free chewing
gum to stimulate saliva flow.
● See your dentist if you have rough or broken
teeth, or if your dentures don’t fit properly.