Itchy Tongue Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Remedies & Prevention

Why is my tongue itchy? Get insight on the causes, treatments, in children and much more. What does this imply? Could it due to a more serious underlying health issue? This problem may be a sign of allergy, STDs yeast infection, etc., and it could come with mild or severe symptoms. The tongue being a very important organ in your body, today we focus our endeavors to make you know what itchy tongue denotes – reasons, how to get rid of this vexing condition and more.

Causes

Questions will start emerging into your mind about what can, in fact, cause this problem. At this point in time, questions can be more than answers. But you should not be worried either, we are going to uncover the most common causes. In many cases, the tingling tongue could be due to obvious conditions or factors that may not even require treatment. But some causes are severe cases may need medical attention. Here are the common causes:

1.Allergy

This is one of the most common causes. Medical experts also refer to this condition as oral allergy syndrome. There are many substances that can trigger tongue allergies such as some types of foods we eat, certain medications, materials used to make tongue piercing jewelry, certain content of the toothpaste, cold, etc. Swelling, redness, itchiness, maybe some of the common symptoms you will have in case of an allergic reaction.

2. Contact dermatitis

This condition results when certain harmful substances come into contact with the tongue such as chemicals, certain cosmetics or other product that can irritate it. Contact dermatitis can also result from the allergenic toothpaste you are using or overreaction to medications taken orally.

3. Yeast Infections

Your tongue can probably become itchy due to not only a yeast infection but also other infections such as bacterial and viral infections. There are numerous factors that would foster oral infections and they include poor oral hygiene and dentures. If it is injured, it would be susceptible to infections. Usually, fungal infections do accompany symptoms such as itching and a white-coating.

4. Cankers sores

Once again, your tongue may get itchy if you have canker sores. Canker sores can affect not just it but also your mouth, lips or cheeks. As explained by medhealthdaily.com, canker sores “occurs when your tongue, mouth, and lips have broken “skin” resulting in painful cuts.” Canker sores symptoms may be mild beside the sore itself.  People who have compromised immunity, suffer from vitamins deficiencies, have hormonal imbalances or have viral infections are more vulnerable.

5. Diabetes

Normally, diabetes results when blood sugar levels surge. When untreated for a long time, it can cause sores especially from fungal infections which can lead to itchiness including on the mouth roof

6. Is it linked to STDs?

To begin with, we should all agree this problem is obviously not a sign of HIV or any STDs. However, sometimes it is.  If you develop white spots in the oral cavity or in the tongue then you should suspect STDs if you are active in oral sex.  STDs can cause a tingling sensation on your tongue. Ensure you are diagnosed and treated.

7. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

Those experiencing burning mouth syndrome always experience pain in the mouth. This pain is always described as burning to feel in the mouth. In some individuals, the syndrome will lead to an itchy tongue. The primary cause of this syndrome is believed to be caused by damaged tongue nerves whereas secondary burning mouth syndrome is supposed to arise as a result of allergic reactions.

8. Geographic tongue

The geographic tongue does not directly cause tingling but the resultant open cuts can easily attract bacteria, fungi or viruses.  A sore or painful tongue will also be other symptoms. Proper oral care is essential here.

9.   Mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are in most cases are painful sores that can be experienced anywhere in the mouth especially underneath the tongue. Many mouth ulcers occur as a result of injury to the mouth such as the accidental mouth or tongue biting and sharp objects causing injury to the tongue etc. Chronic mouth ulcers that keep recurring could be related to such factors like hormonal disorder or certain foods we consume daily.

Symptoms

The symptoms of tongue irritation will definitely depend on the cause. Various causes will have different symptoms which would vary in terms of severity or the period they take to heal. Common symptoms that accompany this problem include:

• Bumps, some could be red in color
• Soreness
• Swelling
• Ridges around your tongue
• Tingling and dry mouth
• Loss of taste and appetite
• Excessive thirst.
• Pain that gets worse day by day.
• Sore maybe also experienced on mouth parts
• Difficulties during speech or swallowing

Mild symptoms may get well on their own especially if you know the cause. Severe ones will need a doctor’s attention.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis may involve physical examination, look at your back to medical history,  a tongue biopsy, blood tests and several questions posed by the healthcare professional. This will be important in revealing why you have this problem. In most cases, the itchiness is only a symptom of another condition you may be having. Sometimes, a differential diagnosis is done to help narrow down to the most probable cause by eliminating other causes.

The roof of mouth and tongue itch

This has almost the same causes. Allergies, infections, hot foods, and so on can cause it. Sometimes it may be accompanied by symptoms such as an itchy sore throat.

How can we get rid of it?

Certain causes of this condition can be actually prevented but not all.  Also, many causes or symptoms may not need any treatments.  However, some causes or rather symptoms would be a nightmare! Such require medical attention. In this section, we will tackle some of the common ways to get rid of this condition. They comprise of medications and home remedies or otherwise.

Treatment and medications

Treatments of an itchy tongue will depend on the cause or trigger. Common treatment options available include the following:

• Anti-viral medication for viral infections.
• Antiseptic mouthwash may also be available to help deal with germs
• Anti-allergy medication such as antihistamines can be given in case of allergies.
• For bacterial infections, antibiotics will be recommended by your doctor,
• You may as well be given anti-inflammation medication to help reduce the swelling, itchiness, and irritation.
• Corticosteroids will definitely help you in reducing the inflammation that will, in the long run, calm down the itchiness in the case of contact dermatitis.

There are many other medications or treatments that can be prescribed as well but first, your doctor would consider the causes, severity of the symptoms and the location of the itch, etc.

Home remedies

The following are the home remedies and how to use them effectively so that they help you get rid of tongue itching. Some of the home remedies can act as temporary pain relievers and it is important to book an appointment with your doctor in case these remedies do not improve your condition. In addition, they should be used for mild cases while severe cases will need medical attention.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gel is known to be the best natural herbal home remedy that can help you cure this problem. It will also help in providing protection tissues in our mouth and tongue. How to use it is simple: just consume a quarter cup of Aloe Vera juice daily and this will get eventually cure your tongue irritation. Continue daily for better results.

2.   Mint leaves.

Mint Leaves have a cooling effect and moreover is healthy for your immune system. It is recommended that you use these mint leaves together with a recommended diet. Mint leaves also help in reducing the burning sensation on your tongue as well as reducing of lesions.

3. Use of ice

Use of ice will have a numbing or cooling effect and also get rid of irritation to your tongue. Just take a piece of a block of ice and apply it directly to the affected area, leave it for some time and the burning sensation will go down. Repeat this twice or more times a day.

4. Use of baking soda

According to The Healthy “for treating tongue itch, baking soda is also a good remedy. It has anti-inflammation properties that will help soothe pain and inflammation” usage is simple and is as follows: mix a teaspoonful of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste and then put on the affected area and leave it for sometimes before you rinse off your mouth with warm water.

5.Use of honey

Honey is another home remedy that can be used to help your soothe a burning sensation, and in addition help in the prevention of infection to your tongue. It can also help in the reduction of pain and inflammation. Just put apply natural raw honey to the affected area and leave it for some minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Repeat the process daily for better results.

Prevention

Simple preventive measures can help you save the lots of money you could use to treat conditions that trigger itchiness on the tongue. Some of the good preventive measures include the following:

1. You should not smoke.
2. Use tongue scraper in the removal of dead cells if any.
3. Increase the quantity consumption of fiber in your diet.
4. Maintain good dental hygiene.
5. Don’t engage in oral sex
6. Establish your allergen and other irritants and give them your back.

What about superstitions and myths?

Finally, ignore some superstitions and myths that might be associated with an itchy tongue since they do not hold much water.

Conclusion.

The tongue is a very important part of our body usually used for tasting, swallowing and chewing food and hence any signs and symptoms of any tongue problem should bother us so much. If the OTC and home remedies do not help, consider seeing your doctor.