What’s a sore tongue?
A sore tongue means your tongue, which is a muscle in your mouth used for tasting and swallowing food, is in pain or discomfort. As a very sensitive part of our bodies, experiencing tongue soreness could lead to symptoms like dryness, a burning sensation, or even changes in color.
What causes a sore tongue?
The main reason for a sore tongue is usually bacterial infection, often caused by accidental injuries such as brushing your teeth too hard or biting down on your tongue. While a sore tongue typically clears up quickly, in certain cases, it could indicate more severe oral health problems.
What are some home remedies for a sore tongue?
1. Salt
Salt, found in every kitchen, can help reduce the pain and inflammation. Mix three teaspoons of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with this solution every few hours, or when you start to feel less pain.
2. Lavender Essential Oil
If rinsing with salt water isn’t your cup of tea, try using a few drops of lavender essential oil mixed with water. Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can soothe your painful tongue. Just remember not to swallow it!
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda also works wonders in treating a sore tongue due to its antibacterial properties. Apply a paste made of baking soda directly on the sore area, leave it for about a minute, then rinse it off with water. Repeat this several times a day for relief.
4. Cold Water
Easily the most straightforward remedy, cold water cleans away excess food or dirt, reducing the chance of infection.
5. Aloe Vera
For centuries, aloe vera is known for its healing qualities. You can use the gel taken from the leaf to soothe your sore tongue or rinse your mouth with the juice.
6. Milk
Milk boosts your immune system, helping your body fight off the invading bacteria. Try drinking a cold glass of milk two or three times a day to ease the symptoms.
7. Ice Cubes
By numbing the pain and swelling, sucking on an ice cube can provide immediate relief for your sore tongue.
8. Honey
Honey, full of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, can provide quick relief. Apply honey on the sore area three times a day to soothe the discomfort.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide, when used correctly, can help fight off infection. But only use a 3% solution, mixing equal amounts with warm water. Apply the mixture with a cotton swab on the sore area, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse your mouth.
10. Sage
Sage, known for its calming properties, can help in reducing pain. Boil some fresh sage leaves in water, strain the mixture, add some myrrh tincture, allow it to cool, then use it as a mouth rinse throughout the day.
These home remedies can provide relief for a sore tongue. However, do reach out to a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
This is a summary of an article by Ashley Bennet, co-owner of AuthorityRemedies and a trained Nutrition and Health advocate.
Tags: Home Remedies, Sore Tongue, Natural Remedies
