Tips to Treat/get Rid of Sore on Tongue

Updated on October 23, 2010
J.A. asks from Spartanburg, SC
15 answers

This is kinda gross and very painful. I have an ulcer (for lack of a better description) on the side of my tongue towards the back of my mouth, it brushes up against my teeth, is causing pain from my jaw into my ear, and hurts to swallow ANYTHING, even water and saliva. I don't know the difference or if there is even a difference between a mouth ulcer, canker sore, cold sore, etc. So I don't know what this is or how to treat it...just that it is new to me. I have lost almost 5 lbs in the last week, and the sore isn't getting better. So...I have bought otc KANKA, swished with a perscription MAGIC MOUTHWASH from the dentist, gargled salt water, turmeric water, peroxide, and brushed and flossed my teeth several times a day. Any other suggestions? It seems after 7 days I should at least be seeing some improvement!

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T.N.

answers from Albany on

I've never met a mouth sore that wasn't cleared up after two days of rinsing with peroxide. I would def see a doc at this point.
Good Luck!

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S.B.

answers from Redding on

Sores in the mouth that don't heal can be serious. It could be that your teeth rubbing against it isn't helping much.
You might need to go to the doctor and get some liquid antibiotic that you swish and swallow.
Usually salt water helps. Maybe you are over irritating it by trying too many things. I would get it checked.
Losing weight because of it is a sure indication you need to see your doctor.

Best wishes.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

You may wish to see your doctor about this as it could be a sign of something more serious.

4 moms found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

Cream of tarter may help..
You have to keep putting it on there, because as you know your saliva will keep washing it away.. I just make a paste and try to dry the sore part and place the tarter paste on there..

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Have you tried straight Maalox on it?

When I used to get them on the gum, I used to crush an aspirin and apply it right to the sore. YOWWWEEE! But it did help.

Good luck, they stink!

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D.N.

answers from Chicago on

If you have had the sore this long, see a dentist. They can tell if it should be checked further. Most people say regular doc but the dentist is the first pla ce to go. I read an article a week or so ago (I read everything I can get my hands on) and it mentioned how mouth cancer and other sores seem to be exploding lately with detection and such because people tend to put them off as nothing or because people are actually seeking help sooner. It depended on the issue.

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C.S.

answers from Atlanta on

Campho Phenique liquid has always worked really well on mouth sores for me. If you've never heard of it, its in a little green bottle in the medicine aisle. It doesn't taste great but it helps. I just put some on a q-tip and stick it in my mouth up against the sore for several minutes. Do that several times a day. Hope this helps.

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

Try Colgate Peroxyl mouth rinse. It's got peroxide in it, but something else that adds an extra "oomph" that does the job. My dentist had me use this when I had a mouth sore and I loved it so much I keep some on hand now for smaller things like canker sores (it gets rid of canker sores overnight). Follow the directions carefully and don't combine with other treatments (which could possibly irritate things more). You can find Peroxyl in the mouth wash section at drug stores. It's a little pricey (I think around $7 a bottle?), but it may give you some relief.

Also, definitely recontact your dentist about this situation. If you're not seeing any improvement in a week, it's probably worth having this checked out. Until you can get in for an appt., try the Peroxyl.

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C.B.

answers from Cleveland on

The vitamin L-lysine will help heal and prevent canker sores. Years ago when I had several in my mouth from eating too many tomatoes, my dr prescribed a rinse of Kaopectate and benedryl.

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P.T.

answers from Atlanta on

sounds like you need to make an apt with a Gastroentologist. The sore might be coming from foods/drinks, however, alot of times its something going on in your stomach that flares up other parts of your body. Plse document all the remedies you have tried and for how long, take this with you to your apt. I hope you feel better soon..

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi JA,

High grade tea tree oil WILL get rid of it and quickly. The key is to make sure whatever is causing it will not create a new one. There is an underlying cause. Usually these don't appear unless your immune system is compromised. I can help you with that if you're interested. Let me know.

M.

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M.P.

answers from Spartanburg on

Hi JA, you've gotten a lot of good advice, but I just wanted to ask if it was possible you are doing too much? I would def try a barrier method, something you can dab on it that would keep out the bacteria, then try to leave it alone.

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E.G.

answers from Atlanta on

Try a natural vitamin supplement called Lysine thats what I use for canker sores and cut almost all acid out of your diet for a week or so (tomatoes, lemon ect.) If nothing you try still doesn't work you may need to see a ear, nose & throat specialist. They may need to burn/ freeze the spot because whatever is there is so deep in the tissue nothing will work. Not as scary as it sounds. Had horrible canker sores growing up, first every time a tooth was about ready to come out and then right before every period (like getting your period at 10 wasn't dramatic enough). I would get them so bad sometimes I would have to get them burned/frozen off. Now I get them if I have too much acid in my diet. I will take lysine for a couple of days and cutting acid out usually does the trick. Last year I had to have one treated by a doctor but it was the first time in over 15 years. Good luck! And just remember once it does clear up you've lost 5lbs... yippee! "Always look on the bright side of life..."

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J.C.

answers from Columbus on

My Dad used to get a lot of mouth ulcers, especially when he ate acidic foods such as chocolate and citrus fruits. He started taking L-lysine and B6 vitamins and they seemed to work. I hope this helps.

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S.H.

answers from Huntsville on

I was going to suggest rinsing with Listerine, but I see that didn't help. I used to try Orajel & Kanka with sores in my mouth, but they wouldn't last long. Rinsing with Listerine always does the trick for me now.

I agree with the others that if it's lasted this long, I would talk to a doctor.

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