Tongue Problems
Alternate Names : Dark Tongue
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Tongue Problems: Common Causes
- Minor infections or irritations are the most common cause of tongue soreness.
- A viral ulcer or "canker sore" commonly appears on the tongue (or anywhere in the mouth) for no apparent reason. While it is not medically proven some doctors believe that viral ulcers are linked to emotional stress, fatigue, or lowered resistance.
- Injury (biting the tongue) can cause painful sores.
- A hangover or an allergic reaction to food or medication can cause a swollen tongue.
- Heavy smoking will irritate the tongue and make it painful.
- A smooth and pale tongue surface suggests nutritional (vitamin B-12) deficiencies.
- A coated tongue may be caused by dehydration, oral sex, or antibiotic side effects (such as thrush).
- An allergic reaction to food or medication can cause tongue swelling.
- A "hairy" appearing tongue (hairy leukoplakia) is a complication of AIDS.
Possible causes of tongue pain:
Possible causes of tongue tremor:
Possible causes of white tongue:
- local irritation
- smoking and alcohol use
Possible causes of smooth tongue:
Possible causes of red (ranging from pink to magenta) tongue:
Possible causes of tongue swelling:
Possible causes of a hairy tongue:
Possible cause of tongue fissure (grooves in the tongue):
- congenital defect (normally occurs in 10% of population)
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