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Tongue Sores During Pregnancy - Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

momjunction.com 2 days ago
Pregnant Women Checking Her Tongue Sores
Image: iStock

Some women experience tongue sores during pregnancy. Under normal conditions, tongue sores indicate vitamin deficiencies (1). But sometimes, they could be due to other benign or serious underlying conditions. Either way, expectant mothers should not neglect tongue sores. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can impact your oral health and increase the risk of conditions like tongue sores and other oral ulcers (2). Knowing these changes can help you take proactive steps to maintain your oral health.

If you have had persistent tongue sores, contact your doctor to know the causes. We bring you some information you need to know about tongue sores when pregnant in this post. Also, we share a few home remedies that may give you some relief.

Key Pointers

  • Tongue sores can be caused by stress, smoking, biting, viral infections, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, or oral cancer.
  • Some signs of tongue sores include bumps, sores, irregular red patches, and white lines on the tongue.
  • Gargling or rinsing with salt water, sucking on ice chips, and proper hydration can help with tongue sores.
  • Treatment options for tongue sores include prescribed antiseptic mouthwash, local analgesics, and protective pastes.

Causes Of Tongue Sores During Pregnancy

The following are some common causes of painful tongue sores during pregnancy (3) (4):

  • Stress

Pregnancy being a period of many changes, many women develop ulcers on the tongue in pregnancy during periods of heightened stress.

Smoking may cause tongue sores during pregnancy
Image: Shutterstock

Excessive smoking can irritate your tongue and make it sore. Quit smoking to avoid the risk of developing tongue sores. Additionally, smoking has other harmful effects on you and on your growing fetus.

If you accidentally bite your tongue or eat something extremely hot, you may develop a tongue sore. Also, if you grind or clench your teeth, it may irritate the sides of the tongue, causing pain.

If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetesiA condition where the body either can't produce enough insulin, an organic substance, leading to high blood sugar levels. or anemiaiOccurs when there is a dearth of enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. , you are likely to develop a tongue sore. Behcet disease, characterized by the inflammation of blood vessels in the body, can also lead to the development of sores on the tongue (5) (6).

  • Oral cancer

Consult a doctor if you have a lump or sore on your tongue that persists for more than three weeks. Oral cancer does not show its symptoms in the early stages. Thus, if there is no pain and you still have tongue sores, a check-up is advisable.

  • Viral Infection

Tongue sores can be caused by viral infections such as hand-foot-mouth diseaseiA mild but highly contagious viral infection causing sores in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet resulting from herpes simplex virus that can last for about 10 days.

  • Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Tongue sores are sometimes caused by a lack of adequate nutrition. It is more likely caused due to iron deficiency, deficiencies of certain vitamins or minerals, such as vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

  • Hormonal changes

It has been seen that women with hormonal imbalances are more prone to oral health problems. As pregnancy is a phase that involves significant hormonal fluctuations, it may make a pregnant women more susceptible to tongue sores.

  • Autoimmune diseases

An example of an autoimmune diseaseiWhen the body's defense system mistakenly attacks and damages its own cells instead of fighting off infections. that can cause tongue sores is multiple sclerosisiA disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. (7). People with a weak immune system are more susceptible to developing sore tongue or yellow tongue.

  • Gingivostomatitis

Herpetic Gingivostomatitis or Gingivitis is an infection of the mouth and can cause blisters and sores in the mouth (8). However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gingivitis is prevalent among 60 to 75% of pregnant women (9). As per a study, when a pregnant woman develops Herpetic gingivostomatitis, there’s a risk she could pass the HSV-1 virus to her baby (10). Because of this risk, it’s crucial to monitor the newborn, check for any signs of infection early on, and start treatment immediately if needed.

  • Oral thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that can result in a sore or dry mouth during pregnancy and occurs when there is an overgrowth of the fungus, Candida (11).

Tongue sores can also be caused by factors such as a sharp or broken tooth, poorly fitting dentures, braces, or chewing tobacco (12).

Symptoms Of Tongue Sores During Pregnancy

The following are the symptoms of tongue sores during pregnancy, though they may appear in non-pregnant women as well (4) (13):

  • Bumps on the tongue.
  • Painful sores that are common on or under the tongue, though they can appear anywhere in the mouth.
  • Irregular red patches.
  • White lines on the tongue.
  • Low saliva production
  • Change in taste perception
  • An enlarged or swollen tongue
  • Difficulty moving the tongue

Tongue sores may require medical attention if they persist for more than two weeks, recur more than three times a year, are larger than half an inch in size, or are accompanied by a fever of 100.4°F or higher. Additional warning signs include worsening pain, difficulty eating or drinking due to the sores, symptoms that fail to improve or worsen over time, and the appearance of new symptoms (14).

Home Remedies For Tongue Sores During Pregnancy

Gargling can relieve tongue sores
Image: Shutterstock

Here are some of the home remedies for sores on the tongue during pregnancy (3) (15):

  • Gargling or rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater
  • Sucking on ice chips may help alleviate pain
  • Keeping yourself hydrated
  • Avoid consuming hot, spicy, salty, or citrus-based foods and beverages

Alum is an astringentiAgents used for constricting the body tissues to tighten pores and reduce oiliness and may help with tongue sores (16). With your doctor’s approval, you can apply an alum paste to treat the sore. Leave it for a minute, and rinse thoroughly.

Such home remedies only provide temporary relief. Hence, consult your doctor to avoid further complications.

Treating Tongue Sores During Pregnancy

Following are some of the treatment methods for mouth ulcers during pregnancy (17) (14):

  • Antiseptic mouthwashes to prevent the bacterial infection from growing
  • Local analgesics in the form of gels or creams for pain relief from oral ulcers
  • Protective pastesiMedicated pastes used to cover ulcers and prevent irritation from food, drinks and saliva that cover the ulcer
  • Prescription oral medications or over-the-counter pain relievers

Use these medications only after consulting with your doctor to ensure they are safe to use during pregnancy. Furthermore, consult a nutritionist who can provide personalized advice on dietary adjustments that may alleviate symptoms and enhance overall oral health during pregnancy.

Preventing Tongue Sores During Pregnancy

Maintain oral hygiene
Image: Shutterstock

Following are some of the preventive measures you can take during pregnancy to avoid tongue sores (15) (18):

  • Oral hygiene

The best way to prevent tongue ulcers is to maintain dental hygiene by flossing and brushing daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing your tongue can also help minimize bacteria in your mouth and promote better oral hygiene.

  • Balanced diet

Maintain a healthy diet by limiting refined sugar to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, consuming plenty of calcium for strong bones and teeth, and including vitamin C-rich foods to strengthen your gums.

  • Stress management techniques

Practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can help reduce stress, which is known to contribute to oral health issues during pregnancy.

Applying honey on the sores with a cotton swab, two to three times a day may reduce pain and help heal tongue sores (19).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do sores on the tongue last in pregnancy?

In most women, the sores will heal within 10 to 14 days. However, if the sores do not go away by three weeks, contact your doctor (15).

2. What do you eat with a sore tongue during pregnancy?

If you have a sore tongue, (20)

  • Eat soft food that is easy to chew and swallow
  • Drink soups
  • Eat oatmeals, pancakes, or cereals soaked in milk
  • Try desserts
  • Drink smoothies
  • Avoid spicy or citrus food
  • Stay away from carbonated or caffeinated drinks

3. What is a pregnancy tongue?

According to gynecologist and laparoscopic surgeon Dr. Swati Chitnis, “Pregnancy tongue is also known as geographic tongue. In this condition, there are irregular patches, redness, and swelling over the tongue. It usually occurs due to vitamin deficiencies and is harmless.”

Tongue sores are uncommon during pregnancy. While most causes of tongue sores during pregnancy are benign, they may rarely occur due to a more serious underlying health condition. If you notice any bumps, painful sores, irregular red patches, or white lines on your tongue during pregnancy, visit your dentist or gynecologist to have yourself examined. Tongue sores are usually treated with antiseptic mouthwashes, local analgesicsi, and protective pastes. Maintaining proper oral health, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking can help prevent this painful condition.

Infographic: What Are The Reasons For Tongue Sores In Pregnant Women?

Tongue sores or canker sores in pregnancy are not uncommon. These small, uncomfortable sores, which can develop on the tongue, gums, or inside of the cheek, can make it difficult to eat, speak, or swallow. The infographic below explores some of the reasons for tongue sores during pregnancy. Read on!

possible causes for tongue sores when pregnant (infographic)
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Tongue Sores During Pregnancy - Causes Symptoms & Treatments

Tongue Sores During Pregnancy - Causes, Symptoms & Treatments_illustration
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

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