A Tongue has small nodules on it called papillae. And these small nodules can be inflamed due to reactions from certain foods or because of many other reasons and may develop into red or white bumps. These are called blisters.
A tongue besides is the strongest muscle in the human body. It is more vulnerable to a lot of factors that can provide harm to it and to the taste buds that lie on it.
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Causes for blister under the tongue
Blisters under the tongue can because of a number of factors. The list goes as follows:
1. Food allergies:
The most common reason for blister either under the tongue or in the mouth is due to the reaction caused by consuming some specific foods.
If your blister is due to food allergy then it will also be accompanied by stomach pain. The blister; in this case, will heal on its own when the stomach digests the food.
2. Medication allergies:
Blisters can also show up as an allergic reaction to certain medications. If you see such a case then it would be advisable to switch the medication or stop the medicine immediately.
3. Canker sores:
Canker sores appear sometimes on their own and will disappear on their own as well. They are believed to be hereditary.
4. Bacterial infection:
A bacteria known as staphylococcus is another reason for blister under the tongue. This kind of a blister requires medical treatment.
5. Minor mouth injuries:
You can injure your mouth either during brushing or by consuming something very hot. This can cause blisters under the tongue. In this case, the blisters will heal automatically.
6. Unclear bowel movements:
Difficulty in passing stools can also cause blisters under the tongue. When the problem of unclear bowel movement is attended the blisters can be treated with vitamin supplements.
7. Yeast infection:
White blisters under the tongue are a sign of yeast infection. They can be painful and needs to be attended by a doctor.
8. Hand, Foot and Mouth disease:
In children, this is the most common reason for blisters under the tongue. In this case, red blisters will appear under the tongue along with elsewhere in their mouth. These blisters can be painful. Rashes can also appear in the hands and feet. If this is the case do contact your doctor.
9. More serious problems:
Blisters can also appear under the tongue as an indication of some other serious problem in the body like syphilis, tuberculosis, leukemia, Vincent’s disease and anemia.
10. Cold sores:
Cold sores are caused by infection relating to Herpes Simplex virus. Such kind of blisters are accompanied by a fever and hence also known as fever blisters.
Home Remedies For Blisters Under The Tongue
Here is a list of this to do at home for the treatment of tongue blisters.
1. Ice
If you are suffering from tongue blisters it will be wise to avoid spicy or hot food items. You are allowed to use ice or eat cool items like ice creams because they have a numbing effect on the blisters and give you break from the pain.
Also applying ice on the blisters will reduce inflammation and swelling. You can use ice by directly applying it on the blisters.
Rub the ice cube on the blisters till the time they go numb. Or drink ice cold water frequently.
2. Salt
Another very common item to bring to the rescue is salt. Using salt will greatly reduce pain and inflammation. Salt will also remove any bacteria if present and will guard against any further infections.
All you need to do is, mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm water.
Take a sip of this solution and swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it.
Once you have done this put some salt directly on the blister and after a minute rinse it with warm water. Do this process 5-6 times a day or whenever required.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is effective in treating of blisters due to its antibacterial and disinfectant properties. For treating tongue blisters use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.
- Take equal amount of warm water and hydrogen peroxide and mix them.
- With the help of cotton apply this solution over the blister.
- Rinse with warm water after 2 minutes.
4. Baking soda
It is not only recommended to take a baking soda dip every once in a while but it is also wise to use the baking soda rinse very day to maintain pH balance in your mouth. Baking soda is very useful in
Baking soda is very useful for the treatment of tongue blisters especially canker sores as it has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce pain and inflammation.
- To a cup of warm water add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and mix the solution well.
- Take a sip and swish the solution in your mouth for few minutes and then spit it.
- Another way to go is to prepare a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly on the blisters. After a few minutes rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Use these remedies 3-4 times daily for better results.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is not only useful for its various skin benefits but is also used in the treatment of blisters because of its antibacterial and natural healing properties. It is best to use fresh Aloe Vera juice in this case.
- All you have to do is cut open an Aloe Vera leaf and extract the gel.
- For 5 minutes apply this gel on the blister and then rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Do this remedy 3-4 times a day.
- Or you can make an Aloe Vera rinse. Simply extract a teaspoon of gel from an Aloe Vera leaf and mix it with a tablespoon of water.
- Use it as a rinse 3 times a day.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is very handy when it comes to treatment by home remedies due to its antiseptic properties. In this case also, turmeric is used as it reduces inflammation caused by the blisters.
You can simply make up a honey and turmeric paste and apply it on the blister. For this take ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 tablespoon of honey and mix them up well to form a paste.
Use your fingers to apply this paste on the blisters and rinse with warm water after 3 minutes. Do this home remedy 3-4 times a day.
Another way that turmeric can help with its healing antiseptic properties is by consuming it with warm milk. To a glass of warm milk add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder and drink it once a day.
7. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil also comes handy in treating tongue blisters. It has antibacterial properties that are helpful and beneficial.
Add some drops of tea tree oil to a glass of warm water and use this as a mouthwash twice a day.
8. Basil
Basil is not only chewed raw for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic but is also brought into use for curing many other problems.
For treatment of blisters, pluck a few basil leaves, chew and swallow them.
9. Vitamin B
Blisters on the tongue can appear a majority of times because of Vitamin B deficiency.If you think this is the case, then eat food rich in vitamin B like eggs, cheese, yogurt, bananas, oats, salmon, bran and milk. Or you can also take vitamin B supplements.
10. Coriander
Coriander also comes handy in treating tongue blisters and will greatly reduce pain and inflammation. You can make a coriander mouthwash.
- Take 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds or leaves and add it to a cup of warm water. Bring this to boil.
- Strain the boiled solution and use it to rinse your mouth.
- Do this 3-4 times a day or more frequently if needed.
11. Sage
Sage is an age old herb used in the treatment of mouth ulcers and tongue blisters. You can reap the benefits of sage by preparing a sage rinse.
- Simply pluck a handful of fresh sage or 2 teaspoons of dry sage and add it to a cup of water.
- Bring the water to a boil and use it as a rinse.
- Swish the solution in your mouth for a few minutes and then spit it out. Finish by rinsing your mouth with cold water.
12. Coconut oil
Coconut has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which will help to get rid of tongue blisters.With the help of clean fingers or with a cotton swab, apply coconut oil over the blister. Later rinse your mouth with water.
13. Clove oil
Eugenol is a painkiller which is present in clove oil which makes clove oil the best in curing toothache and dry sockets. Using clove oil will help reduce pain.
- Take clove oil and olive oil and mix them well. Now take a cotton ball and soak it in the mixture and apply it over the blister.
- Apply for 5-10 minutes on the blister. You will see the blister numbing.
14. Honey
Raw honey is wonderful as it has many antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and help numb the pain.
Just take some raw honey and with your finger apply it on the blister. Re-apply when it starts to dissolve in the mouth.
15. Eat Yoghurt
Yogurt with live cultures or in simpler words with active bacteria will help in balancing the bacteria in the mouth. Consume yogurt with live cultures to help cure blisters.
16. Natural oil sprays or numbing spray
- Take a spray bottle and
- Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 2 spoons of olive oil
- 5-6 drops of grapes seed oil
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- Now shake this bottle really well and spray this solution 2-3 times a day on your blisters.
17. Milk and honey
Both milk and honey have nutrients that are effective in treating the blisters on the tongue and will keep the burning sensation out by providing it a soothing effect.
Just simply mix cold milk with honey and form a paste.Apply over the blister with the help of a cotton ball.
18. Mint leaves
Mint has lots of nutrients that have the cooling effect and hence also helps treat an upset stomach. Just take a few mint leaves and grind them with honey and water.
Apply this paste over your tongue and stick your tongue out for 5-10 minutes and then rinse with water.
19. Chamomile tea bag
Making use of chamomile tea bag will help you to get over the burning sensation on the blister. Simply take a chamomile tea bag and dip it in water and apply it on the blisters. It will provide a soothing effect to your tongue.
20. Eat ice cream
Ice cream is the most delicious way to treat your blisters. Eating ice cream will provide a cooling effect and will numb the blisters.
It will give you a break from burning sensation and pain. But remember not to eat too much ice cream because you might irritate your tonsils or end up having a sore throat.
Precautions to take
- Do not eat spicily or hot food items as they may irritate your blisters.
- Do not touch your blisters with unclean fingers.
- Rinse your mouth with water frequently to avoid any infections.
- Maintain a good oral hygiene and brush regularly.
- If chewing foods become an issue then start eating soft food items.
- Reduce stress levels and try to relax. Tongue blisters can also appear due to stress.
Final Talk
Tongue blisters do not require a lot of work and they will heal on their own or with the help of a few home remedies or will disappear on their own. But if your tongue blisters are still there after 2 weeks, it is best to pay a visit to the doctor.