Aphthous Ulcers: Causes and Treatment

Who hasn't experienced them? Those small, bothersome blisters on the tongue that are usually harmless but can cause significant pain. They often resolve on their own within a few days, causing only temporary discomfort. However, some blisters can be particularly persistent and painful, making it difficult to eat properly. These blisters are called aphthous ulcers. Various triggers can cause these blisters, sometimes as simple as accidentally biting your tongue. However, more serious underlying conditions can also be the cause.

What are these blisters and how are they formed?

The surface of the tongue naturally has small bumps called papillae, many of which contain taste buds. These bumps are visible to the naked eye but can sometimes become swollen due to irritation, inflammation, or an accidental bite. Typically, these symptoms resolve on their own.

Irritation from food, chemicals, malnutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption, plaque build-up, or dental work can temporarily enlarge the papillae. Other causes of blisters, swelling, and ulcers include canker sores, bacterial infections, immune system disorders, or herpes. The exact cause of aphthous ulcers remains unclear, but several factors can promote the development of these painful blisters. Genetic predispositions can lead to familial occurrences, and mechanical injuries from coarse foods, hard toothbrushes, or burns from hot food and drinks can also contribute. Poorly fitting braces or dentures, immune system stress, certain medications, stress, and deficiencies in iron, zinc, folic acid, or vitamin B12 are known promoters. Additional risk factors include spicy foods and chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Blisters can also occur as side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy and from medications that cause dry mouth.

Aphthae can appear not only on the tongue but throughout the oral mucosa, characterized by whitish-coated vesicles. Although they can cause discomfort, they typically heal on their own and are generally harmless.

What to Do If You Get Blisters on Your Tongue?

Targeted prevention can be highly effective. Avoid known triggers of irritation and inflammation. For example, wearing a mouthguard during sports can prevent you from biting your tongue. Additionally, steer clear of particularly spicy foods, hard or sharp-edged foods, and overly hard toothbrushes to protect sensitive mucous membranes.

Once painful areas develop, rinsing with mouthwash and warm salt water is recommended to promote quick wound healing. Natural remedies like celery or carrot juice and chamomile can also help relieve pain. Drinking plenty of water further supports the healing process. Additionally, over-the-counter treatments such as oral numbing gels and topical medications for sores are available at the pharmacy.

However, the most crucial aspect is maintaining thorough and optimized oral hygiene, as bacteria can delay wound healing. Regular care includes brushing your teeth twice a day with a suitable toothbrush and using dental floss. Ensure the toothbrush has soft bristles to prevent additional irritation and lesions. An alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash helps kill germs, and a specially designed tongue scraper removes bacteria from the tongue's surface.