Sore or white tongueOverview

A sore or white tongue isn't usually serious and is often easily treated. Most should only last a short time.

Things you can do yourself

Do

  • use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth
  • use a toothpaste that doesn't contain sodium lauryl sulphate
  • brush your tongue or use a scraper to help improve a white tongue
  • use a straw to drink cool drinks
  • take painkillers

Don't

  • do not eat hard, spicy, salty, acidic or hot food and drink that may irritate your tongue
  • do not smoke
  • do not drink alcohol

A pharmacist can help with a sore or white tongue

A pharmacist can look at your tongue and might be able to tell you:

  • what's causing it
  • if you can buy anything to help with any pain or irritation
  • if you should see a dentist or GP

Find a pharmacy

See a GP or dentist if you:

  • have pain or itchiness that doesn't go away or gets worse
  • have white patches on your tongue

Common causes of a sore or white tongue

Biting or burning your tongue with hot food or drink can cause pain and swelling. But this should last only a few days.

A white tongue can be a sign of a health condition.

Don't self-diagnose – see your GP if you're worried.

Lichen planus

White patches on the tongue and inside the cheek, with sore gumsCredit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

White patches on the tongue and inside the cheek, with sore gums

Read about lichen planus.

Leukoplakia

Read about leukoplakia.

Geographic tongue

Blotchy, red patches on the tongue that have a white or light-coloured borderCredit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Blotchy, red patches on the tongue that have a white or light-coloured border

Read about geographic tongue.

Mouth ulcer

Round, painful and swollen sores that look like blistersCredit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Round, painful and swollen sores that look like blisters

Read about mouth ulcers.

Oral thrush

Itchy, red mouth with white patches on the tongueCredit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Itchy, red mouth with white patches on the tongue

Read about oral thrush.

Page last reviewed: 19/05/2017
Next review due: 19/05/2020

BackRead on the NHS website