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Sore or white tongue

Overview

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If you have a sore or white tongue, it can help to brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper and avoid spicy, acidic or hot food and drink.

Tongue pain is often caused by burning or biting your tongue. Common causes of a white tongue include lichen planus, leukoplakia and oral thrush.

A sore or white tongue is not usually serious and can often be easily treated.

Page last reviewed: 16/05/2023
Next review due: 16/05/2026