Have you ever had a canker sore on tongue? This can be extremely uncomfortable, but there are some things you can do to ease the pain.

Everyone hates canker sores and unfortunately no one knows what actually causes them. There are numerous things however, that can put you at a higher risk to get them. Making subtle changes can greatly improve your dental hygiene and nutrition lowering your chances of getting one of the painful little sores. A canker sore on tongue can be even more aggravating because even drinking fluids can be painful.

Canker sores can come from a multitude of things. If you have a diet that is high in foods containing a lot of citrus and/or acidic foods this can irritate your mouth causing the sores to develop. Nutrition also plays a huge role in whether or not your body will be more susceptible to the sores. People who have gastrointestinal problems, like Celiac disease or Crohn' disease, may develop the sores easier than someone who doesn'. You are also more likely to get canker sores if you have low levels of zinc, B12 or folic acid in your body. There are supplements that you can take if this is a problem for you. People with iron deficiencies are also at a higher risk to developing canker sores. Needless to say, making small changes in your diet can help reduce your chances of getting a canker sore.

Canker sores normally heal on their own within a couple of weeks. However, during the period that your mouth is aggravated all citrusy and acidic foods, like tomatoes, oranges, apples and pineapples should be avoided. You should also brush your teeth, including the area around the canker sore, with a soft bristled tooth brush. This will help you get rid of excess food in your mouth that can cause a buildup of bacteria. Over the counter medications that are designed to numb the gums can be used to help with the pain. You can also try an over the counter anti inflammatory, like Ibuprofen, to help reduce the pain, swelling and redness.

While it' not always necessary to see a doctor for a canker sore, there are some instances that you should. A doctor should be seen if there is a fever associated with the canker sore, if the sores spread and more sores appear, if the canker sore is unusually large or extremely painful and if the sore lasts three weeks or longer.