Triggers for Canker Sores on the Tongue & How to Treat Them
Basically, the tongue plays an important role as it functions as the sense of taste. Therefore, if there is a problem with the tongue, including mouth ulcers (canker sores), it will feel very uncomfortable. However, as it turns out, that is not all; mouth ulcers on the tongue can also be a sign that you have a certain illness.
So, even though the mortality rate is very low, it does not mean you should not be vigilant when there is a sore in the tongue area. Therefore, you need to find out what triggers mouth ulcers on the tongue and how to treat them. Learn more about mouth ulcers on the tongue in the explanation below!
Triggers for Mouth Ulcers on the Tongue

As it turns out, there are several triggers for the appearance of mouth ulcers on the side of the tongue and other areas of the tongue. Here is the list!
1. Trauma to the Tongue
The first reason, and the most common cause of mouth ulcers on the tongue, is trauma. Usually, this trauma occurs due to injury. There are several examples, such as biting the tongue, getting scratched by hard-textured food, friction between the teeth and the tongue, and so on.
This is a very common cause of mouth ulcers on the tongue in children and adults. The trauma causes a small, painful sore on the tongue. Its color can range from white, yellow, and reddish to grayish. Often, the injured area of the tongue may become swollen.
2. Hormonal Changes
Because they function to regulate metabolism, hormone levels in the body greatly affect your health. So, it is no wonder that mouth ulcers on the tongue can also be caused by sudden hormonal surges.
For your information, women are more susceptible to hormonal mouth ulcers compared to men. This is because there are five situations where hormonal surges occur in women. Mouth ulcers can appear during puberty, menstruation, the use of birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause.[1]
3. Lack of Saliva Production
When your oral cavity produces little to no saliva, the tongue area can feel dry and rough more quickly. This is because the lack of saliva production can disrupt the balance of the natural microbes on the tongue. In fact, new species often appear.[2]
Microbial infection, specifically the *Candida* fungus, is the cause of frequent mouth ulcers on the tongue for those who have a dry mouth. This dryness in the oral area can occur due to many things, ranging from the consumption of certain medications, disorders of the salivary glands, or chemotherapy.
4. Having an Autoimmune Disease
If you are wondering whether mouth ulcers on the tongue are dangerous or not, the condition itself is not dangerous. This is because mouth ulcers can heal on their own in just 1-2 weeks. However, if it lasts longer than that, you need to be alert because the cause could be an autoimmune disease.
There are many autoimmune diseases where one of the symptoms is the appearance of mouth ulcers on the tongue. Some of these include Crohn's, celiac, pemphigus vulgaris, herpes, and lupus. Furthermore, the appearance of mouth ulcers can also be an early sign of HIV infection, especially acute mouth ulcers that appear persistently.[3]
How to Treat Mouth Ulcers on the Tongue
Once you know the triggers, you also need to know how to heal mouth ulcers on the tongue. Broadly speaking, there are three easiest ways you can do to treat this condition. Here is the explanation!
1. Use Oral or Topical Mouth Ulcer Medication

As mentioned earlier, normal mouth ulcers can heal on their own after 1-2 weeks. However, to speed up the healing process, you can take mouth ulcer medication. There are many options, ranging from oral medication to topical medication.
If you have your condition checked by a doctor, NSAID medications such as ibuprofen and nicorandil-type medications may be prescribed for you. In addition, there are topical medications considered more effective for treating mouth ulcers, such as gels, ointments, mouthwashes, and steroid sprays.
2. Increase Zinc Consumption

As it turns out, consuming zinc can also help you heal faster. This mineral compound is very effective in accelerating the wound healing process and maintaining the integrity of the epithelial tissue on the tongue.[4] There are many zinc-rich food options you can try, such as:
- Red meat
- Eggs
- Milk
- Nuts/legumes
- Oysters
3. Increase Vitamin C and B12 Consumption

Besides zinc, vitamin B12 and vitamin C are also very effective for treating mouth ulcers. Broadly speaking, the reason is the same as zinc, which is to accelerate wound healing. You can try:
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Yogurt
- Avocado
- Oranges
- Limes
Besides directly through food, you can also fulfill your vitamin C needs with the Alang Sari Plus Jeruk Nipis product from Sido Muncul. This is because the product contains vitamin C and lime, which are good for oral health, including treating mouth ulcers.
Not only does it treat them, but this drink can also prevent mouth ulcers on the tongue. Its content of cogon grass (*alang-alang*) and green grass jelly (*cincau hijau*) can also address throat problems and heatiness.