An ulcer under the tongue is a painful sore that appears on the underside of the tongue. These ulcers, often called canker sores, are small, round, and white or yellow with a red border. They typically heal on their own within one to two weeks.
Most ulcers under the tongue are caused by minor injuries, such as biting your tongue or irritation from sharp teeth or dental work. Other causes include stress, dietary deficiencies, or viral infections. The body's immune system reacts to these triggers, leading to inflammation and the formation of an ulcer.
There are three main types of mouth ulcers:
Ulcers under the tongue are common and can occur in people of all ages. They are not contagious and do not spread through contact. The exact cause is often unknown, but certain factors can trigger their appearance, such as:
Another misconception is that ulcers under the tongue are always caused by poor oral hygiene. While maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent mouth ulcers, it is not the primary cause. Most ulcers are the result of minor injuries or other internal factors.
While most ulcers under the tongue heal on their own, there are several treatments and home remedies that can help reduce pain and speed up healing:
If the ulcer persists for more than two weeks or if you experience severe pain, swelling, or difficulty eating, consult a healthcare professional. In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to rule out other conditions.