NHS website

Sore or white tongue

Find out how to treat a sore or white tongue and read about the possible causes such as geographic tongue, oral thrush and mouth ulcers.

12 June 2023

Introduction

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

Things you can do if you have a sore or white tongue

Do

use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth
brush your tongue or use a scraper to help improve a white tongue
use a straw to drink cool drinks
take paracetamol ↗ or ibuprofen ↗

Don't

do not use a toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulphate
do not eat spicy, acidic or hot food and drink that may irritate your tongue
do not smoke
do not drink alcohol

You can ask a pharmacist:

what's causing your sore or white tongue
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 tongue pain or itchiness that does not go away or gets worse
you 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. This should only last a few days.

A white tongue can be a sign of a health condition, such as anaemia, scarlet fever, lichen planus, leukoplakia, geographic tongue, mouth ulcers or oral thrush.

But do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried.

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Sore or white tongue

Find out how to treat a sore or white tongue and read about the possible causes such as geographic tongue, oral thrush and mouth ulcers.

12 June 2023

Introduction

Things you can do if you have a sore or white tongue

Do

Don't

See a GP or dentist if:

Common causes of a sore or white tongue

Lichen planus

Leukoplakia

Geographic tongue

Mouth ulcer

Oral thrush (mouth thrush)

Related articles

Mesothelioma

Cystic fibrosis

Shortness of breath

Sarcoidosis

Sleep apnoea

Peak flow test

Asbestosis

Dislocated kneecap

Stomach ache

Laryngitis

Stop smoking treatments

Brain tumours