Tongue Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

Issues related to the area beside the lingual frenulum under the tongue?

Hello Doctor:
1.
Today I felt a rough line in my upper right jaw, so I used my tongue to touch it by curling it upwards, quite deep inside.
Later, I noticed some pain in the area next to the lingual frenulum under my tongue.
Am I experiencing a strain?
2.
Previously, I visited a doctor because I felt discomfort in my throat after gargling with very salty saline water.
I took some medication, but the pills were quite large, and I felt discomfort in my chest while swallowing.
The doctor performed an X-ray and a nasal endoscopy, finding no foreign objects in my esophagus, but noted some swelling in my pharynx.
He prescribed medication for gastroesophageal reflux and mentioned that the saline gargle caused a chemical burn, but there were no wounds in my mouth, so he did not prescribe any medication for that.
I felt it healed on its own.
Later, I returned to the doctor due to a sensation of a foreign body in my throat, and at that time, I only felt a prickling sensation at the base of my tongue.
He prescribed anti-inflammatory medication (Pofenex) for me.
Subsequently, I experienced pain in the left side of my neck, so I applied a pain relief patch, and then I felt a burning sensation at the base of my tongue.
I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which showed no issues in the esophagus, only mild gastroesophageal reflux.
The doctor diagnosed me with chronic pharyngitis and advised treatment for at least three months.
3.
Is this related to the pain relief patch, a residual effect of the previous chemical burn, related to gastroesophageal reflux, or an injury to the mucosa at the base of my tongue?
4.
I have been on medication for almost a month now, but I still feel burning pain at the base of my tongue, which should not be in my throat.
Should I ask the doctor to perform another nasal endoscopy during my follow-up on December 24th?
5.
Thank you, Doctor, for your patience in reading this.
I hope to receive a detailed response! Thank you!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/06

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

After the tongue touches the mucosa of the hard palate, there may be discomfort in the lingual frenulum, which could indicate an ulcer or lesion present on the frenulum itself.
Additionally, persistent odd sensations in the throat and the base of the tongue may be due to chronic pharyngitis caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
It is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Reply Date: 2018/12/06

More Info

Understanding tongue pain can be quite complex, as it may arise from various causes, including mechanical injury, chemical irritation, or underlying medical conditions. Based on your description, let’s break down the potential causes of your symptoms and explore treatment options.

1. Mechanical Injury: It sounds like you may have inadvertently strained or injured the area under your tongue while trying to explore the sensation you felt in your upper jaw. The lingual frenulum, which connects the underside of your tongue to the floor of your mouth, can be sensitive and may become irritated or painful if stretched or manipulated excessively. This type of injury is often self-limiting and may resolve with time and gentle care.

2. Chemical Irritation: You mentioned using a very salty saline solution to gargle, which your doctor identified as potentially causing chemical burns. Saltwater can indeed irritate the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, especially if used excessively or if the concentration is too high. This irritation can lead to inflammation and pain, which may linger even after the initial exposure has ceased.
3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Your history of gastroesophageal reflux could also contribute to your symptoms. GERD can cause acid to back up into the throat, leading to irritation and inflammation of the tissues, which may manifest as a burning sensation at the base of the tongue or in the throat. Chronic inflammation from GERD can lead to conditions like chronic pharyngitis, which might explain the persistent discomfort you are experiencing.

4. Post-Inflammatory Changes: If you have experienced significant inflammation, it is possible that the tissues in your mouth and throat are still healing. This healing process can sometimes lead to lingering discomfort or sensitivity, even after the initial cause of irritation has been addressed.

5. Use of Pain Relief Patches: Regarding your use of pain relief patches, while they are generally safe for muscle pain, they are not typically applied to mucous membranes or sensitive areas like the mouth. If the patch has caused any irritation or if the adhesive has come into contact with your mouth, it could potentially contribute to discomfort. However, it is more likely that your symptoms are related to the other factors mentioned.

6. Next Steps: Given that you have been experiencing persistent pain for nearly a month, it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider. A repeat examination, possibly including a nasal endoscopy, could help identify any ongoing issues or complications. It’s essential to communicate all your symptoms clearly, including the timeline of your discomfort and any treatments you have tried.

In the meantime, consider the following self-care measures:
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of spicy, acidic, or very salty foods that could exacerbate irritation.

- Hydration: Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water.

- Gentle Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene but be gentle around the affected areas to avoid further irritation.

- Warm Saltwater Rinses: If you find it soothing, you may use a diluted saline solution (less salty than before) to rinse your mouth, but do so sparingly.

In summary, your symptoms may be due to a combination of mechanical injury, chemical irritation from the saline solution, and underlying conditions like GERD. It’s essential to continue working with your healthcare provider to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

The entire tongue is very painful, and it feels uncomfortable whether eating or speaking. I have seen a doctor, but neither medication nor topical treatments have improved the condition. I would like to know what I can do to feel better and what these symptoms might indicate.

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, you may be experiencing persistent inflammation of the tongue mucosa, which could also be caused by an autoimmune disease leading to tongue symptoms. It is recommended to consult an oral surgeon at a major hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. Thank you.

Understanding Lingual Pain: Causes and Solutions for Tongue Discomfort

My mother has been experiencing swelling and pain in her tongue for the past six months. Visually, there are no abnormalities on the tongue. The pain extends from the sides of the tongue to the tip, and it worsens particularly in the afternoon and evening, affecting her sleep. Sh...

Dr. Lin Qingye reply Dentistry
Hello, Xiao Feng: There are many tissues in the oral cavity, and their conditions can sometimes be related. We would like to know about your mother's daily routine, any other medical history, and whether she is currently taking any medications, as these factors can influence...

Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

I have been experiencing intermittent tongue pain for the past three years. I visited a teaching hospital's oral surgery department and an ENT clinic, where I reported pain in many areas but no visible lesions. Eventually, the pain subsided on its own for a while. This year,...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: Based on your description, it is indeed possible that it is a case of geographic tongue, as it is more related to immune factors. It is recommended to continue regular follow-ups at a medical center. Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Min...

Understanding Tongue Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing discomfort from small bumps on my tongue for the past week. My entire tongue feels tingling, and I have a yellow coating on it. Sometimes my tongue swells, and the edges have indentations from my teeth. I would like to know if it is okay to ...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: It is common to experience inflammation of the tongue. You can start by drinking plenty of water and using anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications. If the symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek medical attention for examination and treatment. Wishing you safe...