There is usually no need to see a doctor when you have a canker sore on the tongue. Canker sores usually go away on their own and do not require or respond to treatments intended to get rid of them. Instead, you may use at-home treatments to keep yourself comfortable while you wait for a canker sore to go away on its own. For example, you may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, salt-water rinses, and OTC numbing agents to gain relief from canker sores. In addition, you may find it helpful to avoid eating spicy or acidic foods when you have this type of sore, as they can cause pain.
In most cases, you will have to perform self-care techniques to deal with a canker sore on the tongue. The methods you will use won’t make the canker sore go away, as it will likely do that on its own. Instead, you will typically use self-care techniques to relieve symptoms while you wait for the sore to go away on its own. One of the self-care techniques you may try is an OTC pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. While aspirin might prove effective as well, it is not typically recommended for people under the age of 20 years old.
Choosing cold foods and drinks may also help you minimize the pain of a canker sore on the tongue. For example, cold drinks such as water and iced tea may prove helpful. You may also get relief by sucking on eye cubes or ice pops. It is important, however, to avoid fruit juices or ice pops made with a high concentration of fruit juice. The acidity may serve to make your symptoms worse.
When you have a canker sore on your tongue, there are also some foods you should avoid, as consuming them may only increase your discomfort. They include spicy or acidic foods, salted foods, and nuts. Foods that you can’t cut into little pieces may be best avoided as well. In fact, even coffee and chocolate may be off limits when you have a canker sore on the tongue.
While a doctor’s help isn’t usually required to treat a canker sore on the tongue, there may be times when you will need it. If you have a canker sore that lasts for more than two weeks, you may need to see your doctor. He may prescribe a medication that can be applied topically or even a mouthwash that may help it to go away faster. You may also need to seek a doctor’s evaluation if you have a canker sore that causes extreme pain and interferes with your ability to eat or drink even bland foods. Likewise, if you have an unexplained illness or fever along with a canker sore, you will likely need medical attention for it as well.