Think you might have a blister on your tongue? Blisters on tongues are common and the good news is, they’re rarely cause for concern. However, they can be painful when eating, swallowing, or talking.
The most common types of tongue blisters are medically known as canker sores. They're usually small and round with a white or yellow centre and a red border and can appear as blisters at the back of the tongue, underneath, on top, or on the sides.
While tongue blisters usually clear up on their own in a week or two, there are a few treatments you can try to speed up the process. Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about blisters on the tongue, including:
Causes
Treatments
Home remedies
Prevention
Causes of blisters on the tongue
Why do I have a blister on my tongue?
If you’ve got a painful spot on your tongue, you might be wondering why. The most common kind of tongue blister is an aphthous ulcer, or canker sore. These commonly appear as inflamed red bumps on the tongue.
Let’s explore a few common causes of tongue blisters.
Poor oral hygiene
One of the most common tongue blister causes is poor oral hygiene habits. If you don’t take care of your mouth by flossing and brushing your teeth regularly, bacteria can thrive. This can lead to white blisters on the sides of the tongue or other uncomfortable canker sores.
Friction and trauma
Accidental bites, ill-fitting dentures, braces, or overly aggressive brushing can irritate the tongue, leading to tongue blisters.
Histamine reaction
Sometimes, sensitivity to histamine, a compound found in some medications and certain foods (like aged cheese, fermented products, citrus fruits, and alcohol) can lead to blisters on tongues.
Weakened immune system
Having a weakened immune system (caused by illness, stress, or vitamin deficiency) or an autoimmune condition like Behçet's disease can make you more susceptible to blisters on the tongue.
Medications
Some medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause tongue blisters as a side effect. If you’ve recently started a new medication and are experiencing tongue blisters, check to see if this could be the culprit.
Herpes
Don't confuse aphthous ulcers with cold sores (herpes). Cold sores commonly appear on the lips but can sometimes cause tongue blisters, especially in children. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Burning your tongue
Other common kinds of blisters on tongues that aren’t aphthous ulcers are burns. If you burn your tongue with hot food and drinks, it can damage tissue which triggers the formation of canker sores.
Blisters on the tongue – treatment
Tongue blisters usually heal on their own. It takes around a week or two for the pain to go, and then a further week or two for the blister to heal completely. If you’re concerned about your tongue blister or it hasn’t healed itself, visit your doctor for medical advice.
Tongue blister treatments which doctors can prescribe include:
Antibiotics, if the blister is caused by bacterial overgrowth.
Antifungals, if the blister is caused by yeast overgrowth.
Medications to increase the production of saliva if the blister is caused or hindered by a dry mouth.
Anaesthetics for localised pain relief.
Anti-inflammatories, to reduce swelling.
Medicated mouthwashes.
Medication to treat blisters on the tongue can be tablets, mouthwashes, ointments, or pastes applied directly to the tongue.
Blisters on the tongue home remedies
If your blister is particularly uncomfortable, there are some remedies for tongue blisters you can try at home to speed up the healing process.
Home remedies for blisters on the tongue include:
Over-the-counter pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage the discomfort associated with tongue blisters and reduce inflammation.
Antiseptic rinses: Using a mild antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce bacteria levels in the mouth and promote a clean environment for healing.
Chamomile tincture: Diluted chamomile tincture can be used as a rinse to provide some relief due to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lemon juice diluted with water: Dabbing diluted lemon juice on the sore can aid healing but use with caution as its acidity can irritate blisters on tongues.
Papaya: Ripe papaya contains papain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. You can try mashing some ripe papaya and applying it to the tongue blister to ease pain.
Sage tea: Sage tea has mild astringent properties that can help reduce inflammation, so you can try using a cooled sage tea as a soothing rinse.
Salt water: Rinsing your mouth with warm salted water can ease pain and boost healing. This can be a good blisters-under-tongue remedy as they are harder to reach with pastes.
Blisters on the tongue prevention
The best treatment for tongue blisters is to prevent them from forming again. Good oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle are key to a healthy mouth (and tongue).
To keep your mouth clean and prevent a build-up of unhealthy bacteria, brush your teeth well for two minutes morning and night with fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss daily to remove food residue your toothbrush can’t reach, and it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with mouthwash twice a day, too.
Good nutrition is essential for oral hygiene, so consume enough fruit and veg to keep vitamin levels up and avoid too many sugary or acidic foods to prevent blisters underneath the tongue.
You should also exercise regularly and manage stress to keep your mind and body healthy.
FAQs about blisters on the tongue
How to get rid of tongue blisters overnight?
Tongue blisters typically take a week or two to heal, but you can try some home remedies like rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash, salt water, or chamomile tincture to ease pain overnight.
How long does a tongue blister take to heal?
Tongue blisters usually heal on their own in three to four weeks. It only takes a week or two for the pain to subside, then another one or two weeks for the tongue blister to heal completely.
Why do I get frequent tongue blisters?
If you get frequent tongue blisters, potential causes include poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, medication side effects or a weakened immune system.
Are tongue blisters contagious?
Most blisters on tongues are not contagious if they are aphthous ulcers, commonly caused by trauma to the tongue. Herpes can sometimes appear on the tongue, and these blisters are contagious.