They are called aphthae – which helps against them

They are small but painful. The sore spots on the tongue burn and take a long time to heal. What are the causes of these aphthae and what helps?

Aphthae are small inflammations of the oral mucosa, which usually appear as whitish or reddish open areas. These small “pimples” can also appear on the back, front or side of the tongue and cause a painful burning sensation. However, you can get relief with some home remedies.

Aphthous ulcers can develop anywhere on the oral mucosa, but they are particularly exposed and annoying on the tongue. The causes of this inflammation are not clear, but these backgrounds are assumed:

• Genetic disposition: Aphthous ulcers often occur more frequently in one family, while other families are not affected at all.
• Injuries: After injuries to the oral mucosa, especially on the tongue, aphthae often form. Sour and spicy food and scalding can also lead to such injuries.
• deficiency symptoms: A lack of vitamin B and iron could also be related to the “pimples”.
• Stress and hormones: For many people, the aphthous ulcers appear in stressful phases. The immune system could be weakened here, which is why inflammation occurs more easily. Fluctuations in the hormonal balance are also associated with aphthae.

Aphthous ulcers appear spontaneously and usually disappear within one to three days. No specific treatment is required, but some remedies can relieve the pain:

• Pain relief gels or creams can be gently applied to the area with a cotton swab. There are special adhesive ointments in pharmacies for use on the mucous membrane.
• Aloe vera gel also has a cooling and pain-relieving effect.
• Green tea also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients. Drink it or use it as a mouthwash.
• Clove or sage oil in a mouthwash will also provide relief. Put a few drops of the oil in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle regularly.

“Pimples” on the back of the tongue can be an effect of a cold. Most of the time, they go away on their own as part of this infection. However, if you have trouble swallowing from these aphthous ulcers, you can drink cooling drinks or gargle with chamomile tea. This has a pain-relieving and calming effect.

“Pimples” and pain on the side of the tongue are often difficult to distinguish from the onset of tonsillitis. However, the latter is usually accompanied by fever and exhaustion, while aphthae only cause local pain. If in doubt, however, you should consult a doctor to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

In the case of diseases of the mouth, ear, nose and throat doctors can certainly help you, but general medicine is also familiar with these everyday diseases. Distinguishing conventional aphthous ulcers from burst herpes blisters on the edge of the mucous membrane is not easy. In any case, avoid infecting other people.

If you only have a white coating on the tongue, but no specific focus of inflammation, this is not a cause for concern. Such plaque is caused by diet, alcohol and dead cells and can be easily removed with oral hygiene. Even with colds, the pathogens often cause a coating on the tongue.

You are by no means alone with aphthae. About every tenth person knows these symptoms and the painful inflammation usually heals quickly.