Very painful tongue? - Dental Health Message Board

linaii · 05-21-2004, 01:41 PM

Two days ago my the tip of my tongue began becoming very sore- like when you burn it hot food- but the last thing I had eaten was a slice of those cookie "pizzas" with frosting so it couldn't be a cookie that did it. I noticed my taste buds had risen alot higher up than usual and red in that area but didn't think much of it. Then yesterday it spread to half of my tongue and I didn't really eat much of anything because it hurt to eat... but I figured it would heal in time so I didn't let it bother me...

Now this morning it's hurting even worse than yesterday. When I looked at my tongue, it was covered in a white film. My tongue usually always has a little white tint to it and comes off by brushing it, so I started brushing at the back but couldn't even touch the rest of my tongue with the brush because it was too painful. I tried mouthwash and that made it sting horribly. So I gave up and let it be 1/2 white. Eating breakfast was a delicate process this morning... I had to let my cereal go soggy because it felt like it was stabbing my tongue when it was eaten normally. The soggy cereal was still painful but atleast wasn't pricking into my tongue...

Now my tongue is back to being covered in white and the bumpy taste buds (or something) have spread all over... very painful. There also seems to be a tiny little split in my tounge towards the front. Moving my tongue around, touching it to the rest of my mouth, eating, swallowing, and drinking all makes it a very painful area. What is this, how did this happen, and what can I do? I would go to the dentist or a doctor, but I'm in the middle of transferring my insurance so I can't do anything unless it's an absolute emergency... or unless I want to pay out of pocket...

Please help

rockandroller · 05-21-2004, 05:10 PM

not sure if you had an "oral" experience with your partner, but maybe you have a yeast infection. especially with the split in the tongue. check it out.

JenniferWalker · 05-21-2004, 06:40 PM

When you describe the white covering and raw tongue, I also thought of a yeast infection or candidiasis. Its very easy to treat, just call your dentist and he can prescribe a rinse for you.
BTW, this is not caught from an 'oral' experience, it is common, so don't panic thinking you've caught an STD. (at least thats what I think he was referring to) Babies often get this and its called thrush.

linaii · 05-21-2004, 10:09 PM

Thanks for all the help and info!

I used to get horrible yeast infections years ago- except that they were "down there" (females)- and always right before a period... Then I went on birth control pills for 2 years and hadn't had them since (along with a ton of other hormonal issues). Odd thing is I stopped taking the bc pills two months ago (waiting for health insurance to kick back in) and the tongue ordeal began on the day my period began... so maybe hormones are playing a role? Or maybe I was eating way too many sweets to satisfy pms cravings... dunno

But I don't think my husband has it... I would think I'd get it back in the other area as well if he did... if he does, he's not showing any symptoms.

I did find out my dental insurance has transferred and called my dentist today, but they had already closed... So if the problem still persists, I'll be talking with them on Monday and see what they say. In the meantime I bought myself some over-the-counter 'Gly-Oxide' Antiseptic Oral Cleanser and a tube of oral 20% Benzocaine gel to numb it over the weekend. In addition to eating a strict cold, bland mushy food diet..

Never thought a tongue could be so problematic!