Less common causes

Less commonly, tongue pain may be caused by:

• a viral infection such asan infection that causes hand, foot and mouth disease or cold sores
• vitamin deficiencies and anaemia a sore tongue can sometimes be a symptom of iron deficiency anaemia and vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia
• glossodynia or "burning mouth syndrome" aburning pain on the tip of the tongue that often affects people with depression
• glossopharyngeal neuralgia repeated episodes of severe tongue pain thought to be caused by nerve irritation
• lichen planus a long-term skin condition that causes an itchy rash and can also affect the mouth, causing a white lacy pattern and painful patches on the tongue
• Beh et's disease a rare condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels and can also lead to painful mouth ulcers
• pemphigus vulgaris a rare and serious condition that causes painful blisters to develop on the skin, as well as inside the mouth, nose, throat, anus and genitals
• medications painfulmouth ulcers can be a side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and beta-blockers ; certain mouthwashes can also cause tongue pain in some people
• Moeller's glossitis a type of inflammation of the tongue
• cancer of the tongue although this is rare

Click on the linksabove for more informationon these conditions and medications.