# Mouth/tongue sore(s) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 22, 2017, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369 "2017-08-22T15:01:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/1 "2017-08-22T15:01:17Z")
I am not a doctor. You are not a doctor (or maybe you are…). I have consulted my dentist about this, and I’m seeing my oncologist next month and will ask her. About a month ago, the tip of my tongue became very sore. It felt like I had burned it on hot coffee, but I hadn’t. It didn’t get better over a day or two, and in fact, the sides of my tongue and the inside of my mouth got sore, too. Lots of internet research led me to the conclusion that I was eating too much acidic fruit, especially cherries, which I’d been going through like crazy. Also peaches and plums. I’ve also been taking a post-breast cancer drug called Arimidex (anastrazole-- it’s an estrogen-blocker) for two and a half years, and it has a whole host of side effects, mouth sores being one of them. I’ve never had canker sores, cold sores, or oral herpes. No tongues have been in my mouth for years except my own (alas). I used Peroxyl, salt water rinses. Glyoxide liquid and gel, and gave up most fresh fruit. I had a dental appointment along in there and the dentist looked at the sore on the tip of my tongue and said it didn’t look like an ulceration, just an irritation. I asked him to prescribe Nystatin (vanilla-orange mouthwash with creamy/sticky texture for thrush, a fungal mouth condition), because this did remind me of a time when I was on an antibiotic for an extended period and developed a horrendously sore, sensitive mouth. The Nystatin worked great almost immediately, and everything cleared up over a week or so, but the relief only lasted for about a week. Then I could feel the sensitivity coming back, and it’s totally back now. It hurts to talk because of a raw place on the side of my tongue that rubs on my back teeth. The tip of my tongue is not sore this time, just one side. I had stopped the Nystatin when it cleared up, but I’m back on it, plus the Glyoxide paste and salt water rinses for the last couple of days. Not getting any relief yet. Any similar experiences, suggestions, ideas, home remedies, strategies? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/2 "2017-08-22T15:10:45Z")
Just an anecdote, but I go absolutely nuts on cherries when they are in season. I can’t control myself and easily eat a few pounds in a single day. Not everyday, but maybe 2 or 3 times a week some weeks in late June and July. But I’ve never experience anything other than a slight belly ache sometimes from… eating too many cherries in one sitting. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/3 "2017-08-22T15:18:17Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Just an anecdote, but I go absolutely nuts on cherries when they are in season. I can’t control myself and easily eat a few pounds in a single day. Not everyday, but maybe 2 or 3 times a week some weeks in late June and July. But I’ve never experience anything other than a slight belly ache sometimes from… eating too many cherries in one sitting. I’ve being going nuts on cherries (Hmmm… sounds like a really great ice cream flavor), too, every summer for years and never had this problem before. But then I only started on the Arimidex two years ago. \ ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/4 "2017-08-22T16:12:35Z")
I have never had anything like that, but I did have canker sores along my gum line of both molars (stress) and I had relief from used, cooled tea bags. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/5 "2017-08-22T16:19:35Z")
Two suggestions: Try a toothpaste which contains no sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), such as Biotene. Try some probiotics. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/6 "2017-08-22T16:24:34Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Two suggestions: > Try a toothpaste which contains no sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), such as Biotene. > > Try some probiotics. I understand about SLS, and I have switched to Biotene toothpaste. By probiotics, you mean, for example, acidophilus capsules or active cultures yogurt? I have started taking Grapefruit Seed Extract (not grapefruit, which interferes with Arimidex), because it’s recommended for candidiasis. I’ve also been taking B-Complex, which some sources recommend for mouth sores. Both of these last two supplements for at least two weeks. ---
**Author:** ![MoonMoon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moonmoon/32/2959_2.png) [@MoonMoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MoonMoon)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/7 "2017-08-22T16:32:22Z")
Hmmm. I’m allergic to walnuts, and they give me terrible mouth sores. I wonder if you’ve developed an allergy to something? I guess you can rule fruit out, since you’ve eliminated that, but maybe something to think about? ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/8 "2017-08-22T16:48:00Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I understand about SLS, and I have switched to Biotene toothpaste. By probiotics, you mean, for example, acidophilus capsules or active cultures yogurt? I. Yes. But do note “Probiotics” can include other sources than acidophilus. You are getting enough Vit C, yes? ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/9 "2017-08-22T16:53:11Z")
When my iron levels get low, I get mouth and tongue sores like you describe. After a few days of taking my iron pills, the sores clear up. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/10 "2017-08-22T17:22:01Z")
> [@MoonMoon](#): > > Hmmm. I’m allergic to walnuts, and they give me terrible mouth sores. I wonder if you’ve developed an allergy to something? I guess you can rule fruit out, since you’ve eliminated that, but maybe something to think about? The thought has crossed my mind… > [@DrDeth](#): > > Yes. But do note “Probiotics” can include other sources than acidophilus. That’s why I said “for example.” But name me some other sources, please, that you use. > [@](#): > > You are getting enough Vit C, yes? I would have thought so, but who knows? > [@FloatyGimpy](#): > > When my iron levels get low, I get mouth and tongue sores like you describe. After a few days of taking my iron pills, the sores clear up. Very interesting! ---
**Author:** ![Patx2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/73ab20/32.png) [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/11 "2017-08-22T17:35:48Z")
I’ve posted about this before on here. My daughter gets what is called geographic tongue from time to time. It looks very sore which she says it isn’t, but she needs to avoid acidic and citrus foods when it’s happening. Her tongue literally sheds and cracks in places. It clears up and then without rhyme or reason happens again. I don’t think this is what you are experiencing because from what I’ve read and what she tells me it isn’t painful. Could you have suddenly started reacting to your medication? Have you spoken to your pharmacist? I find they are more knowledgeable than doctors when it comes to side effects and adverse reactions. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/12 "2017-08-22T21:44:45Z")
It sounds like oral thrush that my wife got a year ago. See [Oral candidiasis - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_candidiasis#Treatment). Since the Nystatin you mentioned is a specific treatment for it, that suggests it might be your problem. My wife used for a couple weeks and it has not come back. Are cherries really high acid? I know that citrus fruits were, but I didn’t think that fruits in the genus prunus were. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/13 "2017-08-22T22:22:22Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > The thought has crossed my mind… > > That’s why I said “for example.” But name me some other sources, please, that you use. > **[Amazon.com: up4 Adult Probiotic Supplement | Digestive + Immune Support | 15...](https://www.amazon.com/Probiotic-Supplement-Digestive-Guaranteed-Vegetarian/dp/B00LD5YFD4)** > > up4 Probiotic SupplementsClean Ingredients.up4 probiotics are made with clean, safe ingredients that work naturally with your body—to support an overall healthy you.\* up4 probiotics are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration.Unique Probiotic... > **[Amazon.com: Jarrow Formulas Fem-Dophilus Probiotics 1 Billion CFU With 2...](https://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Fem-Dophilus-Supports-Capsules/dp/B0140MJAXG)** > > Jarrow Formulas Fem-Dophilus Probiotics promote vaginal and urinary tract health with 1 Billion CFU per serving from two clinically effective strains.\* Made with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients, this vegan and gluten free dietary supplement... ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/14 "2017-08-22T22:28:28Z")
Stir a spoonful of baking soda in a glass of water and gulp it down. Quickly lower the acidity of your stomach. Repeat several times a day. For canker sores that are really bad, painting them with gentian violet is pretty effective, but can have other issues. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/15 "2017-08-22T22:48:57Z")
For canker sores, ditch the household remedies that by and large don’t do shit and get some Debacterol. It kills those little fuckers in a day. You need a prescription from a doctor or dentist. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2017, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/16 "2017-08-22T22:56:05Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > … > For canker sores that are really bad, painting them with gentian violet is pretty effective, but can have other issues. > [@hajario](#): > > For canker sores, ditch the household remedies that by and large don’t do shit and get some Debacterol. It kills those little fuckers in a day. You need a prescription from a doctor or dentist. Thanks, but: > [@ThelmaLou](#): > > …I’ve never had canker sores, cold sores, or oral herpes. … ---
**Author:** ![Grestarian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grestarian/32/3227_2.png) [@Grestarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grestarian)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/17 "2017-08-24T01:01:48Z")
I didn’t understand why\* but, upon returning from Japan to the States, I started experiencing that kind of stuff, particularly when humidity gets low. If the humidity is low in your area and you’re sleeping with your mouth open for whatever reason (stuffy nose or just because it does that sometimes) your tongue may be drying out while you sleep – to the point of cracking or rubbing raw against your teeth or whatever and making sores. I have begun keeping a bicycle water bottle next to the bed (less problem if I sleepily knock it off the nightstand) and have learned to reach out, take a sip or two and go back to sleep. —G! - I asked the dentist about this, and the fact that I never had cavities before I left for Japan but now get them upon my return. She noted that there’s different bacteria in the water (and some towns still don’t fluouridate their water) that I must have carried back with me. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/18 "2017-08-24T01:19:59Z")
> [@Grestarian](#): > > I didn’t understand why\* but, upon returning from Japan to the States, I started experiencing that kind of stuff, particularly when humidity gets low. If the humidity is low in your area and you’re sleeping with your mouth open for whatever reason (stuffy nose or just because it does that sometimes) your tongue may be drying out while you sleep – to the point of cracking or rubbing raw against your teeth or whatever and making sores. > > I have begun keeping a bicycle water bottle next to the bed (less problem if I sleepily knock it off the nightstand) and have learned to reach out, take a sip or two and go back to sleep. > > —G! > > - I asked the dentist about this, and the fact that I never had cavities before I left for Japan but now get them upon my return. She noted that there’s different bacteria in the water (and some towns still don’t fluouridate their water) that I must have carried back with me. Thanks for those interesting comments. I must sleep with my mouth open (at least sometimes) because I occasionally wake up with a very dry mouth. I keep a covered\* travel cup of water near the bed, too, and take a sip if I wake up during the night. I probably snore, too, but so far my dog Sweetie doesn’t seem to mind (truth be told, she snores, too, but her snores are \*too \*cute.) I bought some Biotene mouthwash today. You might give it a try, too, **Grestarian**. It’s very soothing and refreshing. I had slacked off on the Nystatin, but I’m back on it and following the 3X day protocol religiously. Also using the Glyoxide gel several times a day. I asked the pharmacist today about dry mouth as a side effect of Arimidex, and she showed me the pharmacist’s secret website, which said it really isn’t. I told you I was special. How long were you in Japan that your personal ecosystem could have been so skewed by the different water? Not just a vacation, I’m guessing? I also have a humidifier in the room. I posted about it a while back. One day I came home and there was a big box from amazon with a humidifier and a Roomba vacuum in it. I didn’t order them. When I called amazon, they said there was no record of the order and I hadn’t been charged, so just keep the stuff. A Doper who works for amazon said sometimes workers just send stuff at random. Anyway, I have a very nice humidifier-- much nicer than I ever would have bought if I had had to pay for it \*Re covered container at bedside: I’ve long been in the habit of keeping a glass of water next to the bed. Back around 1972 or so, I woke up one morning and there was a giant drowned cockroach in my uncovered glass of water. :eek: I keep thinking, what if I had reached for the glass without turning on the light?? Lesson learned: make sure your water glass or container is covered or closed in some way. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/19 "2017-08-24T01:21:30Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Thanks, but: A possibility of a related cause (acidic stomach) might be worth considering. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369/20 "2017-08-24T01:35:47Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > A possibility of a related cause (acidic stomach) might be worth considering. Ok, I will. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-tongue-sore-s/794369.md?page=2)