I Have a Sore Under My Tongue — What Should I Do?

I Have a Sore Under My Tongue — What Should I Do?

Finding a sore under your tongue can be uncomfortable and concerning. Here is what you need to know.

The area under the tongue is a common place for canker sores and minor irritations. Most sores here are harmless, but this area also needs attention because it is a potential site for oral cancer.

• Common causes include:
• Canker sores — small, painful ulcers that heal in 1–2 weeks
• Irritation — from sharp foods, dental tools, or the edge of a tooth
• Sialolithiasis (salivary stone) — a small stone in the salivary duct under the tongue that can cause a tender swelling
• Ranula — a soft, bluish swelling from a blocked salivary gland
• Lichen planus — can cause sores or white patches
• Oral cancer — the floor of the mouth (under the tongue) is a high-risk area for cancer, especially in people who smoke or drink

What to Look For

• Usually not serious:
• Small painful ulcer with white/yellow center and red border
• Sore that heals within 1–2 weeks
• Comes and goes periodically
• Tender swelling that fluctuates (may be a salivary issue)

• Worth having checked:
• Sore that does not heal after 2 weeks
• Painless sore or lump that you just noticed
• Hard area or thickening under the tongue
• Bleeding from the area
• Difficulty moving your tongue
• Lump in the neck or under the jaw

When to See a Doctor

• See a dentist or ENT doctor if:
• The sore has lasted more than 2 weeks without healing
• You feel a lump or hard area under the tongue
• You have a lump in your neck or under your jaw
• You smoke, drink heavily, or have HPV
• You notice numbness or tingling in your tongue

Clinical Guidance