What can help with a sore tongue?

* Rest your tongue. Try to avoid talking or eating for a while to give your tongue a chance to heal.

* Eat and drink cold foods and liquids. Cold items can help to numb your tongue and reduce pain. Try sucking on ice chips, drinking cold water, or eating cold yogurt or ice cream.

* Use a pain reliever. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain and swelling.

* Avoid irritants. Some things can irritate your tongue and make the pain worse. These include hot foods, spicy foods, acidic foods, and alcohol.

* Brush your teeth gently. When you brush your teeth, be sure to brush your tongue gently. Avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush, as this can irritate your tongue.

* See a doctor if your tongue is very painful or does not heal. If your tongue is very painful or does not heal within a few days, see a doctor. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and prescribe treatment if necessary.

Here are some additional tips that may help with a sore tongue:

* Gargle with salt water. Salt water can help to clean your tongue and reduce pain and swelling. Mix one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds.

* Use a tongue scraper. A tongue scraper can help to remove bacteria and debris from your tongue. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

* Apply a numbing agent. You can apply a numbing agent, such as lidocaine, to your tongue to help relieve pain.

* Take a vitamin B12 supplement. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a sore tongue. Taking a vitamin B12 supplement can help to correct the deficiency and relieve pain.