Tongue problems

PAIN IN THE TONGUE

This may occur with glossitis and geographic tongue. It may also occur in some post-menopausal women (for unknown reason) and with diabetic neuropathy. The tongue may be a site of oral cancer, mouth ulcers, and leukoplakia.

Common Causes:

Minor infections or irritations are the most common cause of tongue soreness.
A viral ulcer or "canker sore" commonly appears on the tongue (or anywhere in the mouth) for no apparent reason. While it is not medically proven some doctors believe that viral ulcers are linked to emotional stress, fatigue, or lowered resistance.
Injury (biting the tongue) can cause painful sores.
A hangover or an allergic reaction to food or medication can cause a swollen tongue.
Heavy smoking will irritate the tongue and make it painful.
A smooth and pale tongue surface suggests nutritional (vitamin B-12) deficiencies.
A coated tongue may be caused by dehydration, oral sex, or antibiotic side effects (such as thrush).
An allergic reaction to food or medication can cause tongue swelling.
A "hairy" appearing tongue (hairy leukoplakia ) is a complication of AIDS.

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Possible causes of tongue pain:

anemia
cancer
dentures that irritate the tongue
oral herpes (ulcers)
neuralgia
referred pain from teeth and gums
referred pain from the heart

Possible causes of tongue tremor:

neurological disorder
overactive thyroid

Possible causes of white tongue:

local irritation
smoking and alcohol use

Possible causes of smooth tongue:

anemia
vitamin B-12 deficiency

Possible causes of red (ranging from pink to magenta) tongue:

Possible causes of tongue swelling:

acromegaly
amyloidosis
strep infection
Beckwith's syndrome
cancer of the tongue
congenital micrognathia
Angioedema - can be hereditary, allergic, or due to certain blood-pressure medications (ACE inhibitors)
Down's syndrome
hypothyroidism
infection
leukemia
lymphangioma
neurofibromatosis
pellagra
pernicious anemia
tumor of the pituitary gland