Why Does Under My Tongue Hurt When I Lift It Up?

 

Table of Contents

- Introduction

- Causes

  - Anatomical Issues

    - Short Frenulum

    - Tongue Tie

  - Inflammation

    - Canker Sores

    - Oral Thrush 

    - Burning Mouth Syndrome

  - Injury

    - Bitten Tongue

    - Irritation from Sharp Teeth or Dental Work

  - Nerve Damage

- Symptoms

- Diagnosis

- Treatments

  - Frenulum Stretching or Surgery

  - Medications

  - Tongue Positioning and Exercises

- When to See a doctor

- Prevention

- Conclusion

- FAQs

 

Introduction

 

If you've ever experienced pain or soreness under your tongue when lifting it up, you're not alone. This uncomfortable sensation can have many people wondering what's causing it and how to find relief. Understanding the potential reasons behind tongue pain when lifted is the first step toward resolving the issue. 👅

 

The tongue is a critical organ for functions like tasting, chewing, swallowing and speaking. Given its importance, any irritation, injury or restriction in mobility can greatly impact regular oral activities. There are various anatomical, inflammatory, infectious, and nerve-related explanations for pain beneath the tongue when elevated. Being aware of the symptoms and consulting a dentist or doctor promptly can lead to the correct diagnosis and treatment to stop the discomfort.

 

This comprehensive guide will explore all you need to know if you have pain under your tongue when lifting it up. We will go over the possible causes, from frenulum issues to injuries to nerve damage. You'll learn how doctors diagnose the problem and the available treatment options, which may include frenulum surgery or stretching, medications, and tongue exercises. We'll also provide tips to prevent painful tongue irritation. Finally, you'll find answers to common questions patients have about soreness under the tongue when moved. Armed with this knowledge, you can take steps toward feeling better and healing any underlying conditions contributing to your oral woes. Let's get started!

 

Causes

 

There are several potential sources of pain beneath or under the tongue when you lift it up. Here are the most prevalent causes:

 

-         Anatomical Issues

 

Two common anatomical reasons involve the frenulum, which is the band of tissue connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

 

- **Short Frenulum** - The frenulum can become overly short or tight, limiting the tongue's range of motion. When you attempt to lift the tongue, the short frenulum pulls on it painfully. This occurs if the frenulum has always been short or if scarring has caused it to tighten. Constant tension and tearing from tongue piercings can also shorten the frenulum. Stretching exercises or surgical release may be needed for relief.

 

- **Tongue Tie** - Also termed ankyloglossia, a tongue tie results when the frenulum beneath the tongue is abnormally tight, short, or thick. With a severe tongue tie, trying to lift the tongue stresses the frenulum and can cause extreme discomfort. Mild ties may not cause issues, but more significant ones need medical treatment to allow for proper tongue mobility.

 

-         Inflammation

 

Inflammation from different sources can make the underside of the tongue tender and painful.

 

- **Canker Sores** - These small, round or oval-shaped ulcers have white or yellow centers with reddened borders. They crop up under the tongue as well as other parts of the mouth and gums. Canker sores are triggered by tissue damage from accidental bites or abrasions, viral infections, stress, spicy foods, nutrient deficiencies, or allergies. They can make eating, drinking, and talking very painful. Most clear up on their own within 1-2 weeks.

 

- **Oral Thrush** - This fungal infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast called Candida. It's characterized by creamy, cheese-like white lesions or plaques on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, or throat. Oral thrush is common in newborns and those with weakened immune systems. The lesions can become large and painful without antifungal treatment.

 

- **Burning Mouth Syndrome** - This condition causes a painful, burning sensation on the tongue, lips, gums, or entire mouth without visible signs of irritation. It's thought to stem from nerve damage or dry mouth and disproportionately affects women after menopause. Triggering or aggravating factors include stress, hormones, nutritional deficiencies, acid reflux, and certain medications.

 

-         Injury

 

Mouth injuries can make the tender underside of the tongue sore and painful.

 

- **Bitten Tongue** - It's easy to accidentally bite your tongue while talking, chewing, or eating. The force can traumatize the tongue tissues, especially the sensitive underside where bites often occur. This leads to lingering pain and discomfort when moving the tongue. The soreness normally goes away as the bite heals within 7-10 days.

 

- **Irritation from Sharp Teeth or Dental Work** - Jagged teeth or rough dental fillings and crowns can scrape and irritate the underside of the tongue. Repeated aggravation from sharp surfaces rubbing on the tender tongue tissues when you speak, chew, or swallow can cause soreness. Seeing a dentist to smooth sharp teeth or adjust dental work provides relief.

 

-         Nerve Damage

 

The lingual nerve runs underneath the tongue and controls sensation and taste to the tongue's anterior two-thirds. Damage to this nerve from surgery, trauma, tumors, radiation, or other causes can lead to pain when lifting the tongue. Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis can also affect the lingual nerve and result in discomfort with tongue movement. 

 

Symptoms

 

Discomfort under the tongue when elevated shares some common symptoms regardless of the cause:

 

- Pain or soreness under the tongue when lifting it up or moving it around

- A burning, stinging, or sharp shooting pain sensation

- Possible visible signs of irritation like redness, sores, bumps or swelling

- Discomfort while performing oral functions like talking, chewing, swallowing

- Increased pain when consuming spicy, salty, acidic or hot foods

- Difficulty moving the tongue fully

- Loss of taste

- Numbness under the tongue

- Tingling or reduced sensation in the tongue

- Excessive saliva production

 

Symptoms can help identify potential causes, and your doctor will take a detailed history. Be sure to point out any fever, unexplained weight changes, or other worrisome signs present along with the tongue discomfort.

 

Diagnosis

 

To correctly diagnose why you have pain under your tongue when lifting it, the doctor will utilize:

 

- **Medical History** - Your doctor or dentist will ask about your symptoms, including when the pain started, triggers, and any accompanying symptoms. Be sure to tell them about any past oral procedures or injuries, your medical conditions, and current medications.

 

- **Oral Exam** - The provider will visually inspect your tongue and mouth for sores, swelling, white patches, or asymmetry. They may gently manipulate your tongue in different directions to assess its range of motion and points of discomfort.

 

- **Imaging** - Advanced imaging like X-ray, CT scan, or MRI can be used to closely visualize the anatomy in your tongue area if needed. This helps identify any structural issues.

 

- **Blood Tests** - Lab work may be ordered to check for nutritional deficiencies, infections, and other medical conditions that could contribute to tongue discomfort.

 

- **Cultures** - Your doctor may take samples from any lesions or suspicious areas to test for fungal, bacterial, or viral infections.

 

- **Biopsy** - In some instances, a small tissue sample is taken and analyzed under a microscope to test for conditions like cancer.

 

- **Referrals** - You may be referred to specialists like an oral surgeon, dentist, otolaryngologist, or neurologist for further assessment and specialized testing in complex cases.

 

Treatments

 

The right treatments will depend on the specific cause of your discomfort when lifting the tongue:

 

-         Frenulum Stretching or Surgery

 

If a tight frenulum is the issue, these approaches can allow for normal tongue mobility:

 

- **Stretching Exercises** - Your doctor will show you gentle stretching techniques to elongate the frenulum over time. This is often the first line of treatment.

 

- **Frenuloplasty** - For a severe frenulum issue not improved with stretching, this outpatient surgery releases the frenulum. It involves cutting and repositioning the frenulum tissue.

 

- **Tongue Tie Surgery** - Called a frenotomy or frenulectomy, this clips or removes the excessively tight or thick lingual frenulum in tongue tie cases. This is typically done with a laser by an oral surgeon, dentist or otolaryngologist.

 

-         Medications

 

If inflammation, infection or nerve issues cause the discomfort, these medication options may help:

 

- **Topical Anesthetics** - Numbing gels, rinses, lozenges or ointments can provide temporary pain relief under the tongue. They are available both over-the-counter and by prescription.

 

- **Antibiotics** - If bacterial infection is the cause, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and reduce pain.

 

- **Antifungals** - For fungal infections like oral thrush, antifungal pills or mouthwashes are used to control yeast overgrowth and ease symptoms.

 

- **Steroid Creams** - Your doctor may prescribe topical hydrocortisone cream to apply under the tongue to decrease irritation and swelling.

 

- **Nerve Pain Medications** - Off-label tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or other nerve pain drugs may help in cases of lingual nerve damage.

 

-         Tongue Positioning and Exercises

 

To prevent irritation of inflamed areas, keep the tongue protected under the upper palate. Gentle stretching exercises can also aid healing.

 

When to See a Doctor

 

It's advisable to see a doctor or dentist promptly if:

 

- The pain under your tongue when lifting lasts more than 1-2 weeks

- Discomfort is severe or persistent, impacting your ability to talk, eat or drink normally

- Symptoms are worsening or new ones arise

- You have difficulty moving your tongue fully

- Swelling, lesions, or redness are present under the tongue

- You develop a fever, trouble swallowing, or unexplained weight changes

- Numbness, loss of taste or tingling occurs in the tongue

 

Seeking timely care is crucial, especially if infection is suspected, to prevent complications. In rare cases, tongue pain can signify serious conditions requiring quick treatment, like cancer.

 

Prevention

 

You can take measures to help prevent a painful tongue in general:

 

- Gently brush tongue and avoid harsh scraping

- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and sensitive formula toothpaste

- Have any sharp teeth smoothed down

- Adjust dental work that may be irritating the tongue

- Avoid smoking and tobacco products

- Drink plenty of water to keep the mouth moist

- Limit overly hot, acidic or spicy foods and beverages

- Manage stress and anxiety levels

- Get regular dental cleanings and oral cancer screenings

 

Conclusion

 

Discomfort beneath the tongue when lifted tends to stem from common issues like mouth infections, tongue injury, or frenulum tightness. But occasionally, it can signal more serious medical conditions requiring prompt medical care. Paying attention to accompanying symptoms and getting evaluated by a doctor or dentist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment to resolve the pain. 👍

 

With proper care of any underlying condition causing tongue discomfort, most cases can be successfully managed for lasting relief! Being able to lift your tongue without pain will help restore normal oral functioning and improve your quality of life.

 

FAQs

 

Why does it hurt under my tongue when I open my mouth wide?

 

Opening the mouth very wide can stretch and pull on the frenulum under the tongue. If the frenulum is already tight or inflamed, this tension can cause significant pain.

 

The most common reason is a short lingual frenulum that limits mobility. When opened wide, the taut frenulum gets pulled painfully because it lacks enough elasticity. Over time, this stretching can tear and scar the frenulum, making it tighter. Frenulum stretching exercises or surgical release usually provide relief.

 

Can anxiety cause pain under the tongue when lifted?

 

Yes, anxiety absolutely can contribute to or worsen tongue discomfort. People with anxiety disorders often have tension in facial and jaw muscles or hold their tongues tensely between their teeth when stressed.

 

Pressing the tongue firmly against the sharp bottom teeth or tensing it for long periods can strain the delicate underside tissues. This leads to irritation, inflammation, and soreness that’s felt when the tongue is lifted. Managing stress levels and practicing relaxation techniques helps reduce habitual jaw and tongue tension.

 

What does it mean if the tip of my tongue hurts when I lift it?

 

When the tongue tip specifically hurts with lifting, it's typically caused by injury or anatomical restriction. Accidentally biting the tongue can bruise the tender tip area, leading to lingering pain with movement. Another common cause is a tongue tie - if it's significantly tight, it pulls on and stresses the tongue tip when lifted.

 

Consulting with your dentist can determine if a restrictive frenulum is to blame. For severe ties impairing mobility, they may recommend special stretching exercises or a frenulectomy procedure to loosen the frenulum. Proper treatment helps restore tongue tip function without discomfort.

 

Why does my tongue feel like it has cuts under it when I lift it up?

 

A feeling like there are cuts, slices or ulcers under the tongue is usually caused by canker sores. These small mouth ulcers occur under the tongue and make it feel like the tissue is torn, even though there are no actual cuts present.

 

Canker sores crop up due to minor injuries or irritation. Stress, dental abrasions, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, viral illnesses, and certain foods can also trigger them. Avoiding irritating foods and using numbing gels helps calm canker sore discomfort while they heal within 1-2 weeks. See your doctor if they persist.

 

Is it normal for the back of my tongue to hurt when I lift it?

 

Some mild tenderness when lifting the back portion of the tongue is normal, especially if that movement is atypical. The back area is not lifted frequently, so stretching the intrinsic muscles there can cause minor achiness.

 

However, chronic or severe soreness at the rear tongue base shouldn’t be ignored, as it may indicate problems like:

 

- Oral thrush - A yeast infection marked by swollen lesions on the back of the tongue.

- Lingual tonsillitis - Enlarged, inflamed lingual tonsils due to infection or post-nasal drip irritation.

- Acid reflux - Stomach acid can burn and irritate the tongue base.

 

See your doctor to diagnose and properly treat any underlying condition causing rear tongue pain. Proper treatment helps alleviate the discomfort.

 

What causes a sore under the tongue near the throat?

 

There are two common culprits for soreness at the very back of the tongue near the throat:

 

First, acid reflux can cause stomach acid to burn the tongue base area. The posterior tongue is very sensitive and located close to the esophagus, so it's vulnerable to irritation from regurgitated stomach contents. Managing reflux helps prevent this burning discomfort.

 

Second, oral thrush frequently occurs on the back third of the tongue. The white lesions form near the throat as the yeast infection advances deeper into the mouth. Antifungal medication is needed to clear oral thrush infections to resolve the soreness.

 

Why do I feel a bump under my tongue when I lift it up?

 

A small, tender bump you feel under the tongue when lifted is likely an inflamed salivary gland called the sublingual gland. There is one on each side under the tongue. They produce saliva but can become blocked and swollen.

 

These glands drain forward alongside the frenulum. If blocked by debris like food, the backed-up saliva causes them to enlarge. Bacteria can also infect the blocked glands. Massaging under the tongue may help unblock it and reduce swelling. But see your doctor if the bump persists.

 

What does it mean if my tongue feels swollen under it?

 

A feeling that your tongue is significantly swollen or enlarged under the surface often indicates inflammation or infection. Common causes include:

 

- Canker sores - The ulcers make tissues swollen and painful.

 

- Oral thrush - Yeast lesions expand under the tongue surface.

 

- Lingual tonsillitis - Enlarged, inflamed lingual tonsils at the back of the tongue.

 

- Abscess - tongue abscesses feel like fluid-filled pockets of swelling.

 

This inflammation puts pressure on nerve endings, making the tongue feel puffy and sore when moved. Seeking treatment for the infection or inflammation is key to reducing the swollen sensation under the tongue.

 

Is it normal for my frenulum to hurt when I lift my tongue up?

 

It’s very common for the frenulum to cause slight discomfort when sticking your tongue out or lifting it. But typically, only mild tension should be felt.

 

Sharp, intense pain likely indicates an abnormally short or tight frenulum. This restricts mobility when you try to lift your tongue, painfully pulling on the frenulum.

 

Doing gentle frenulum stretches can improve elasticity over time. But with severe tightness impairing tongue movement, see an oral surgeon. They may recommend a frenulectomy to surgically loosen the frenulum for comfortable function.

 

When should I be concerned about pain under the tongue when swallowing?

 

Difficulty or pain when swallowing, known as dysphagia, warrants prompt medical assessment. Along with tongue discomfort, it may signal:

 

- Oral thrush - Yeast lesions make swallowing sore.

 

- Oral cancer - Tumors can impede swallowing.

 

- Esophageal issues like strictures or gastroparesis affecting swallowing coordination with the tongue.

 

- Neurological conditions like myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease.

 

Any swallowing impairment with tongue pain should be evaluated by your doctor right away. They'll examine your mouth and may order tests like an endoscopy or modified barium swallow study. Proper treatment of the underlying condition causing dysphagia helps resolve any associated tongue discomfort for normal swallowing ability.

 

What does white coating on the tongue have to do with pain under it?

 

A white tongue coating is often seen with certain sources of pain under the tongue, like oral thrush or leukoplakia.

 

In oral thrush, the white cottage cheese-like lesions on the tongue surface and under it are caused by the yeast Candida albicans. As the fungal overgrowth advances, painful swollen patches develop that can impair swallowing or chewing. Antifungal medication is needed to treat it.

 

In leukoplakia, white patches on the tongue result from irritated swollen tissues, often due to chronic irritation. Caused by smoking or chewing tobacco, spicy foods, ill-fitting dentures, or chronic reflux, leukoplakia is linked to an increased risk of cancer.

 

Why does my tongue still hurt after a tongue tie surgery?

 

It's common for the tongue to remain sore and tender for a period after a tongue tie or frenotomy procedure. The lingual frenulum area is healing post-surgery and will be inflamed as the tissue mends itself.

 

Swelling around the surgical site also adds pressure on the nerves under the tongue, which can increase discomfort. Using pain relievers, ice packs, saltwater rinses, and soft foods can help manage pain the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. Avoid vigorous tongue exercises during recovery. Report worsening pain or swelling to your oral surgeon promptly.

 

How long does tongue pain after eating last?

 

Transient pain while eating or immediately after tends to be normal. But tongue pain that persists more than 1-2 hours after meals may indicate an underlying issue needing evaluation, like:

 

- Canker sores - Certain acidic or spicy foods can irritate them.

 

- Oral allergy syndrome - The tongue swells due to food protein allergies.

 

- Burning mouth syndrome - This nerve pain is aggravated by eating.

 

- Nerve damage - Lingual nerve irritation can worsen with chewing motions.

 

See your dentist or doctor if tongue pain routinely lasts hours after eating. Proper treatment will help curb the lingering discomfort that disruptive your meals.

 

What's the best pain medicine for a sore tongue?

 

The most effective oral pain relievers for tongue discomfort include:

 

- Benzocaine lozenges - This numbing agent comes in lozenge form to treat mouth and tongue pain.

 

- Lidocaine rinses or gels - Lidocaine applied topically under the tongue temporarily numbs pain.

 

- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - The oral tablets reduce aches and discomfort systemically.

 

- Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium (Aleve) also ease soreness.

 

Avoid any medications that could dry the mouth further, like antihistamines. Using oral pain relievers alongside cold therapy and proper tongue positioning provides the best pain relief in most cases of tongue discomfort.

 

When should you go to the ER for tongue pain?

 

Seek emergency care right away if you experience:

 

- Sudden, severe tongue swelling making it hard to breathe

- A possible infected swelling or abscess inside the tongue

- Uncontrolled bleeding from a tongue laceration

- Intense pain after a significant tongue injury like a deep bite

 

Any tongue symptom that comes on suddenly and impairs your airway or causes alarming bleeding warrants immediate ER evaluation. Prompt treatment helps prevent airway compromise or significant blood loss in these rare emergencies.