Is There Anything Worse Than White Cold Sores On The Tongue?

Actually, there are a lot worse things that could happen to you, but they are hard to think of when you have white cold sores on your tongue. You never really appreciate just how sensitive your tongue is until it's hurting in some way. Then, that discomfort suddenly becomes your whole world. If you get any sore on your tongue that you can't explain, please go see a doctor. And please don't use this article in the place of a doctor's advice.

Where Did They Come From?

Long ago, our ancestors thought that white cold sores on the tongue were a curse from enemies or angry gods. Considering their extreme discomfort, you can be forgiven for still thinking they are curses from your enemies or angry gods. They are from the herpes virus, in fact, which is a very common virus.

There are two types of herpes virus, HPV-1 and HPV-2. The second type is the more infamous type, as it's usually spread by sex. However, that kind can also cause white cold sores on the tongue. It is thought the two types of herpes virus might overlap, but this is still a mystery. Most cold sores seem to be from the first type of herpes virus, in which no sexual contact is needed in order to catch it. This is what kids often get.

The only way you can catch the herpes virus is to get it from someone who already has it. This is through sharing towels, washcloths, napkins, drinking cups, lip balm, lipstick or utensils. You can get it through kissing, but only when the cold sore is in process of developing from the carrier.

What To Do

Usually, cold sores develop on the lips, but they can also develop on the roof of the mouth and as white cold sores on the tongue. These are very difficult to tell apart from canker sores (which heal on their own and are not contagious). If you know you have a past history of cold sores, then you can treat any white cold sores on tongue as cold sores. But if you are not sure, please contact your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Sucking on small pieces of ice can help numb the pain. You can also use mouth rinses for cold sores that are sometimes sold over the counter. You can also make your own mouth rinse with tea tree oil, but be careful not to swallow. It tastes really foul.