Ask an Expert: White area on the tip of my tongue

Dental and Oral Health Center

White area on the tip of my tongue
12/18/2006

Question:

I woke up this morning and felt that my tongue was a little sore, so I looked in the mirror and saw that on the tip of my tongue was a slightly raised white area with a tiny red spot in the middle. I`ve gotten enlarged taste buds in the past, but this looks different. Any thoughts?

Answer:

Sometimes this could be due to irritation or trauma to the area. Other things to consider:

Has this same type of lesion ever happened before?

Are you currently taking any medications?

Do you suffer from constant heartburn or reflux?

Do you smoke?

Have your blood sugar levels been normal on the past exams?

Do you clench or grind your teeth?

This lesion should resolve on its own within 10-14 days after its appearance, if no further irritation has happened. If it does not, you could have your dentist take a look at it to see if it might need medication to improve its healing.

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Response by:

Jose I Arauz-Dutari, DMD
Formerly, Assistant Professor of Periodontics
School of Dental Medicine
Case Western Reserve University