A dry tongue can be an indication of serious underlying disorders. The appearance of the tongue can be a sign of health or disease. A dry tongue can become so dehydrated that it cracks and bleeds. In other situations, the tongue may develop ulcers that cause bleeding and pain. Treatment of a dry and bleeding tongue depends on the underlying condition.
Rinsing Regularly With Water
A dry, bleeding tongue can occur from dry mouth; a condition caused by some medications, surgery, smoking and alcohol consumption or fungal infection. Indiana University recommends rinsing the mouth regularly with water, at least every two hours while awake, to reduce dryness and keep surfaces moistened. Avoid alcohol and sticky or spicy foods. Suck on hard candy throughout the day and if necessary, use a saliva substitute to keep the mouth moistened and prevent further dryness.
Surgery, Radiation or Chemotherapy
Tongue cancer occurs with an overgrowth of malignant cells of the tongue that invade the mouth. Although there is not a specific cause of tongue cancer, people who smoke and drink heavy amounts of alcohol are at increased risk. Tongue cancer can cause difficulty swallowing and a bleeding tongue. It's treated by surgery to remove the diseased portion of the tongue, followed by radiation or chemotherapy to reduce the incidence of recurrence. Symptoms may resolve with complete treatment to eradicate tongue cancer.
Increasing Protein Sources, Taking a Multivitamin
Bulimia is a type of eating disorder that involves binging on large amounts of food, followed by purging the body. Purging is done in several ways, including overuse of laxatives, excessive exercise or induced vomiting. Frequent vomiting associated with bulimia can cause a painful, dry tongue that may develop ulcers or bleed due to recurrent contact with stomach acid. Treatment involves reducing vomiting by managing the disorder. Bulimia can cause malnourishment, slowing tongue healing. Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily; increasing protein sources, such as lean meats; and taking a multivitamin to restore nutrients can all help heal a painfully dry and bleeding tongue associated with bulimia.
Member Comments