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How do I Treat Blisters on the Tongue?

By Bethany Keene
Updated May 17, 2024
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Blisters on the tongue or in the mouth are typically caused by a virus, typically the herpes simplex virus, and may appear as fever blisters or canker sores; however, they may also be caused by simply eating food that is too hot or accidentally biting the tongue especially hard. Typically, there is no way to get the blisters on the tongue to go away, but it is possible to relieve pain and attempt to speed the healing process. Avoiding spicy foods, rinsing the mouth with peroxide or salt water, and even applying medicated cream or topical anesthetics can help to relive pain and speed the healing process.

Before applying any type of medicated cream or anesthetic gel to blisters on the tongue be sure to read the package and determine if it is safe to use inside the mouth. Some creams are only intended to be used on sores or blisters that appear around the outside of the mouth and should not be used for any other purpose. A doctor or dentist will be able to offer advice regarding treatment cream or anesthetic gel that is safe to use on blisters on the tongue or elsewhere inside the mouth.

Using an antibacterial mouthwash may also help to kill germs inside the mouth and prevent more sores from forming, as well as to keep existing blisters clean. Avoid kissing anyone or sharing utensils when experiencing this issue, since it is possible to spread the virus. In addition, swishing warm salt water around inside the mouth a couple times per day can help to kill germs, relieve pain, and speed the healing process. Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide is another great way to keep the mouth clean and shorten the duration of the healing process.

Eating spicy food while you have blisters on the tongue will typically be quite painful, so avoiding this is a good idea. Some people find that staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water can be helpful, or eating soft foods for a little while to prevent the blisters from breaking open. Reducing stress in your life can be one way to prevent fever blisters from coming back, though they are often triggered by illness or changes in weather as well, so it is not often possible to prevent all of them once you have contracted the virus. Some people also recommend using a natural mouthwash that contains tea tree oil to help heal blisters, as well as taking a regular multivitamin to strengthen the immune system.

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Discussion Comments

By candyquilt — On Apr 18, 2013

I used to get canker sores on my tongue all the time before. Since I started taking a daily multivitamin, I haven't been getting them!

By turquoise — On Apr 18, 2013

@donasmrs-- Have you been rinsing your mouth with warm salt water? If not, you need to start doing that. I recommend rinsing with it several times a day, every day until it goes away.

I also like putting a hot tea bag (not too hot) on the blister. It relieves the pain.

I heard from my friend that alum powder helps mouth sores and blisters heal faster. I've never tried it though.

By donasmrs — On Apr 17, 2013

I woke up this morning and my tongue felt painful. I looked in the mirror and found a blister on the back of my tongue! I've never had this happen before and I want it to go away as soon a possible.

It's very painful and I can't even eat properly because of it. What can I do to make it heal quickly?

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