Finding that the tongue has suddenly become smooth, red, shiny and more sore than usual worries many people. It is often a sign that the body or mouth is lacking something, and the cause should be found.
- A smooth, red, shiny tongue with lost bumps is often a sign of an underlying cause such as iron or B vitamin shortage, thrush or dry mouth.
- Keeping the mouth clean, avoiding spicy, hot and sour food and drinking enough water eases soreness.
- Do not buy supplements or medicine on your own before the cause is known.
- A smooth red tongue lasting over two weeks or with tiredness and cracked corners is a reason to be checked.
The surface of a normal tongue has small bumps that make it slightly rough, with a thin pale pink coating. When these bumps are lost, the tongue becomes smooth, red and shiny and many people feel soreness and sensitivity to spicy, hot and sour food. This is not a disease in itself but is often a sign of an underlying cause.
Common causes
- Nutrient shortage: a lack of iron and some B vitamins is a common cause, often with tiredness, pale skin and cracked corners of the mouth, see what causes cracked corners of the mouth.
- Oral thrush: makes the tongue red and sore, sometimes with white patches, common in denture wearers or when resistance is low.
- Dry mouth: from medicines, general illness or sleeping with the mouth open, see dry mouth in people taking medication.
- Irritation from hot spicy food, smoking or alcohol based mouthwash.
- Some stomach or absorption problems that make it hard for the body to take in nutrients.
What should you do about it?
- Keep the mouth clean, brush twice a day and gently clean the tongue.
- Avoid very spicy, hot and sour food and smoking while the tongue is sore.
- Eat a varied, balanced diet and drink enough water.
- Do not buy supplements or medicine on your own before the cause is known.
When should you see a doctor?
Have it checked if the smooth red tongue lasts more than two weeks, is sore enough to affect eating, comes with tiredness, pale skin, cracked corners of the mouth, or white patches that cannot be wiped off. The dentist will examine the tongue and the lining of the mouth and may suggest tests to find the cause, referring you to another specialist if needed. See also a sore or white coated tongue, what it means.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first. The dentist will check your tongue, teeth and any denture to look for causes in the mouth.
Frequently asked questions
Is a smooth red tongue a vitamin shortage?
It can relate to a shortage of iron or some B vitamins, but it may also come from oral thrush, dry mouth or irritation. An examination and tests are needed to know the cause.
Is a smooth red tongue dangerous?
Usually it is not dangerous but it is a sign that the cause should be found. If it lasts over two weeks or comes with tiredness or cracked corners, see a doctor.
Should I take supplements myself for a smooth red tongue?
Not before the cause is known. Have a check so that a doctor can advise suitably.