Unexpected Red Lesions on Tongue with Occasional Discomfort When Swallowing
Recently, I’ve been experiencing a bit of discomfort on the right side of my tongue, where I discovered several red lesions. I’m puzzled about how they appeared. I did rinse my mouth with hot water yesterday, which might have contributed to the irritation. In addition to the soreness on my tongue, I've felt a mild pain in my throat, particularly when swallowing, both early this morning and after lunch today. I'm not certain if these issues are connected. The discomfort might stem from sleeping in an awkward position, while the throat pain could perhaps be a result of irritation from my tongue. How long should I wait without noticing any improvement before seeking medical advice? Are there any suggestions for speeding up the healing process? When I do have sores, I typically use Eco-Dent Ultimate mouthwash for treating oral wounds. Earlier this year, I switched to a non-SLS toothpaste, specifically Sensodyne Pronamel Repair, after noticing an increase in gum irritations. Just for context, I’m a 37-year-old male who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes.
Answers (1)

7/25/2025, 3:11:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
You’re experiencing discomfort on your tongue with red lesions and throat pain, which could be related. The good news is that many oral sores can improve with proper care and may resolve on their own. However, it's wise to monitor your symptoms.
Explanation:
The red lesions on your tongue could result from irritation, such as from the hot water rinse you mentioned, or a minor infection. The pain you’re feeling in your throat could be connected to the irritation from the lesions on your tongue. Additionally, factors like stress, certain foods, or allergies could exacerbate these symptoms.
Typically, if the discomfort persists for more than a week without improvement, or if symptoms worsen (like increased pain, swelling, or spreading lesions), it would be advisable to seek medical advice.
Next Steps:
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Mouth Rinses: Continue using your Eco-Dent Ultimate mouthwash, as it may help promote healing. You could also consider saltwater rinses; mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water to soothe irritation.
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Diet Changes: Avoid spicy, acidic, or hot foods, as they can irritate your tongue further. Focus on a bland diet, including soft foods, to minimize discomfort while swallowing.
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Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as drinking plenty of water can help soothe irritation and promote healing.
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Oral Care: Sticking to your non-SLS toothpaste (Sensodyne Pronamel Repair) is wise, especially since you’ve noticed improvements previously.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms daily. If after a week you don’t see improvements, or if severe symptoms arise, consider seeking advice from a healthcare provider to explore further options.
Feel free to reach out if you need more assistance or have additional questions!
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