One of the most common reasons for a sore tongue is that, perhaps, the tongue may be brushing against a particular jagged end of a tooth. Irregular teeth that have plaque-formation situated at the back of the teeth can result in friction between the teeth and the tongue, causing injury to the tongue, thus resulting in soreness.
Examine the tongue for the presence of any ulcers. Ulcers tend to trouble a large number of people, and the presence of ulcers is usually a sign of stress and anxiety. If you notice ulcers regularly on your tongue that are causing much pain and trouble, you must consult a medical expert. The tongue is an excellent reference point that can indicate several problems in the body, and one of the indicators of a sore tongue could be a deficiency of water. Drink plenty of water and limit the consumption of caffeinated beverages or alcoholic drinks, until you feel rehydrated again.
If you feel pain and soreness persisting only in a particular area of the tongue it is advisable to see a doctor. Moreover if you feel the pain spreading all over your tongue, medical advice must be sought as soon as possible. It is possible that it may be a case of stomatitis, inflammation of the tongue or glossitis. In either case, it is strongly recommended that you get medical help right away and check if the condition has developed due to vitamin deficiencies or a hypersensitive reaction to a particular allergen.
Even though you might think that the soreness is a fairly trivial issue, the tongue is actually a reliable gauge of other troubles in the body, and should not be dismissed or neglected. If the sore areas on the tongue have discolored patches on it that is either white or creamy in color, you could try to gently scrape it with the help of a tongue scraper as it may probably be an oral thrush infection. Doctors usually recommend a course of antibiotics or zinc lozenges for oral thrush infections. In some cases ill-fitted bridgeworks in the mouth can also cause mouth infections. Check with your doctor or dentist if the dentures can be rectified or for any other course of action.
If the sore areas on the tongue are yellow and cause pain, then it could also indicate a viral infection, but a viral infection also brings with it a bout of high fever. Doctors would recommend good oral hygiene and the use of a mouthwash in addition to the medication you might have to take for the fever. More importantly, if you have developed mouth or tongue symptoms and also simultaneously are experiencing a pre-existing health issue with a compromised immune system, please seek immediate medical examination.