Smoking
Smoking can damage the delicate tissues of the mouth, such as the gums, tongue, and lips. The damage that smoking does to the tongue may cause soreness and pain in the tongue.
This is a result of a chemical in cigarette smoke called nicotinic acid. Nicotinic acid is an irritant that causes swelling and irritation of the mouth tissues during smoking. It is also found in foods that are considered healthy, such as nuts and green leafy vegetables.
In time, as more nicotinic acid enters the mouth area, it becomes more sensitive, causing even greater pain and discomfort with any contact with food or drink. This is a condition that is known as a smoker’s tongue. This can lead to difficulty eating and drinking, making it harder for the body to get the nutrition it needs.
