The most common causes of tongue discomfort are Certain foods, especially acidic ones (eg, pineapple) Certain ingredients in toothpaste, mouthwash, candy, or gum Certain drugs (commonly, those that cause dry mouth: antihistamines, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants; less commonly, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or chemotherapeutic agents such as methotrexate, bleomycin, 5 - fluorouracil) Accidental trauma to tongue during mastication or due to nocturnal bruxism, or trauma from broken restorations or sharp teeth Other causes of tongue discomfort include Aphthous ulcers Atrophic glossitis Burning mouth syndrome (glossodynia) Oral candidiasis (thrush) Submandibular space infection (Ludwig's angina): involves sublingual, submandibular and submental spaces and can cause elevation of tongue.