What are the causes of white sores on the tongue?

Healthline says that biting the tongue can lead to white sores, and canker sores are also white sores that occur for no apparent reason. According to WebMD, there are several causes for white spots on the tongue: leukoplakia, oral thrush or oral lichen planus.

Healthline explains that hepatitis C, allergies or bad oral care can contribute to the development of oral lichen planus, which in turn can cause white spots on the tongue. WebMD says that leukoplakia can occur after the tongue has been irritated, such as from tobacco products. It can be an early warning sign of cancer. Oral thrush is a yeast infection and is most common in people who have lowered immune systems, according to WebMD.