The most common cause of tongue ulcers is recurrent mouth ulcers, which can recur periodically and have a self-limiting nature. Ulcers that do not heal for a long time may be cancerous ulcers, tuberculous ulcers, etc..
Other microbial infections of the mouth, such as viruses, can also cause ulcers; this type is common in infants and young children
prolonged irritation of the oral cavity by residual roots and crowns, sharp tooth tips etc. can cause traumatic ulcers in the corresponding parts of the tongue
Certain systemic diseases such as leukoaraiosis, Crohn’s disease, lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and dry syndrome can also present with symptoms of tongue ulcers.