Generally, tongue pain may occur
in diabetic neuropathy, mouth
ulcers, iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, B-vitamin deficiencies (glossitis), leukoplakia (or oral cancer) and exposure to irritants such as tobacco/alcohol/hot foods/spices. Usual symptoms could be pain, swelling, and change in appearance of the tongue. Sometimes tongue movement problems also can cause pain and most often caused by nerve damage.