My 3 year daughter has several small red sores on tongue. she says they hurt. what is it?

Likely Viral: It is common for children to have viral causes of mouth sores. We are seeing this in Kentucky now. There are several viruses we see including "hand-foot-mouth" disease that causes mouth sores in children. They are all self limited and require only fluids and comfort measures. Small sips work best. Remember children on average get 8 to 10 viruses a year at her age!