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What are tongue bumps?We all have several hundre d bumps on our tongues called papillae, also known as the taste buds. Inflamed bumps on the back of your tongue — the circumvallate papillae — usually aren’t a cause for concern and will heal on their own. We all have several hundred bumps on our tongues called papillae, also known as the taste buds. There are four types of these papillae:
Normally, these bumps are largely unnoticeable — they have a consistent color and texture, supporting your ability to eat. But sometimes tongue bumps can appear swollen. While enlarged papillae may just be a short-term nuisance, they can also make it difficult or painful to eat, talk, swallow, or even taste food. Inflamed bumps on the back of your tongue — the circumvallate papillae — usually aren’t a cause for concern and will heal on their own. However, severe, spreading, or longer-lasting bumps might be a sign of another underlying condition that requires a doctor’s treatment. Because your oral health is tied closely to your overall well-being, it’s important to know why you have bumps on your tongue and when to seek medical care. Signs and symptoms of tongue bumpsInflamed bumps on the back of your tongue are usually visible, appearing larger and swollen. Sometimes they may change color as well, to white, bright pink, or black patches. Enlarged taste buds may also cause: Change in tasteThe papillae on the back of your tongue aren’t responsible for taste. But if the inflammation has spread, you may experience a partial or total loss of your taste sensation or have difficulty discerning between flavors like salty, bitter, sweet, or sour. Difficulty moving your tongueAs the bumps on the back of your tongue swell, it can be hard to move your tongue normally. Depending on the severity, this could impact normal speaking and swallowing. Swelling can also make your tongue feel sore and appear larger — in some cases, the top and bottom teeth don’t fit neatly together around the tongue. Pain or a burning sensationWhile enlarged bumps can make your tongue feel sore, you may also experience a localized burning sensation in the problem area. This could be an ongoing discomfort or only felt when the tongue is in use, like as you eat. A furry or hairy textureDebris, bacteria, and dead skin cells can get lodged and stuck between inflamed tongue bumps. This accumulation causes a white, fuzzy-looking coat on the surface of your tongue. SLIDESHOWMouth Problems: TMJ, Canker Sores, Painful Gums and More See SlideshowCauses of tongue bumpsTongue bumps are common and generally considered harmless — but they can also be a symptom of a more serious condition. You may experience bumps on the back of your tongue due to: Physical traumaAccidentally biting your tongue can irritate your taste buds, making them swell. Eating or drinking extremely hot food can also burn and blister papillae. AllergiesSometimes an allergic reaction causes tongue bumps, especially with some fresh fruits and vegetables that contain certain pollen species, like melons, apples, and bananas. InfectionOral infections can spread to your taste buds, leading to enlarged bumps. The most common infection is called oral thrush, caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Along with swollen tongue bumps, signs of oral thrush include white lesions, burning, and soreness. Tongue bumps are a symptom of other infections as well, including herpes simplex and syphilis. Certain antibiotics for infections can also cause your taste buds to swell. Poor oral hygieneIf you don’t stick to a good brushing and flossing routine, bacteria can build up and cause inflammation throughout your mouth, including in your taste buds. Smoking can also have this same effect. DehydrationNot drinking enough water can cause dry mouth, a condition that increases your risk of taste bud infections, gum disease, and dental cavities over time. StressCanker sores can form at the back of your tongue as well. While their cause is not well understood, research shows that psychological stress may play a role in triggering canker sores. Physical irritation, acidic fruits and vegetables, and hot spicy foods can also contribute to canker sores. DiseaseWhile uncommon, bumps on the back of the tongue can be a sign of oral or tongue cancer. These wart-like bumps — or squamous cell papillomas — can look white or red and may be benign. Only a doctor can diagnose an unusual bump as cancerous. Leukoplakia is another condition that can cause tongue bumps. This occurs when the cells in your mouth grow excessively, irritating your taste buds. Some people with diabetes, anemia, and autoimmune diseases may also experience inflamed tongue bumps. Health NewsWhen to see the doctor for tongue bumpsMost enlarged tongue bumps will heal on their own, but you should visit your doctor if:
QUESTIONWhat causes tooth decay? See AnswerDiagnosing tongue bumpsTo diagnose what is causing your tongue problem, a doctor will first ask about your medical history and any known allergies. They’ll perform a tongue exam to look for changes in taste bud color, texture, and size, checking for irregularities to guide a course of treatment. Your doctor might also order blood tests to rule out other issues like infection or disease. If they suspect cancer, the doctor will refer you to a specialist to perform a biopsy or remove the lump entirely. Treatments for tongue bumpsSome causes of tongue bumps require treatment from a doctor, like antifungal medications for oral thrush. You can relieve discomfort caused by most tongue bumps at home, however. Some home remedies include:
You should monitor the size, color, and spread of tongue bumps as you treat them at home — if there is no change or your condition worsens, make sure to make an appointment with your doctor. The best home care you can do is prevention. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent inflamed bumps at the back of your tongue and keep them from coming back. Is it bad to scrape your tongue?Tongue scraping is a way of removing bacteria, food particles, and other debris that cause bad breath from the surface of your tongue. Tongue scraping is a painless and low-risk procedure. However, there may be some associated risks, such as:
However, if done correctly and using the right technique tongue scraping can improve oral health and minimize foul breath (halitosis). What are different types of tongue scrapers?Different types of tongue scrapers come in various shapes and sizes:
To use a tongue scraper, start at the base of the tongue and pull the scraper forward so that it slides and scrapes all the buildup away. Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health NewsletterBy clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time. 5 benefits of tongue scraping
FromMedically Reviewed on 3/2/2022 References American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome." American Dental Association: "Tongue Scrapers and Cleaners." Annals of Saudi Medicine: "Human Biology of Taste." Better Health Channel: "Tongue." Cancer Research UK: "What is tongue cancer?" Cedars-Sinai: "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Canker Sores." Clinics: "Psychological Stress and Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis." Health Direct: "Allergic reactions to antibiotics." Mayo Clinic: "White Tongue." Mount Sinai: "Leukoplakia." Stanford Medicine: "Examination of the Tongue." University of Michigan: "Mouth Problems, Noninjury." WebMD: "Tongue Scraping: What to Know." Are lumps on the back of tongue normal?If you notice tongue bumps at the back of your mouth, it's normal to be worried. But the good news is that most bumps on your tongue aren't a cause for too much concern. That said, if your bumps are large, last for several weeks, or are exceptionally painful, don't hesitate to get them checked.
What does bump on side of tongue mean?Tongue bumps can appear as blisters, ulcers and lumps. According to the Merck Manual, other causes of bumps on the tongue include canker sores, bacterial infections, oral herpes, allergies, immune system disorders and oral cancer.
How do you get rid of a bump on the side of your tongue?Treatment for Tongue Bumps. Drink plenty of water.. Apply a topical oral gel to alleviate pain.. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash.. Avoid acidic or spicy foods that may irritate the tongue or gums.. Avoid tobacco products.. What does bump on back of tongue mean?Your tongue has bumps on the back called papillae that are part of its normal anatomy; do nothing if you have no other symptoms. New or different bumps or masses can be caused by infections or other conditions. Bumps on the tongue (papillae) contain taste buds, temperature receptors, and a good blood supply.
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