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Bumps on the Back of the Tongue

What are Tongue Bumps? What Do They Look Like?

A healthy tongue is normally covered in small bumps called papillae. Some of them contain taste buds. They give the tongue its distinctive texture.1

Your papillae are often unnoticeable because they have a consistent color and texture. However, some conditions can cause them to become inflamed.

Inflamed papillae can appear raised or enlarged. They may cause your tongue to feel painful, sore, or unusually sensitive.

Causes of Bumps on the Back of the Tongue

Various things can cause inflamed tongue bumps. Although most tongue bumps, some can be more serious.

Here are 14 reasons why you have bumps on the back of your tongue:

1. Injury or Irritation

A tongue injury may cause a bump to appear or your tongue to feel rough. Like other body parts, an injury may cause a swollen tongue.

If you have a swollen bump on your tongue, you may have unintentionally bitten it a few days before. Hot drinks or foods can also burn your tongue, leading to rough patches or enlarged bumps.

2. Lie Bumps

Lie bumps, or transient lingual papillitis (TLP), are temporary inflammations of the papillae. Itching, acute sensitivity, or a burning feeling on the tongue are all symptoms of lie bumps. 

Although their cause isn't precisely known, they may be affected by hormonal, dietary, and stress-related factors. Lie bumps typically go away on their own.

3. Canker sores

Canker sores can appear as bumps on your tongue. They're common mouth sores that appear inside your:2

Lips

Cheek

Tongue

The sores are typically red, white, or yellow and may be rough and unpleasant. Most canker sores subside on their own. However, others can be very painful and may need medical attention.

4. Squamous Papilloma

Squamous papilloma may be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It shows up as an irregular lump or a bump on your tongue.

This condition is usually painless and can be treated with surgical or laser removal. Other symptoms of HPV can be addressed on an individual basis.

5. Glossitis

Glossitis is an inflammatory condition where the tongue loses its papillae (depapillation). This can cause your tongue to appear smooth but red and irritated.

Geographic tongue is a type of glossitis. It causes irregular patches that seem to migrate across the tongue over time.

Glossitis can be caused by:

Nutrient or vitamin deficiencies

Infections

Allergies

Hereditary factors

Hormonal imbalances

6. Scarlet Fever

The same bacteria that cause strep throat can also cause scarlet fever. One symptom of scarlet fever is a red, bumpy tongue, known as a “strawberry tongue.”

Scarlet fever is often seen in children or people who come into contact with them. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat this illness. 

7. Allergies

Food allergies may cause swelling or itching of the tongue and create bumps. If your entire tongue swells suddenly, it may be due to a serious condition known as anaphylaxis.3 

Seek immediate assistance if you experience:

Swollen lips, tongue, or mouth

Sudden rashes or hives

Breathing difficulties

When Should You Worry About Bumps on Tongue?

Keep an eye on the tongue bumps' size, color, and spread while you treat them at home. If there is no improvement or your condition worsens, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

When to See a Doctor for Tongue Bumps

Most causes of inflamed tongue bumps resolve on their own. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Fever

Symptoms lasting longer than one week

Rapidly growing, spreading, or bleeding bumps

Bumps keep returning after healing

Diagnosing & Treating Tongue Bumps

A doctor will first inquire about your medical history and known allergies to determine what is causing your tongue bumps. They will do an oral exam to check your taste buds for changes in:7

Color

Texture

Size

Abnormalities

Your physician may also order blood tests to rule out other problems, such as infection or disease. If the doctor suspects cancer, they will send you to a specialist who will either conduct a biopsy or remove the bump entirely.

Home Remedies for Tonge Bumps

Although some causes of tongue bumps require medical attention, home remedies can help. These include:

Hydrating with water (drink through a straw if you have pain drinking normally)

Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water and a teaspoon of salt

Avoiding acidic/spicy foods and drinks

Using topical numbing gels

Using over-the-counter pain relievers

Avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes

Tips for Preventing Tongue Bumps

Good oral health may lower the chance of tongue bumps and cancer and keep lumps from becoming infected or painful. 

Maintain good oral hygiene by doing the following:

Brushing teeth at least twice a day

Use a stainless steel tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the tongue

Flossing at least once a day

Regular visits to the dentist (twice a year is recommended)

Avoiding acidic foods that irritate the tongue

Limiting alcohol use

Avoiding sugary foods.

 

 

(01/21/2024)
by New Mouth

More Information: https://www.newmouth.com/oral-health/bumps-on-back-of-tongue/

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