Transient lingual papillitis is more commonly known as lie bumps. They look like small bumps on the tongue that are red or white. Although they can cause much discomfort, lie bumps on your tongue usually go away on their own without treatment. This blog will give you relevant information about transient lingual papillitis.
Symptoms of Lie Bumps
Lie bumps can look like a pimple on your tongue. People with this condition might experience:
- Discomfort
- Pain
- Swelling
- Itchiness
- Tingling sensation
Apart from these, some people might experience a dry mouth and an altered sense of taste. You might have eruptive lingual papillitis if other symptoms occur with the lie bumps on your tongue. For instance, children experience swollen glands and fever. Generally, eruptive lingual papillitis takes a couple of weeks to heal. Keep in mind that it is caused by a virus, which means that it is contagious.
What Causes Lie Bump on Tongue?
Lie bumps are common, but there is insufficient research regarding them. Therefore, dentists are dubious of the actual reason why we get them. Nonetheless, anyone with high acidic and sugary intake will likely get lie bumps on their tongue. Other than this, these factors might also contribute to their appearance:
- Highly spicy food
- Food allergies
- Stress and inflammation
- Gastrointestinal complications
- Tongue injury, like biting or burning it
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
How does a Dentist Diagnose Lie Bump?
Lie bumps usually heal on their own. However, you should go to your dentist if you notice persistent and painful white or red bumps on your tongue. Usually, dentists can make a diagnosis by seeing the spots. Nevertheless, if they are unsure if it is a lie bump or another condition, they will perform a biopsy. First, they will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then, they will remove a small piece of the bump to examine and test it under a microscope.
Lie Bumps on Tongue Treatment
Usually, the lie bumps on your tongue do not require treatment. Although the following might help to reduce the symptoms and treat the condition quickly:
- Cutting back on acidic, spicy, and sugary foods.
- Gargling and rinsing your mouth with salt water.
- Brushing your teeth properly after every meal
- Rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash to eliminate bacteria
- Applying OTC topical treatments
What to do?
Lie bumps on the tongue are common and are known as transient lingual papillitis. They cause a lot of pain and discomfort but usually heal without any treatment. Although the exact cause is unknown, acidic and sugary food intake is considered a common culprit behind them. In addition, smoking, food allergies, GI complications, etc., are also linked with this condition. They don’t require treatment, but proper oral hygiene, salt water gargles, and OTC topical medications can help. If there is a red or white bump on the tip of your tongue, our specialists can help. Visit them at Vintage Oral Surgery or call at (281) 800 8852 to schedule an appointment.