Noticing a pimple on your tongue can be scary. We use our tongues for many functions throughout the day, like eating, speaking, chewing, and more. Hence, it can be unsettling to spot a tongue bump. It can look scary and bring discomfort. Worst of all — we start imagining the worst possible scenarios. What if it means oral cancer? What if it doesn’t heal? All the what-ifs go through your mind. But did you know a tongue pimple is not always a cause of concern? That’s right! Keep reading to know why they appear.
Causes of Pimple On Tongue
A pimple on the tongue can appear for many reasons. These range from oral herpes, tongue injuries, canker sores, and allergies to even cancerous tumors. But no need to lose your cool, as usually, tongue bumps are harmless. Some reasons they occur are:
1. Tongue Injuries
An injury to your tongue can leave a bump behind. Your tongue might swell due to the injury, resulting in a swollen bump. Biting your tongue and drinking or eating something hot can result in a tongue injury. Your tongue might have a swollen spot for a few days following the injury.
2. Allergies
A swollen tongue might be due to your body’s reaction to an allergen. Food intolerance and allergic reactions can look like a swollen or bumpy tongue. If your tongue swells immediately, it signifies a dangerous reaction called anaphylaxis. This calls for immediate medical attention.
Moreover, you should seek urgent medical care if these symptoms occur:
- Swelling of lips, mouth, or tongue
- Sudden rash or hives
- Breathing difficulties or wheezing
3. Canker Sores
If your tongue has a yellow or white spot surrounded by redness, it might be a canker sore. Why it appears is unknown, but a canker sore typically goes away in two weeks times. They are harmless, although you might experience a lot of pain.
4. Infections
Go to your doctor if you notice swelling in your tongue after biting it or an injury; you might have an infection. The bacteria in your oral cavity are looking for an excuse to invade various areas of the mouth. When your tongue tissues suffer damage, they can enter and infect the area. In addition, you might experience pain and pain.
5. Oral Herpes
Herpes is a common viral infection that can be responsible for the pimple on your tongue. This virus can develop painful blisters near the nose, mouth, and even on the tongue and gums. Furthermore, this viral infection is contagious and might not show any symptoms.
6. Lie Bumps
Tiny pimples on your tongue can be transient lingual papillitis or lie bumps. Found on the upper surface of your tongue, they usually appear out of nowhere. Additionally, these symptoms might appear:
- Itching
- Extreme sensitivity
- Burning sensation
7. Cancer
Rarely, a pimple on the tongue might turn out to be a symptom of oral cancer. A hard and painless pimple on the side of your tongue, in particular, is a sign of cancer. If your tongue bump or lump lasts more than a week or two, visit your oral surgeon.
What Should I Do?
A pimple on your tongue could mean a lot of things; your dentist or oral surgeon can identify the cause and treat it accordingly. Visit our Vintage Oral Surgery experts to get treated, or dial (281) 800 8852 to schedule an appointment.