Bumps On Back Of Tongue

What are those bumps on the back of your tongue? Are they normal? Should I be concerned? Should I call my dentist?

Small bumps are common and part of normal tongue anatomy. These bumps may be inflamed or irritated.

It can be caused by a variety of factors, but to diagnose and treat the condition correctly, it is important to determine whether or not they are pathogenic.

What are the bumps on your tongue?

In medical terms, bumps on the lips are called papillae. These papillae help us grip food to chew and have taste buds that allow us to enjoy the foods we like.

You’d need to look very closely in the mirror to see these bumps. These bumps may become painful or irritated due to various reasons.

This article will discuss the possible causes and treatments for bumps on the back of your tongue.

Injuries

You can injure your tongue by biting it or eating sharp and hard food. It may cause swelling or bumps that are localised on the tongue. These may be painful or not.

You can help the bump heal by using ice packs or anesthetic creams. If the lesion does not heal in three weeks, you should consult your dentist as soon as possible.

Irritation

Certain foods and drinks can cause your tongue papillae to become irritated. Candies, acidic drinks, and foods can cause irritation of the tongue, resulting in bumps or swellings.

You can heal yourself from food-related irritation. Just keep track of recent changes in your diet to pinpoint the cause. To facilitate healing, avoid spicy and acidic food. Mouth washes that are non-alcoholic and saline will help soothe the irritation.

Swollen bumps on the back of the tongue.

There are many factors that can cause swollen bumps on the back of your tongue. Here are a few possible causes.

• Exaggerated papillae: The bumps at the back of your tongue are known as papillae. They can become enlarged because of irritation or inflammation. It can be due to spicy or acidic food, hot drinks, or a tongue injury.
• Infections: Some infections, like oral thrush caused by Candida, can cause swelling or white patches at the back of your tongue. Viral infections such as herpes simplex (HSV) can also cause swollen bumps and blisters.
• Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils (also known as tonsillitis) can cause swelling and inflammation. It can also spread to the back part of the tongue and cause swollen bumps.
• Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to medications, foods, or environmental factors may cause swelling of the mouth, throat, and back of the tongue.
• Injury or trauma: Biting your tongue back, aggressively using a dental tool or toothbrush, or any form of trauma to the tongue may cause swelling or bumps.
• Oral cancer: Swollen bumps at the back of your tongue, while less common, can be an indication of oral cancer. Consult a doctor if there is persistent swelling that you cannot explain or any other symptoms you are concerned about.

Lie Bumps

Transient lingual inflammation is also called lie bumps. This condition is caused by irritated papillae and causes white and red bumps. The bumps or sores will disappear by themselves within a couple of days.

Avoiding spicy, acidic, and hard candy can help alleviate symptoms. One should also consume soft food, practice good dental hygiene and take pain medication if necessary.

If the bumps continue, your dentist may prescribe antivirals and antifungals in order to combat the infection.

Canker Sores

These sores, also known as aphthous or canker ulcers, can occur anywhere in the mouth. This includes the tongue. They can be caused by accidental injuries, such as biting your own tongue, food sensitivities, and stress.

The canker sores heal by themselves in 7-10 days. Pain killers and topical creams can be used to relieve some symptoms. Consult your dentist if the sores continue for more than 2-3 weeks.

Fibroma

A fibroma or traumatic fibroma is a smooth hyperplastic tumor that appears the same as the surrounding tissue. The most common place for it to form is on the tongue. This can be due to chronic irritation caused by a sharp edge of a tooth, a dental prosthesis, or other factors.

Fibromas do not pose a significant threat and are benign. Fibromas are mainly scar tissue, and they need to be removed surgically. It is important to treat the chronic irritation that caused the fibroma after it has been removed. Otherwise, the fibroma may return.

Allergies

Allergies to certain foods or medicines can cause your tongue to develop small bumps or even swell.

If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, it is important to seek immediate medical care. You may experience a swollen lip or tongue, rashes, and breathing problems.

Syphilis

The second phase of syphilis causes small bumps and sores on the tongue.

The disease is very serious, and urgent medical care is required. Treatment involves taking a strict course of antibiotics. Contact your doctor as soon as you can if the sores are accompanied by a rash in your groin and body area.

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is caused by a bacterial infection. It causes the strawberry tongue. The tongue is swollen and covered with bumps. It also turns red. The condition is more prevalent in children than adults.

The tongue heals when the infection subsides. Scarlet fever can lead to serious complications. It must be treated.

Oral Herpes

Herpes is an extremely common virus infection that, although rare, can cause painful bumps and sores on the gums and tongue. This infection is easily spread by saliva or contact with an infected area.

Oral herpes is treated with antiviral medication, topical ointments, and pain relievers. The disease is not usually characterized by sores inside the mouth.

Oral Cancer

The worst-case scenario for any swelling or ulcers on the tongue is oral cancer. Oral squamous Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of tongue cancer. It appears on the side of the tongue.

A dentist can examine any bump or lesion on your tongue that persists over two weeks. Your dentist will perform a biopsy if the swelling or bumps seem suspicious.

Treatment for oral cancer depends on the type and stage of cancer. Your doctor will decide if you need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.