When you hear of ‘lie bumps on tongue,’ What is the first thing you think of? Bumps sprouting on your tongue as a result of telling lies? If so, it’s time to push that ancient thought away. Wondering why? It’s because once upon a time, people actually believed that lying could cause small bumps to pop up on your tongue.
Nonetheless, that isn’t entirely true. Lie bumps are completely unrelated to telling fibs. In fact, they’re pretty common and benign.
What Are Lie Bumps?
So, if not an after-effect of lying, what exactly are lie bumps? Well, to put it simply, lie bumps are tiny bumps. They can either be of red or white color and in most cases, they’re harmless. However, at times, they can still cause pain or discomfort. Nonetheless, they tend to disappear on their own and don’t require a lot of medical attention. Medically, lie bumps are known as Transient Lingual Papillitis.
Symptoms of Lie Bumps
When there’s an uncomfortable feeling on your tongue, it’s almost a reflex to check what it is. Thus, to keep an eye out for lie bumps, you should note the following signs:
- Small pimple-like spots on the surface of the tongue
- Slightly discolored in nature (red, white, yellow)
- Appearing all of a sudden
- Painful (at times)
- Tingling Sensation
- Tip of the tongue feels itchy or tender
Are Lie Bumps on Tongue Contagious?
On their own, No. Lie bumps are not contagious. However, if you begin to notice other effects, like a fever or sore throat, then that could be because of Eruptive Lingual Papillitis. ELP is a variation of lie bumps that occurs due to a virus. Moreover, it can be highly contagious and take up to two weeks to get rid of.
What Causes Lie Bumps?
As common as they are, there just isn’t enough scientific data to explain the causes of lie bumps. Still, that doesn’t mean it’s a lost cause. Here are a few reasons why white bumps can develop on the tip of your tongue:
- Foods High in Acidity
- Sudden Trauma (biting tongue, accidentally poking it, etc.)
- Allergic Reaction to Certain Foods
- Spicy foods
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Consuming too much Sugar
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Cold Sores
- Burning your Tongue
- Excessive Smoking
- Stress
- Lack of Sleep
- Tongue Eczema
- Asthma
- Geographic Tongue Disease
How to Get Rid of Lie Bumps
Since transient lingual papillitis isn’t that much of a hassle, you can easily take the following preventive measures to keep your tongue clean and bump-free.
- Gargling with salt water mixture
- Brushing your teeth every day
- Regularly flossing
- Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet
- Using OTC medications
- Drink plenty of water
- Alcohol-free mouthwash
- The Closing Word
The Closing Word
Lie bumps on your tongue might be uncomfortable, but they’re not a cause of major concern. They’re painless and do not require urgent medical attention. Nevertheless, in order to prevent oral infections from festering, it’s better to visit a dentist twice a year. Call SIMA Family Dental Center to schedule an appointment today at (281) 457-6444.