Swollen or Inflamed Taste Buds: Causes, Relief and When to Worry

01Basics

What taste buds and papillae are

The surface of the tongue is covered with small projections called papillae. Some, the fungiform papillae at the tip and sides, contain taste buds and look like tiny red dots. Larger circumvallate and foliate papillae sit at the back and sides of the tongue. When papillae become irritated or inflamed, they swell and become tender.

See bumps on back of tongue.

02Lie bumps

Transient lingual papillitis (“lie bumps”)

• One or a few small red or white bumps, usually at the tip or sides of the tongue.
• Burning, stinging or pain, especially when eating.
• Appear suddenly and disappear within a few days.
• May recur from time to time.

Despite the folk name, lie bumps have nothing to do with lying.

03Causes

Common causes

• Burns from hot food or drinks.
• Biting the tongue or rubbing against a sharp tooth or brace.
• Spicy, acidic, salty or very sweet foods.
• Stress and tiredness.
• Hormonal changes, such as around periods.
• Smoking and alcohol.
• Acid reflux reaching the mouth.
• Food sensitivities or allergies.

04Infections

Infections

Viral infections can cause swollen, tender papillae, sometimes in a more widespread form called eruptive lingual papillitis, which affects children more often, with fever, swollen glands and difficulty eating. It may spread within families. Scarlet fever causes a red, bumpy “strawberry tongue”.

See strawberry tongue. Oral thrush and cold sores can also cause a sore tongue.

05Other

Other causes of bumps and soreness on the tongue

• Mouth ulcers (canker sores).
• Geographic tongue, with moving map-like patches; see geographic tongue.
• Vitamin B12, iron or folate deficiency, causing a sore, smooth tongue.
• Dry mouth.
• Burning mouth syndrome.

See also tongue color and cracked tongue.

06Relief

How to ease swollen taste buds

• Avoid spicy, acidic, salty and very hot foods for a few days.
• Sip cool water or suck ice chips.
• Eat soft, cool foods such as yoghurt and smoothies.
• Rinse with warm salt water several times a day.
• Use a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol while healing.

07Duration

How long they last

Most inflamed taste buds settle within 2 to 7 days. The eruptive viral form can last up to two weeks. If bumps persist beyond two weeks, they should be checked.

08Prevention

Preventing flare-ups

• Let hot food and drinks cool.
• Identify and limit trigger foods.
• Keep up good oral hygiene and dental check-ups.
• Manage stress and get enough sleep.
• Treat reflux.
• Stay hydrated.

09Children

In children

Children may refuse to eat or drink if their tongue is sore. Offer cool drinks and soft food and give paracetamol if appropriate. A child with fever, a rash or who stops drinking should be seen by a doctor.

10Back

Swollen papillae at the back of the tongue

The large circumvallate papillae form a V-shape at the back of the tongue and the foliate papillae sit on the sides near the back. These are normal structures, but people often notice them for the first time when their throat is sore or when they look closely in a mirror, and worry they are new lumps. They are usually symmetrical, the same on both sides, and do not change over time.

A lump on only one side, or one that grows, should be checked.

11Taste

Changes in taste

Inflamed taste buds can make food taste different or blunt the sense of taste for a few days. Persistent changes in taste can also come from colds, sinus problems, smoking, some medicines, zinc deficiency, dry mouth and dental problems. If taste does not return to normal after a few weeks, see a doctor.

13Summary

Key points to remember

• Inflamed taste buds are usually a harmless irritation of the papillae.
• Burns, spicy food, stress and minor infections are common triggers.
• Most settle within a week with simple measures.
• Persistent, growing or hard bumps need checking.