Have you ever put your tongue into your mirror and saw little bumps at the back? You would have said, What are the bumps on the back of my tongue? or Why has I bumps in the back of my tongue? At first the discoveries may be frightening. The positive thing about that is that the bumps on the back of tongue are often absolutely normal. Your tongue is covered with little structures that assist in tasting food and those at the back are larger in nature. Knowing when these bumps are normal and when they may require attention would be more helpful in ensuring you take better care of your oral health.
What are the bumps in the back of tongue and are they normal?
Do you have bumps at the back of tongue? Yes in a majority of the situations they are natural taste buds known as circumvallate papillae. These bump on tongue are huge and shaped like V and are located at the back of your tongue and help in tasting bitter flavors. They are there to all of us, and some individuals are more observant of them than others. These are normal bumps which are generally pink in color or identical to the rest of your tongue. They are not supposed to hurt, bleed or grow or shrink very fast. When you ask yourself what are the bumps on the back of my tongue the answer is usually it is just these natural taste buds singing their song in a perfectly natural way.
What are the bumps that occur most frequently on the back of the tongue?
In the case of natural taste buds (circumvallate papillae) which are usually present.
- Malaise caused by hot drinks, acidic beverages or spicy foods.
- Unintentional biting or injury by eating hard food.
- Canker sores which occur due to stress or minor injuries.
- Oral thrush, a fungal infection that presents its bumps as white or red.
- Food, drug or dental allergies.
- Viral diseases such as oral herpes or hand-foot-mouth disease.
- Flavian taste buds which are inflamed due to dehydration or lack of vitamins.
- Tongue papillitis, temporary inflammation of single taste buds.
Is oral health or dietary modification preventive against bumps in the back of the tongue?
Irritation leading to bumps on back of tongue to become inflamed can be minimized by good oral health and intelligent diet. When you brush your teeth, you should brush your tongue softly and this cleanses your mouth of bacteria and food particles which may cause inflammation. Consumption of a lot of water keeps the mouth hydrated and helps in preventing an irritated bump on the tongue. To minimize the burn or irritation of the sensitive tissue of the back of the tongue, it is better to avoid very spicy or acidic, as well as very hot foods. When you have to frequently ask yourself about the existence of bumps on the back of your tongue, what you watch, eat, and drink may give you your answers.
How do tongue bumps normally take and when to visit the dentist or the doctor?
Most bumps on back of tongue that result due to irritation heal in a few days to two weeks, and are temporary. A slight swelling on the tongue when you accidentally bite yourself or when you eat hot food will usually clear away as your mouth will heal itself. But bumps which persist more than two weeks, increase in size, and are accompanied by bleeding or great pain, are worthy of professional attention. In case you have white spots, chronic pain, the inability to swallow or a fever and bumps on the tongue, book a dentist or doctor appointment. When you ask yourself at some point that is, when you ask yourself, are bumps on back of tongue normal and the bumps look like the ones you normally see, it gives you a sense of peace of mind and just in case of a need of treatment, you will have the professional opinion regarding it.
Indications of when to consult a professional.
Though the majority of the bumps at the back of the tongue are not dangerous, some symptoms are indicative that you will consult a dental specialist:
- Bumps that last more than a fortnight and have not improved.
- Surgical bumps that find their way in the way of eating, drinking, or speaking.
- Bloodblisters, which you can feel or brush your teeth with.
- The bumps are accompanied by white or red patches.
- Neck: fever or swollen lymph nodes.
- Swallowing difficulty or difficulty breathing.
- Quick variations in bump size or color or quantity.
Licensed dentists are able to inspect your tongue, diagnose the root of alarming bumps, and prescribe the required treatment. What may seem to be a mere bump on tongue may in some cases, be a symptom of some underlying condition that can be enhanced by professional care.
Treatment and Prevention
In the case of normal bumps in the back of the tongue that get irritated temporarily:
- Wash by warm salt water a few times a day.
- Do not eat spicy, acidic, or very hot food until it is healed.
- Keep yourself hydrated through the consumption of lots of water.
- Lightly brush your tongue as an oral hygiene measure.
- Take alcohol-free mouthwash to prevent further irritation.
- Use over the counter pain reliever in case of serious pain.
In case bumps are caused by infection or allergy, your dentist can prescribe certain forms of treatment such as antifungal drugs to treat oral thrush, antihistamines to treat allergic reactions, and antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
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Conclusion
Do you have any worry about lumps in your tongue? Although it is normal to pose the question of why do I have bumps on the back of my tongue, professional assessment gives a certain answer and offers a proper treatment where necessary. LiT Dental is a dental clinic in McKinney, TX, where oral health is examined with a full tongue examination and soft tissue.
Our skilled dental team can help to know whether your tongue bumps are just an anatomy or they need some form of treatment. We offer also all round dental services such as crowns, veneers, dental bonding and fillings to meet all your oral hygiene requirements. Dental checkups regularly prevent possible problems and make sure that a whole mouth is healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bumps on back of tongue normal?
Yes, in the majority of occasions they are natural taste buds. The huge bumps in a V-formation that are located at the back of your tongue are known as circumvallate papillae and assist you in the tasting of food. Everyone has them.
When should I worry?
In case the bumps are painful, bleeding, and take more than two weeks, then you see a dental practitioner. Constant swellings or white spots, or the inability to swallow, should also be examined by a dentist or physician with a license.
Can a dentist help?
Yes, it can be determined by a dental check-up. Dentists will use their mouth/ tongue/ throat to identify whether you have normal bumps or need to treat them to cure an infection or cause irritation or other factors.
