Commonly, when the word pimple is heard, it is instantly associated with those pesky bumps that appear in adolescence from acne. But, there is also a condition that produces spots on the tongue, known as ‘blow of lies,’ a popular name for transient tongue papillitis.
People believed that these pimples appeared on a person’s tongue when they lied. While this superstition was long forgotten, the name has remained despite the very different causes. At FastlyHeal, we inform you about pimples on the tongue: their causes, and how to cure them.
Table of Contents
Why do I get pimples on my tongue?
If you wonder why you get pimples on your tongue, it is probably a result of a condition known as transient lingual papillitis. This is a common painful inflammatory condition affecting one or more fungiform papillae on the tongue. These papillae are involved in taste sensations and are embedded in their surface. However, despite being a prevalent condition, it is rarely diagnosed. It can affect both children and adults, regardless of gender.
These pimples on the tongue can be red or white: the color will largely depend on the cause that originates them. It is sometimes confused with canker sores, ulcers, or sores on the tongue. However, transient lingual papillitis exclusively affects the upper dorsal part of the tongue. In contrast, canker sores and ulcers can affect any part of the mouth.
Symptoms of pimples on the tongue
The most visible symptom of transient tongue papillitis is swollen papillae, which, when swollen, may turn red or white and may remain bulging for several days. These bumps on the tongue can be painful, even when not eating or drinking. Some people experience feelings of:
- Ardor.
- Itch.
- Tingling on the tongue.
Similarly, some people do not experience any symptoms.
Eruptive tongue papillitis
If these pimples are accompanied by other symptoms, it may be an eruptive tongue papillitis. Eruptive tongue papillitis presents with the same red or white painful bumps, but it may be caused by a virus. This means, therefore, that it is contagious. It is accompanied by swollen glands and fever and is more common in children. It can take up to two weeks to heal instead of days.
Causes of pimples on the tongue
Transient lingual papillitis is a condition of language that has no exact cause. Therefore, there is no particular reason why grains start in the language.
Some professionals believe that the inflammation is due to tooth problems such as dental calculus buildup, fillings, or dental braces. Other factors that can influence the appearance of pimples on the tongue are:
- Stress.
- Bad nutrition.
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
It is more common in people who have a diet rich in highly acidic fruits and vegetables or who consume highly sugary foods. Other possible causes include:
- Trauma, even just from biting your tongue.
- Spicy food.
- Gastrointestinal complications, including constipation.
- Food allergies
- Hereditary factor.
How are pimples on the tongue diagnosed?
If these pimples don’t go away after a week and the bumps are persistent and painful, you should make an appointment to see your doctor or dentist. Children with recurrent and painful lumps should visit their pediatrician.
Your doctor (or dentist) will examine the lumps and likely diagnose them solely by appearance. If your doctor is not sure why you are getting pimples on your tongue: if it is a “fake bump,” or if it is a condition such as human papillomavirus, you may have a biopsy to evaluate the differential diagnosis. . To do this, your doctor will likely numb the area with local anesthesia. Then a small section of the lump will be removed to examine and view it under a microscope.
Pimples on the tongue: home remedies
Doctors generally don’t need to do much to treat most cases of transient tongue papillitis. Home remedies and over-the-counter treatments are available to reduce symptoms and help the condition resolve faster.
Some of the treatments to remove pimples on the tongue are:
- Rinse and gargle with saltwater.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use a mouthwash to remove harmful bacteria from your mouth.
- Avoid irritating foods (eating softer foods can be beneficial).
- Some topical medications that cover the pimples effectively reduce friction and minimize the pain that this produces; it is the doctor who must prescribe them.
At FastlyHealwe, tell you the main aspects of pimples on the tongue, how to cure them, and the causes that cause them to appear. However, if you notice any of the symptoms that we have explained, the best thing you can do is go to a doctor for a check-up and determine what the cause of their appearance is and thus be able to start treatment immediately.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Pimples on the tongue: causes and how to cure them , we recommend that you enter our category of Teeth and mouth .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.