Although our attention to health is usually directed to other organs and areas of the body, the reality is that we must never forget oral health and, within this, the great forgotten that is the tongue.
The tongue has fungiform papillae, that is, small bumps found on the sides of the language and in the upper area. These are responsible for helping you eat and having taste buds and temperature sensors. The bumps are usually the same color as the rest of the tongue; however, there are specific pathologies that can alter them. In the FastlyHealarticle, we detail all the information about tiny bubbles on the tongue: causes.
Bubbles on the tongue due to papilloma
Squamous papilloma is a disease that is closely related to the human papillomavirus or HPV. This disorder can be located in the mouth or specifically on the tongue, known as buccal papilloma or lingual HPV. This disease can be high or low risk depending on various factors, so it is essential to consult with a specialist to undergo a short evaluation and perform the indicated treatment to eliminate it.
It is an alteration transmitted with direct contact with the mucosa or skin, so it is commonplace that it appears with sexual contact, mainly with the practice of oral sex. However, they can also arise when placed in HPV-infected fingers or in skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
Syphilis tongue blisters
Another common cause in people who claim to have bubbles on the tongue is syphilis. It is a sexually transmitted infection that begins with a tiny, painless sore that is easy to miss; however, a rash starts to appear, tiny bubbles on the tongue or in various parts of the mouth.
Numerous sores appear and disappear throughout the entire pathology. During the first stage, the treatment is simple since the correct medications prescribed by the doctor must be consumed, making the disease disappear. With numerous buccal bumps, several significant complications can be generated when it is more advanced, so it is essential to complete the treatment on time.
Scarlet fever on the tongue
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that can cause the well-known strawberry tongue; that is, it causes swelling in this organ, it turns red and fills with bubbles. Patients with this type of disorder may also suffer from a rash and fever.
In general, scarlet fever is a mild condition that can be treated with the correct antibiotics prescribed by the specialist. It rarely tends to complicate and generate kidney disorders, pneumonia, or rheumatic fever. However, it is a highly contagious disorder, so it must be treated when it is detected.
Tongue sores from glossitis
Glossitis is a condition that causes swelling and inflammation on the tongue, making the papillae appear more prominent than usual and appear like bubbles. Despite this, this disorder is characterized by leaving the tongue’s surface with a smooth appearance; however, the patient may have difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing and have tenderness in the affected area.
This pathology can be caused by:
- An allergic reaction
- Infections
- Injuries
- Dry mouth
- Skin changes that affect the mouth.
- Deficiency of some vitamins.
- Hormonal changes
- We are subjected to irritants such as tobacco, scorching foods, alcohol, or strong seasonings.
Bubbles on the tongue from mouth cancer
Although when you suffer from bubbles on the tongue, it is not usually a severe alteration, there are certain occasions when you have to pay close attention and act quickly, for example, when it comes to those people who have oral cancer. The bumps of mouth cancer usually appear on the side of the tongue, and its upper part, the most common type being squamous cell carcinoma.
The bumps in cancer are usually red, pink, or gray and may bleed to the touch. They are located mainly at the base of the tongue or in the posterior area, so it is usually more challenging to detect them because there is no type of pain at first.
Bubbles on the tongue: other causes
In addition to those already mentioned, some other diseases and conditions can cause bubbles to appear on the tongue :
- Traumatic fibroma.
- Lymphoepithelial cysts.
- Ulcers.
- Slow metabolism
- Hereditary factors.
Types of bubbles on the tongue
It is often difficult to put words to those symptoms that we feel. We can talk about bubbles on the tongue; however, depending on the person, they will feel it in one way or another. Here we explain which are the primary lesions on the language that can produce, or resemble, bubbles on the tongue’:
- Canker sores: these are blisters that can appear both on the tongue and in various sectors of the mouth. They usually grow under the tongue and begin as a small red dot to later become a small open white or yellow ulcer. It is a very annoying alteration that usually lasts for approximately ten days and can appear for various causes such as hormonal alterations, having low defenses, suffering from celiac disease, or leading a life with a tremendous emotional imbalance under constant stress.
- Mycosis: these are bubbles on the tongue known as blisters, and that are caused by a fungal infection. It is usually the fungus known as candida, so its blisters can be called candidiasis and have the ability to appear anywhere on the body. When they arise in the mouth, they usually cause a reduction in taste and, commonly, they are due to the use of various antibiotics or a poor fit of the oral appliances. In this article, we will talk about oral candidiasis.
- Injuries: bubbles in the mouth, mainly on the tongue, can be due to different small lesions that are produced by the consumption of foods at a very high temperature, foods that are too hard or crunchy, although they can also appear after a person accidentally bite your tongue.
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 Small bubbles on the tongue: causes , 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.