What Are Those Bumps on the Back of My Tongue?

Have you ever felt bumps on the back of your tongue and wondered what they are? This happens to a large number of people and scares them over what they could be. Well, surprisingly, most turn out to be nothing serious. However, at times, it may indicate an underlying condition. In this article, we will discuss what the bumps are, why they appear, and what you can do about them.

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What Are Bumps on the Back of the Tongue?

Papillae are small, bumpy structures on the back side of your tongue. Normally, they are part of your tongue’s anatomy. Papillae are small projections that contain your taste buds and are known to help your food move toward chewing and swallowing more easily. 

At times, these papillae can even become enlarged. In such instances, they may seem more salient than usual. When this happens, it might look like large bumps have formed on the back of your tongue. Although this appearance may be alarming, most of the time, it’s not a cause for concern, especially if no other symptoms include pain, redness, or swelling.

Is It Normal to Have Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue?

Bumps on the back of your tongue are normal. Tongues have many small bumps called papillae, and it is part of its anatomy. Those bumps vary in size and are much bigger at the back than they are closer to the front. Papillae on the posterior aspect are referred to as circumvallate papillae, which are larger when compared with those at the anterior and lateral sides of the tongue.

Although these bumps are perfectly natural, there are some reasons that give the papillae a more pronounced appearance. For example, infections, irritations, or injuries cause the papillae to become inflamed and larger. When the bumps hurt, are white, red, or along with other symptoms, it is essential to figure out what is causing them.

Causes of Bumps on the Back of the Tongue

Some of the possible causes of having bumps at the back of the tongue include the following:

• Infections: Infections in the mouth or throat can cause the bumps on the tongue to become inflamed. Common infections that may affect the tongue include:

• Oral thrush: A yeast infection in the mouth that causes white patches or bumps.
• Bacterial infections: Although not as commonly associated with bumps on the back of the tongue, strep throat can sometimes cause the tongue to turn red and swell up with those nasty bumps inside the back.
• Viral infections, like the flu or cold sores, can also produce bumps that appear on the back of the tongue.

• Allergies: Allergies to certain foods, medications, or dental products can irritate the tongue, leading to swelling or bumps. If you notice a sudden appearance of bumps after trying a new food or medication, an allergic reaction could be the cause.
• Tongue Injury: Accidental biting, burning it with hot food, or eating something too spicy can cause small injuries that may result in swollen bumps. This type of irritation is usually not serious and will resolve itself within a few days.
• Canker Sores: Small painful ulcers appear in any part of the mouth, including on the tongue. These lesions are harmless, but uncomfortable until they heal.
• Cancer: Although rare, recurrent lumps on the tongue that do not heal can be a symptom of oral cancer. Other symptoms that involve lumps in the mouth, difficulty in swallowing, or ear pain would require medical attention as they usually indicate something is wrong.

Treatment

The bumps on the back of your tongue will be treated according to their cause. Most times, no particular treatment is required since bumps sometimes disappear on their own. Some general guidelines for managing bumps on the back of the tongue:

• Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth and tongue regularly. A soft toothbrush and a mild mouthwash may prevent infections as well as cause less irritation to the bumps.
• Avoid Irritating Foods: Some foods irritate bumps, especially spicy, acidic, or hot food. Avoid such foods during healing for bumps.
• Over-the-counter medications: If bumps are painful or swollen, over-the-counter painkillers or topical gels that numb the area can be used.
• Medications: In an infection of bumps, antibiotics are prescribed, antifungals, or antivirals based on what is causing the bumps. Antihistamines can also be prescribed in cases of an allergic reaction.
• Rest and Hydration: Give your tongue time to heal by avoiding anything that could irritate it further. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated will also help promote healing.
• See a Doctor: If the lumps persist for a period of two weeks, are enlarging, or additional symptoms like fever appear, then it’s crucial to go see a health provider to rule out serious conditions.

Conclusion

Usually, swellings on the back of the tongue are nothing to worry about. They often occur due to minor irritation, infection, or allergy, and they resolve on their own with simple home remedies.  However, if the bumps persist, become painful, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment. With the right care and attention, you can typically control or prevent tongue bumps while maintaining good oral health.

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