Lie Bumps on Tongue, Pictures, Causes and How to Get Rid of Lie Bumps Fast

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Lie bumps on the tongue aren’t usually serious. Some may, however, be cancerous. These bumps are in most cases red or white and may appear on the tip, sides or back of the tongue. Some of the causes of these lumps include stress, hormone fluctuations or some foods causing stomach problems. Here are photos and how to get rid of lie bumps fast.

What are lie bumps?

Lie bumps are inflammations on the tongue causing small red or white bumps. They may form due to hormonal changes, stress or even stomach problems. Statistics show that women stand higher chances of developing the bumps compared to men.

“Lie bump” is an ordinary term for what is referred medically as Transient lingual papillitis.  These are a painful pimples white or red colored bumps that appear on the tongue. The naming of these bumps traces back to the old claims that bumps could appear on your tongue if you had been lying. This isn’t necessarily true.

Lie bumps or transient lingual papillitis is not a serious condition. You can easily treat them on your own to ease the discomfort caused. The bumps can also heal on their own without the need for medication. There are, however, a lot of natural occurring remedies that you can use to easily get rid of the bumps at home.

Are lie bumps on tongue real?

Lie bumps are real. Many of us experience or will experience lie bump at some point in life. According to the health line, these little white or red bumps will form when papillae become irritated and slightly swollen. The actual reason why this happens is unknown. Stress, hormonal fluctuation, and particular foods are however believed to be the main reasons for this.

As mentioned, these bumps are not serious and will clear up without treatment and within a few days of treatment. It is also common for the bumps to recur. In adults, these bumps are not contagious, children may have a more eruptive form of this bumps-Eruptive lingua papillitis- this is common to children and is likely to be contagious. This form is often accompanied by fever and swollen glands.

Eruptive lingual papillitis is often associated with viral infection. Just like that occurring in adults, no treatment is required. The bumps will clear on their own with a week or two, the bad news is that the bumps can recur and cause more discomfort. This should not be a reason to worry, salt water rinse and smooth foods may offer some relief.

Lie bumps do not have any specific symptoms. The bumps will, however, in most cases be accompanied by the following symptoms.

• Red or white bumps appearing on the tongue
• Tenderness on tongue
• Painful irritating bumps or pimples
• Most people will complain of inflammation and swell of the tongue or inside the mouth

What causes lie bumps on the tongue?

Lie bumps are inflammations of the tiny papillae or tissues present on the upper surface of the tongue. Rubbing, irritation, and scraping of foods while eating is believed to be the main reason for the formation of these bumps. Rubbing and scraping can also occur while cleaning your tongue or mouth.

Lie bumps are transient that means they remain for some time before healing on their own. In most cases, the symptoms are mild but very annoying. At times, the bumps may come painful and the affected person (especially children) may find difficulty while drinking or eating food. The pain and tenderness caused by the bumps will remain for several days. Most often, the bumps will clear on their own provided you do not irritate your tongue.

Some of the possible cause of the bumps will include but not limited to the following:

1)   Hormonal fluctuation

Hormonal fluctuation especially during or before mentation cycle, when pregnant or when under intense stress is the major cause of TLP or lie bumps on the tongue. This explains why women are more prone to this bumps compared to men.

The bumps will only appear for a few days then clear on their own. This should not be a reason to scare or worry you. However, if they become very painful or cause a lot of discomforts, you need to have them checked by a professional healthcare provider. For mild cases, however, you can try some of the home remedies discussed below.

2)   Oral herpes causing bumps on tongue

Oral herpes is an infection on lips, inside mouth, gums or tongue by herpes simplex virus. Oral herpes is also known as herpes labials. When infected, a person is prone to have small, painful blister commonly called fever blisters.

It is thus very possible that the lie bumps or those bumps appearing on the tongue could as well be caused by an oral herpes infection. The virus is very contagious and can be spread through close physical contacts.

3)   Allergic reaction to food or drugs

Allergies are an immune system response to foreign substances. This substance is called allergen and could include foods and medical drugs.  The reaction can be instance and will be accompanied by symptoms such as sneezing, itchy or blocked nose, watery eyes, red skin rash, swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face.

All these can be seen when one has an allergic reaction. Discontinue the consumption of the allergen and seek medical attention.

4)   Injuries and trauma

Physical injuries and trauma are also a possible cause of lie bumps on the tongue. The trauma and injuries are likely to be experienced on the tip and on sides of the tongue. Biting your tongue or eating hard foods are some of the causes of the bumps.

5)   Taste buds swelling or inflammation

What causes the swelling or inflammation of taste buds is not known for sure. Most dentists, however, believe that the main causes of the swelling to be accidental trauma such as biting the young tongue.  The swelling is also believed to be caused by certain acidic and overly spicy or salty foods. It is thus true to say that, swollen test buds could be the ones appearing as lie bumps on the tongue.

6)   Oral leukoplakia

Oral leukoplakia OL can also facilitate the development of lie bumps. OL is a white patch or plaque that cannot be rubbed off. The condition cannot be characterized clinically or histologically as any other condition.

Except for tobacco, OL cannot be associated with any physical or chemical causative agent.

7)   Scarlet fever in children

Scarlet fever is an infectious bacterial disease that commonly affects children. When infected with this condition, it is known to result in “strawberry tongue”. This swill leaves the tongue red, bumpy and swollen.

The condition is also known to cause skin rash and fever. It is mild in most cases and can be treated with antibiotics. Though rare, the condition may result in complications such as pneumonia, rheumatic fever, or kidney disease. The condition is very contagious thus immediate medical attention is required.

8)   Oral cancer

Also known as mouth cancer, it refers to any cancerous tissue growth located in the oral cavity. Oral cancer most commonly involves the tongue, it can, however, occur on the floor of mouth, cheek lining, gums, lips and roof of the mouth.

9)   Vitamin B deficiency

Vitamin deficiency especially vitamin B12 is another common cause of the Transient lingual papillitis or lie bumps on the tongue. You can remedy the deficiency by eating vitamin supplement and maintaining a balanced diet.

10) Excessive smoking

Excessive smoking is the other common reason for the formation of white bumps on the tongue. Quitting or reducing smoking may help get rid of these bumps.

11) Gastrointestinal disorder

Digestive disorder or gastrointestinal disorder is the other possible cause white lie bumps on the tongue.

12) Stress causing lie bumps

Stress may also cause lie bumps. Stress is a major cause of hormonal fluctuation or changes in the body.

13) High intake of sugary foods and drinks

High consumption of sugary food and drinks especially for children is known to cause the swelling and inflammation of the taste buds. This may also lead to the formation of lie bumps appearing on the tongue

14) Acidic fruits and drinks

Just as sweet foods and drinks, acidic fruits and drinks may also lead to gastrointestinal disorder which may cause your tongue to develop transient lingual papillitis.

How to get rid of lie bumps fast

From our discussion above we have seen that lie bumps are not harmful, neither do they pose any health risk. Apart from the discomfort and irritation caused by the bumps, the bumps can at times go unnoticed. For mild symptoms, no treatment is required, the symptoms can also be managed and controlled at home using simple natural remedies.

Below are some of the simple ways you can use to get rid of lie bumps fast.

Fig mixed in warm water

Fig has been used for long as a remedy for bumps appearing on the tongue. To prepare the remedy, you will need a cup of milk or clean water and some dried fig.

1. Boil a tablespoon of dried fig in a cup of water ii  The same can be done with milk instead iii
2. Boil the mixture, for 10 minutes

• Drink the resulting mixture while warm

1. Repeat this twice daily for a week for optimal results

This remedy is not only good for the lie bumps but also helps relieve stomach complications completely. It will help in curing any kind of indigestion or other digestion problems that might be causing the lie bumps. When this is done, you expect the lie bumps to disappear.

Salty water gargle

Salt contains some antibacterial properties. When used as a remedy for lie bumps, not only will it speed up the healing process but also ensure that your tongue is infection free. Salty water gargle is one of the most commonly used traditional forms of treating a number of oral problems.

To prepare the remedy, you will need to;

1. Put some warm water in a bowl or glass, around a half  liter
2. Into it add a tablespoon of kitchen salt

• Gently stir to mix

1. Gargle the resulting solution for around 20 minutes
2. Repeat this twice or thrice a day

The remedy will offer relief for pain and irritation caused by the lie bump. The bump will be gone before the end of the week.

Rinse with Hydrogen peroxide with water

For quick relief for the inflammation and itching caused by the bumps, you could opt to use dilute hydrogen peroxide instead of salty water. To prepare the remedy, you will need 3% hydrogen peroxide, a ¼ cup of water and a clean cotton swab. Do the following to prepare the remedy:

1. To a ¼ cup of water add an equal amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide
2. You could shake or gently stir to mix well

• Dip a clean cotton swab and gently apply on the lie bumps on tongue

1. Allow the mixture to stay on your tongue for  10-15 minutes
2. For optimal result, repeat the steps twice or thrice a day
3. Discontinue the use of this remedy if you feel like it is burning or irritating your skin

Ice compress

Another really simple but helpful remedy is a cold compress. What better way to do it than using cold natural yogurt! This is an effective remedy especially if the bumps are inflamed or are causing pain. Ice cubes applied directly on the tongue can help offer relief for the said symptoms. This way you are able to soothe the tongue.

A cold compress works by numbing the tongue. The numbing is what helps to temporarily eliminate the pain. You can repeat the cold compress when the pain sensation come back.

A paste of baking soda hydrogen peroxide

A mixture of the two means you have an alkaline remedy for the growing acidity in the body (baking powder) and a powerful antibacterial agent (hydrogen peroxide) to fight and prevent bacterial infection that might worsen your oral condition.

You will need 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, a considerable amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide and a clean cotton swab for applying the paste. To prepare and apply the remedy, follow the following steps:

1. In a cup with 2 tablespoons of baking powder, add some considerable amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide
2. Gently mix them together to a achieve a fine paste

• With your clean finger or with the cotton swab, gently apply the paste on the affected area

1. Avoid taking any foods or drink with the paste still in your mouth
2. Leave the paste undisturbed for around 20 minutes
3. For optimal relief, repeat the steps twice daily for a week

Milk of Magnesia

Magnesia is a naturally occurring mineral important form many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. Magnesium hydroxide is useful in reducing stomach acid and also increase water in the intestines which may induce defecation.

Milk of magnesia or magnesium hydroxide should be used when prescribed by a healthcare provider. Apart from being used as a laxative, it is an important remedy for occasional constipation, indigestion and for wounds, skin rashes and canker sores.

Mint leaves for the pain and irritation

Chewing or rubbing your tongue with mint leaves is the other effective remedy for painful and irritating lie bumps on the tongue. Mint leaves are loaded with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The leaves are also said to contain many key phytonutrients.

To use the leaves as a remedy:

1. You will need a tablespoon of fresh mint leaves
2. Before going to bed, chew the leaves for around 20 minutes

• Do not swallow them

1. Repeat this daily or a week

Gargle with Aloe Vera

Gargling with Aloe Vera is the other way to get rid of the lie bumps. Aloe Vera is a strong antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and contains strong anti-itching properties. The gel has also been used to get relief for heartburn, acidity, and constipation.

Aloe Vera gel increases the alkalinity within the body. Here is how to use it as a remedy for lie bumps;

1. Extract Aloe Vera juice in a cup
2. Rinse your mouth with the gel

• For children, you could add some raw organic honey in the extracted Aloe Vera juice

1. Do this repeatedly twice or thrice a day

Do away with hot and spicy foods for a while

You need to avoid taking hot or spicy foods when treating the lie bumps. This way, you are able to maintain an enabling environment for the bumps to heal. Avoiding this kind of foods also prevents further irritation and damage to the tongue.

Hot foods and drinks will increase the inflammation of the bumps leading to additional pain and discomfort.

You need to consume vitamin B rich foods

A common reason for the formation of lie bumps is a vitamin deficiency. Improving your vitamin B intake will, therefore, help remedy this deficiency thus getting rid of the lie bumps occurring on your mouth. Continues intake of these important vitamins will also increase the resistance to the formation of lie bumps in the mouth.

Drink cold fluids

Apart from maintaining a healthy diet, food supplement and food rich in fiber, you need to also increase the consumption of natural fluids. Drinking cold fluid may also offer relief for the pain and irritation caused by the lie bumps on the tongue.

The low temperatures in the cold drinks will help soothe the burning, itching and painful tongue due to lie bumps. Drinking lots of fluid also rid your body of any fluids that might be causing the formation of these bumps on the tongue. To prevent infection you need to continue gargling with warm water.

For those who smoke or consume a lot of alcohol, you will need to do away them for a while. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are among the common causes of these bumps.

References

1. What causes lie bumps: http://www.yogawiz.com/blog/home-remedies/lie-bumps-on-tounge-treatments.html
2. Remedies for lie bumps: http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/17761/1/Home-Remedies-for-Lie-Bumps.html
3. Lie bumps: http://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/tongue-bumps#Overview1
4. Getting rid of lie bumps: http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Bumps-on-Your-Tongue
5. Home remedy for lie bumps: http://wellnessbells.com/lie-bump-tongue/
6. Bumps on the tongue: http://www.getbestadvice.com/health/tongue/bumps-on-tongue-causes-pictures-remedies-for-tongue-lumps-and-pimples/#Home_remedies_for_lie_bumps