White bumps can be easily spotted against the red backdrop of your tongue and mouth, and it can be easy to misidentify these white bumps as the accumulation of bacteria on the tongue, which are often white in color. Although white bumps rarely have any serious consequences, they can be uncomfortable and should be taken care of to reduce the risk of additional problems.
Identification
Bumps on the tongue may appear solely on the tip, or they may be widespread on the tongue, and can vary in number. In most cases, the bumps do not appear too much larger than the taste buds on the tongue. There may also be red bumps scattered among the white bumps.
Other Symptoms
You may notice some inflammation or swelling in certain places where white bumps develop. Pain is also a common symptom, particularly in the case of white bumps resulting from an injury. You may also experience dulled taste if the taste buds are affected by any injury in the mouth.
Possible Causes
You may be suffering from inflamed papillae, which occurs when the tongue is agitated, burned, bitten or injured in some other way. You may also have oral lichen planus, a condition that may arise from several causes but is minor and easily treated. It's also possible you are suffering from a viral infection that is attacking the tongue. In most cases, this is also a non-serious injury.
Treatments
Papillae tend to heal themselves over time and require minimal attention, although acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken to relieve the pain. Oral lichen planus can often be treated simply by practicing proper oral hygiene, but if the condition does not improve you may want to visit a doctor. In the case of a viral infection, an antiviral medication may be required to eliminate the white bumps.
Considerations
If you experience any unusual symptoms in association with your white bumps, alert your doctor. Although your white bumps are likely the result of a common, non-serious cause, there may be instances in which the white bumps are related to more serious conditions in the body. Avoid self-treatment outside of a doctor's recommendations.
