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The tongue’s surface contains tiny bumps called fungiform papillae. These small raised bumps have taste buds and temperature receptors. They also give the tongue a rough texture to help us eat.
Fungiform papillae are normally the same color as the rest of the tongue, but they can become red from irritation. Some conditions can also cause red dots or red bumps on the tongue. Let’s discuss them more and figure out when you should see a doctor.
Many conditions, mostly harmless, can cause red dots on the tongue. We listed some common tongue conditions, their symptoms, and possible treatment options below.
People with lie bumps have one or more painful, inflamed papillae, often near the tip of the tongue. About 50% of the population develops lie bumps at some point.
The cause of lie bumps is unknown. But they may be triggered by:
Most lie bumps resolve on their own after 1 to 2 days, though they may recur weeks to years later. In some cases, applying topical steroids to the bumps may help make them less painful.
Canker sores are painful, small spots with a yellow or white center and a red border. People with this condition may also have sores elsewhere in their mouths, not just their tongues. It’s common to experience burning or tingling sensations in the affected area a few days before the sores appear.
Most canker sores resolve on their own after a few days to weeks. OTC treatments like gels or ointments can also help you with the condition.
People with squamous papilloma develop soft, painless, finger-like projections that sit on a stem or stalk and are pink, red, or white.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes squamous papillomas. People with HPV may have growths, such as warts, elsewhere on their bodies.
Most people don’t require treatment for squamous papillomas. However, the growths may be surgically removed or burnt off using lasers if they are large or interfere with eating, talking, or breathing.
Several medical conditions, particularly syphilis, scarlet fever, and HIV, can cause red dots or spots on the tongue.
Syphilis tends to cause painful red sores on the tip of the tongue. Scarlet fever often causes the tongue to become red and bumpy. Many people with acute HIV/AIDS also develop painful sores in the mouth.
People with syphilis, scarlet fever, and HIV/AIDS may also experience:
Bacterial infections cause syphilis and scarlet fever. You’ll need to take antibiotics to cure the infection.
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, though some medications may help control symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease. These medications help people live long and healthy lives.
People with eruptive lingual papillitis (ELP) develop enlarged, inflamed bumps on the tongue. This condition tends to impact young children and their family members the most.
Researchers don’t know why eruptive lingual papillitis (ELP) occurs, but it may be related to a virus people catch during childhood. Some people with COVID-19 also develop ELP.
Many people with ELP also experience:
Most symptoms of ELP resolve on their own within 1 week or 2 to 15 days. Symptoms may also recur 1 to 2 months later.
Glossitis causes the tongue to become red, painful, and swollen. It is also sometimes called a strawberry tongue.
It may occur due to:
People with glossitis may also experience trouble speaking, chewing, or swallowing, and their tongues may look smoother than normal.
There’s no specific treatment for glossitis. However, some habits or medications may help reduce symptoms or prevent them from developing. These include:
Anything that injures the tongue, like biting it or rubbing it against sharp teeth, can cause red dots or bumps.
Depending on the type of injury, some pain, swelling, or discoloration may also develop elsewhere in the mouth.
Most minor tongue injuries heal on their own. But you may need stitches or surgery in severe cases. You may also need to have rough teeth smoothed out, dentures re-made or repaired, or tooth cavities filled to prevent further injuries.
Mouth cancer can cause sores, reddish patches, and abnormal growths in the mouth and on the tongue. There is no specific known cause of tongue or oral cancer, but tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and HPV increase the risk of developing it.
People with mouth cancer may also experience:
People with tongue cancer may undergo surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.
Oral thrush is an infection caused by a type of fungus called Candida. It can cause white, patchy spots to develop on the tongue and inside the mouth. In some cases, you may have red dots on the tongue due to the infection.
People with oral thrush may also experience:
Oral thrush can be treated with antifungal medications. The medication comes in different forms, such as topical creams, tablets, and lozenges. Lifestyle changes may also be recommended to prevent the infection from coming back.
In most cases, red dots or bumps on the tongue do not require medical attention. But talk to a doctor if:
A doctor will determine the best treatment for your tongue dots or sores based on what is causing them. To diagnose tongue sores, a doctor or dentist may examine the spots, perform a biopsy, or take swabs to test for bacterial infections.
There is no specific treatment for red dots on the tongue; they heal naturally over time.
Your tongue plays a vital role in your everyday life, from helping you eat to letting you speak clearly. Yet, we often neglect its care when focusing on our teeth and gums.
A healthy tongue should be pink and slightly moist, with a thin white coating. Changes in color, texture, or the presence of persistent spots or bumps can indicate underlying health issues.
Let’s explore some preventive measures and daily habits that can help maintain a healthy tongue:
If you experience a gag reflex when brushing your tongue, try sticking your tongue out as far as possible and saying “ahh” while brushing.
Believe it or not, your diet can significantly impact your tongue’s health and appearance. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day promotes saliva production. Saliva washes away food particles and bacteria that can cause tongue problems.
Spicy, acidic, or very hot foods can irritate your tongue, leading to inflammation and those red dots we’re trying to avoid. Iron, vitamin B12, and zinc deficiencies can also manifest as tongue discoloration or inflammation.
By understanding the importance of tongue health, you can maintain a healthy tongue and prevent those bothersome red dots.
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