Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue: Causes and When to Worry

Bumps on the Back of the Tongue: What They Are and When to Worry

Small bumps on the back of your tongue are often normal. They are usually papillae — the tiny structures that give your tongue its texture. Some types of papillae contain taste buds, but the bumps farthest back on your tongue (called circumvallate papillae) are larger and arranged in a row by design.

Irritation, lie bumps, canker sores, infections, or allergies can make these bumps look larger or feel painful. A bump that is hard, painless, bleeding, or lasts longer than two weeks should be evaluated by a doctor or dentist.

Inflamed papillae can appear raised, swollen, or unusually sensitive. Most cases are harmless, but persistent or unusual changes are worth checking.

12 Causes of Bumps on the Back of the Tongue

Various things can cause inflamed tongue bumps. Although most tongue bumps are harmless, some can point to something more serious.

Here are 12 reasons why you might have bumps on the back of your tongue:

1. Injury or Irritation

A tongue injury may cause a bump to appear or your tongue to feel rough. Like other body parts, an injury may cause a swollen tongue.

If you have a swollen bump on your tongue, you may have unintentionally bitten it a few days before. Hot drinks or foods can also burn your tongue, leading to rough patches or enlarged bumps.

2. Lie Bumps

Lie bumps, or transient lingual papillitis (TLP), are temporary inflammations of the papillae. They commonly cause painful red or white bumps, burning or tingling sensations, and usually resolve within days to a week.

Although their exact cause isn’t fully known, possible triggers include trauma, stress, viral infections, hormonal fluctuations, allergies, orthodontic appliances, and toothpaste or mouthwash irritation.

3. Canker Sores

Canker sores can appear as bumps on your tongue. They’re common mouth sores that appear inside your:

• Lips
• Cheek
• Tongue

The sores are typically red, white, or yellow and may be rough and unpleasant. Most canker sores subside on their own. However, others can be very painful and may need medical attention.

4. Squamous Papilloma

Squamous papilloma may be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It shows up as an irregular lump or bump on your tongue.

This condition is usually painless. A dentist or oral specialist may remove it surgically; treatment choice depends on the lesion.

5. Glossitis

Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue. It can make the tongue look swollen, red, and sore — and sometimes smooth, if the papillae are lost.

Geographic tongue is a type of glossitis. It causes irregular patches that seem to migrate across the tongue over time.

Glossitis can be caused by:

• Nutrient or vitamin deficiencies
• Infections
• Allergies
• Hereditary factors
• Hormonal imbalances

6. Scarlet Fever

The same bacteria that cause strep throat can also cause scarlet fever. One symptom of scarlet fever is a red, bumpy tongue, known as a “strawberry tongue.”

Scarlet fever is often seen in children or people who come into contact with them. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat this illness.

7. Allergies

Food allergies can cause swelling or itching of the tongue and create bumps. If your entire tongue swells suddenly, it may be due to a serious condition known as anaphylaxis.

Call 911 right away if you have tongue or mouth swelling along with any of the following — these can be signs of anaphylaxis:

• Trouble breathing
• Widespread hives or sudden rash
• Dizziness or fainting

If you have an epinephrine auto-injector, use it while waiting for help.

8. Cancer

In rare cases, a bump on your tongue could be a sign of tongue cancer or oral cancer. Cancer is rare, but a persistent lump, thickened area, sore, bleeding spot, numbness, or red/white patch should be checked, especially if it lasts more than two weeks.

You should see your doctor for any lump or bump that lasts more than a week or two.

9. Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is an oral yeast infection that causes creamy white patches on the tongue. You may also notice soreness or redness in your mouth if you have this condition.

Conditions or medicines that can raise your risk of oral thrush include:

• Dry mouth
• Diabetes
• HIV
• Cancer
• Organ transplantation
• Corticosteroids
• Antibiotics

Your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications to help overcome oral thrush.

10. Traumatic Fibroma

Traumatic fibroma is a smooth, pink growth on the tongue or mouth. It’s often caused by chronic irritation due to:

• Cheek or lip biting
• Rubbing from a rough tooth
• Dentures or other dental prostheses

11. Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is highly treatable with antibiotics when caught early. Untreated, it can progress to serious systemic complications over years or decades. Syphilis can cause sores or lesions in the mouth, including on the tongue. If you notice a new oral sore after possible sexual exposure — or symptoms like rash, fever, or swollen glands — get tested and treated promptly.

12. Oral Herpes

The herpes simplex virus causes oral herpes and is highly contagious. The virus can cause bumps or blisters on the lips, tongue, and mouth.

The bumps may also appear inside the cheek. They often heal within 1 to 2 weeks, though a first outbreak can last up to 3 weeks. Herpes can return without warning.

When to See a Doctor for Bumps on the Tongue

Keep an eye on the tongue bumps’ size, color, and how they spread. Most causes resolve on their own, but you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Fever
• Symptoms lasting longer than one week
• Rapidly growing, spreading, or bleeding bumps
• Bumps that keep returning after healing
• Inability to eat or drink

Symptoms That Accompany Tongue Bumps

Inflamed lumps on the tongue typically look bigger and swollen. They may also change color to white, bright pink, or black.

Tongue bumps may be accompanied by:

• Pain in the mouth or tongue when eating or swallowing
• Cotton-mouth
• White patches on the insides of the cheeks, the tongue, or the back of the throat
• Bleeding from the bumps
• Lump or swelling in the neck
• Fever
• Sickly feeling (malaise)
• Trouble speaking or moving the tongue
• Change or loss of taste

Diagnosing & Treating Tongue Bumps

A doctor will first inquire about your medical history and known allergies to determine what is causing your tongue bumps. They will do an oral exam to check your tongue and surrounding tissues for changes in:

• Color
• Texture
• Size
• Other abnormalities

Your physician may also order blood tests to rule out other problems, such as infection or disease. If the doctor suspects cancer, they will send you to a specialist who will either conduct a biopsy or remove the bump entirely.

Home Remedies for Tongue Bumps

Although some causes of tongue bumps require medical attention, home remedies can help. These include:

• Hydrating with water (drink through a straw if you have pain drinking normally)
• Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water and a teaspoon of salt
• Avoiding acidic/spicy foods and drinks
• Using over-the-counter oral numbing gels as directed (do not use benzocaine products in children under 2 — the FDA warns it can cause a rare but life-threatening blood condition)
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers
• Avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes

Tips for Preventing Tongue Bumps

Good oral hygiene helps keep your tongue and gums healthy and makes it easier to spot changes early.

Maintain good oral hygiene by doing the following:

• Brushing teeth at least twice a day
• Use a stainless steel tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the tongue
• Flossing at least once a day
• Regular dental visits at the interval your dentist recommends for you
• Avoiding acidic foods that irritate the tongue
• Limiting alcohol use
• Avoiding sugary foods
• Rinsing the mouth thoroughly after using medications such as steroids or inhalers

Summary

Your tongue is naturally covered in tiny bumps known as papillae. You may rarely notice them due to their size and color.

Sometimes injuries, infections, or other conditions can swell your papillae or cause larger bumps on your tongue. While many of these conditions are temporary and resolve on their own, others may be more serious.

Talk to your dentist or doctor if you’re concerned about changes in your tongue’s appearance or sensitivity.