Many problems can affect your tongue, and having a painful bump on the tongue can be terrible. It can prevent you from enjoying your favorite foods, not to mention keep you uncomfortable throughout the day. So what should you do to treat it?
In this article from your family dentist in Baytown, TX, we’ll explore some of the causes behind a bump on the tongue and how you can alleviate the pain.
Why Do I Have A Painful Bump On My Tongue?
The tongue is a muscle covered in lots of tiny bumps known as papillae. These bumps are responsible for forming the texture of the upper surface and sending taste signals to your brain. However, one of these bumps can become inflamed; most tongue pain results from some infection, inflammation, or injury.
Have a look at your diet. Have you been eating a lot of acidic, spicy, or hot foods? Consuming too many of these kinds of foods can inflame the papillae, causing a painful bump on the surface of your tongue. Fortunately, these bumps are often temporary, and avoiding these foods for a while will solve your problem.
A painful bump on the tongue can also be a canker sore, which might be white or yellow and happen out of the blue. They can occur for various reasons, such as food allergies, poor nutrition, or injury to the tongue.
Sometimes, a bump on the tongue can signal the presence of an underlying medical condition. However, this needs a diagnosis from a doctor.
How To Treat A Painful Bump On Tongue
The good news is that treating a painful bump on the tongue is usually simple.
Since the tongue can become inflamed due to certain foods, avoiding those foods until the painful bump heals is your best option. This is especially true in the case of foods or beverages that are extremely hot, which can cause blisters.
Canker sores, too, will subside on their own and don’t require any special treatment. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help relieve pain. Another alternative is to use an ice cube to reduce pain and swelling in the area.
Finally, maintaining good oral hygiene is the key to preventing bumps on the tongue from occurring. Brushing and flossing regularly clean out bacteria and food buildup in your mouth, which leads to better overall oral health. If you’re brushing your tongue as part of a good oral hygiene routine, try to do so gently and not apply too much pressure.
In the meantime, though, taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can help alleviate pain and swelling. Special medicated mouthwashes are also available, and these can reduce the sensation of pain and prevent the bump from potentially becoming infected.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been useful to you. If the painful bump on your tongue doesn’t go away after a week or other symptoms concern you, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified dentist.
Dynamic Dental Solutions is your premier family dentistry option in Baytown, TX. We provide exceptional dental services and care for all patients of all ages. Because of this, we’re proud to be a complete solution to all of your dental concerns. So, if you have any questions about your oral health, feel free to give us a call at (281) 837-9090.