Bumps on the Sides of the Tongue

Bumps on tongue are really troublesome, and disturb the normal course of eating, drinking, talking and other activities that involve this muscular organ. While some people have painful sore tongue, others may have painless bumps. According to the causal factor, bumps may be few or large in number, and they may develop on surface, back or side of the tongue. Here, we shall take a look at the probable causes and treatment for these painful bumps.

What Causes these Bumps?

White or red bumps on the sides of the tongue that hurt are most likely caused due to constant irritation of the fungiform papillae. Upon close examination, they resemble tiny mushrooms that scatter on the dorsal (or top) surface of the tongue. The white bumps on tongue indicate initial stage, which after getting inflamed become red in color. Some of the probable causal reasons and treatment of sore bumps along the tongue are discussed below.

Causal Reason #1
Injury and Trauma: As with any cases of bumps on tongue, those unusual projections on the side may be caused due to injury. Self-inflicted tongue biting, burns and consumption of very hot beverages are some probable reasons that may cause trauma to the tongue. As a consequence, painful soreness develop in the tongue.

Treatment: Allow the soreness to run its course, and wait for natural healing. The only practical solution to quicken healing is avoiding irritation to the affected tongue area, or else pain symptom will worsen. Say no to hot drinks (tea, coffee), acidic food and sweet goodies. All these can aggravate painful tongue sores.

Causal Reason #2
Allergic Reaction: Allergy to certain food items is another probable cause for developing these sore bumps. In addition to the side portion, any area of the tongue may be affected by hypersensitivity of the immune system. The tongue as a whole may appear red with abnormal swelling.

Treatment: Over here, main treatment for red bumps on tongue involves identifying the allergic agents and avoiding them. Since sore tongue is also associated with immune system problems, correct identification of the triggers is imperative to avoid medical complications.

Causal Reason #3
Ill-fitting Dentures: For people who wear dentures, it is quite usual to rub sides of the tongue with the dental fixtures. Repeated contact of a soft tongue with this hard appliance may cause painful bumps on along the tongue. Thus, chances for onset of bumps are increased with wrongly fitted dentures.

Treatment: In such a case, there is possible no cure for white bumps on the sides of the tongue. Consult the concerned dentist for correction in the fixtures as soon as possible. Following corrective treatment, this tongue condition will heal quickly. And the likeliness of painful tongue sores is greatly reduced.

Causal Reason #4
Oral Lichen Planus: This is an inflammatory problem that causes painful bumps on tongue sides and inside of the cheek. The triggering factors are many for this medical condition. Major symptoms like raised bumps and red open sores are manifested on side of the tongue and inner side of cheek.

Treatment: For most patients having oral lichen planus, therapeutic intervention is not necessary. Adopting good oral hygiene (timely brushing, flossing) and making lifestyle changes (abstinence from smoking and alcohol consumption) are the key tips concerning how to get rid of bumps on the side of the tongue.

Causal Reason #5
Oral Cancer: Health experts are of the opinion that outbreaks of white or red bumps on both sides of tongue are rarely serious. But, if bumps on the tongue that hurt are manifested recurrently on only one side, or of the bumps do not go even after a week, they may be an indication for severe underlying disease, like oral cancer.

Treatment: If bumps at the back of the tongue or on the sides persist for more than 2 weeks, do not delay in getting medical attention. Based on physical examination and diagnostic results, treatment options appropriate for the patient will be directed by the doctor.

Other Causal Reasons
Other factors that may cause bumps by the tongue are vitamin deficiency, canker sores, oral herpes, syphilis, fibroma, oral thrush, tuberculosis, etc. Small bumps on the tongue (surface, back or sides) rarely indicate a sign of serious diseases. Following self-care tips and effectual home remedies work wonder in treating this condition. For getting instant pain relief, use ice cubes or cold compresses. Gargling with lukewarm salt water and chewing fresh mint leaves are also effectual remedies for sore bumps on tongue.

Fortunately, white bumps on the side of the tongue disappear completely in most people. They are mild discomfort problems, which usually resolve on their own after a few days. Nevertheless, therapeutic treatment is suggested for recurrent development of sore bumps on the tongue, and unusual tongue projections that remain for a week or so. After all, any medical problem should be diagnosed in initial stage for getting prompt treatment.