Inflamed Taste Buds

In medical terms, taste buds present on the surface of our tongue are known as papillae. Our tongue which is made up of muscle fibers, can be divided into an oral portion (tip, blade, front, center and back) and a pharyngeal (throat) portion. The tongue moves against the roof of the mouth, teeth and lips which helps us to shape vocal cords into words and enables us to eat and drink properly. Taste buds or taste receptors located on the tongue membrane consist of a cluster of receptor cells, where each cell is topped with a fine, hair-like projection called a microvillus. These receptor cells are attached to a mesh of nerves, that transmit taste signal to the major nerve bundles comprising the facial nerve and the glossopharyngeal nerve. From there, the taste signal is transmitted to the brain and combined with the olfactory information from the nose. Hence, contrary to the common belief, the main organ of taste in our body is the nose. As we know, there are five prime elements of taste including salty, sour, bitter, sweet, and umami (or savory). The main function of the taste buds is to taste or savor the food that we eat, differentiate the taste and send information to the brain based on it.

Causes
Inflammation of the taste buds makes the person ineffectual to taste a particular food or drink properly like before and causes sore tongue, excessive irritation and swelling in that particular area. However, there are several reasons that lead to proverbial bad taste, of which some of the most prominent causes are given below:

• Exposure to toxins like tobacco smoke and insecticides.
• Endocrinal disorders such as hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism, and diabetes mellitus, and dental problems.
• Certain herbs and supplements (such as chewing gymnema leaves).
• Having very hot, spicy, or salty foods.
• Stomach infection or allergy. that may even inflame the entire esophagus.
• Infected cut on taste bud by the teeth. due to a cross bite.
• Mouth ulcers or tongue ulcers due to a yeast/thrush infection.
• Acidic foods including lemons, limes, grapefruit, some sauces, etc.
• Overcooked foods, which are temperature wise hot, can cause irritation and minor inflammation for a few hours.
• Certain mineral and vitamin deficiencies.
• Laryngectomy, a surgical removal of a part or all the larynx (usually to treat cancer of the larynx).

Remedies
Inflamed taste buds due to bites and scratching can be cured by applying glycerin on the affected area. For thrush infections having white spots on the tongue or the roof of the mouth, gargling with tea tree oil thrice a day is highly effective. Although, tea tree oil is commonly used as a weapon against infections caused by bacteria, virus and fungi, it should not be swallowed directly, as it can cause hallucinations. Once the infection begins to subside, one can start having honey for speedy recovery, due to its strong antimicrobial properties. Swilling the honey in the mouth and even having it otherwise, will help treating inflamed taste buds fast. A combination of garlic, ginger and pepper, consumed in the form of a pill or used as a preparation in soup 3 - 4 times a day for a week, will also help fighting the infection leading to inflammation of the taste buds. In the case of burns, chewing on ice chips, eating soft and cold foods will relieve the pain and inflammation, and at the same time will prevent the affected area from being aggravated.

Treatment primarily depends upon its underlying cause. But if you are unable to diagnose the actual cause, it is recommended to consult a doctor before turning to the above given home remedies. However, to deal with severe infections in the mouth, the doctor may prescribe an antifungal or antibiotic medication like metronidazole or amoxicillin for instant relief from pain and inflammation.