Painful Bumps on Tongue

Tongue is composed of certain group of muscles and it is known to be the strongest muscle of our body. It is an important organ of the mouth which is used constantly. It helps us to speak and swallow food. Painful bumps on tongue could be a sign of an infection. These can be cured with suitable treatment.

Causes

Sores on tongue are most commonly seen as a reaction due to certain chemicals present in some foods or drinks. Even certain toothpastes and medication may have adverse effects on the tongue.

Aphthous ulcers could also develop on the tongue. These are red in color and are very painful but not infectious. These may be caused due to viral infections, eating very hot and spicy foods and any injury caused in the tongue. Herpes is another condition which can cause blisters. Painful lesions that are caused by herpes simplex virus can stay for a week or more. White patches on the tongue are mostly caused by a condition called leukoplakia. If the surface of the tongue gets irritated due to the presence of any foreign particle, it forms white patches inside the mouth.

If you are suffering from bacterial infection like streptococcal infections, there is high chances of developing red colored tongue. In case you notice symptom like high fever and strawberry colored tongue you should consult your doctor as these can be diagnosed as scarlet fever. A dosage of antibiotics is must to treat scarlet fever.

Treatment

Painful blisters or lesions on the tongue can be treated with proper medication. Saline water can be used as a mouthwash to cure painful lesions. You can apply a mixture of baking soda and sodium carbonate over the tongue or else one can use vinegar which serves the purpose of oral rinse. Even application of ice can give much relief in treating the pain and redness. Doctors prescribe corticosteroid preparation to reduce the pain. Canker sores on tongue are mostly treated with corticosteroids like prednisone. Anti-viral medications are also helpful in treating ulcers in mouth and tongue.

Besides the aforementioned causes, a deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B6 can also lead to tongue sores. So make sure that you follow a healthy diet. If painful lesions appear on your tongue, follow the aforementioned remedies. Do consult a doctor if symptoms don't resolve soon.