White Bumps on Tongue

Tongue is the strongest muscle of the body. It is a muscle floor, which is present inside the mouth. The tongue helps us in many basic activities like swallowing, chewing and talking, etc. Any small problem can easily cause trouble to the tongue, which badly affects the routine of a person. Amongst these things, white bumps on tongue is a commonly observed problem. Several symptoms of the white bumps on tongue include, pain in the oral cavity, difficulty in swallowing and chewing, inability to eat hot and spicy food and tongue swelling. There are many reasons contributing to the white bumps on tongue that hurt. Let's have a look at the causes of white bumps on tongue.

Causes of White Bumps on Tongue

Following are several common causes which lead to white bumps on tongue that hurt.

Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a medical condition which is characterized by white bumps or patches on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. It is mainly caused by the continuous irritation of the tongue. A few habits like chewing tobacco and betel leaves are some of the main causes of leukoplakia. Some other causes that can also lead to leukoplakia include - excessive alcohol consumption, Candida albicans and human papillomavirus (HPV). White bumps on tongue treatment include tobacco cessation, abstinence from betel leaves as well as alcohol and consumption of beta carotene supplements. The positive results of the beta carotene supplements on the patients of leukoplakia are not very distinct yet, hence, it is necessary to take them on the doctor's advice.

Canker Sores
Canker sores are also called aphthous ulcer. It is one of the most common reasons leading to white bumps on tongue. The exact reason leading to canker sores is not yet clear, but there are a few things which are considered to be responsible for their onslaught. These things are - excessive consumption of citrus fruits, food allergies, physical trauma, extreme stress, sudden weight loss, deficiency of vitamin B12, vitamin B9 and iron, etc. There are a few over-the-counter treatments which are suggested by the health care provider. The three basic treatments are: firstly, protection of the wound from getting aggravated; secondly, making the appropriate dietary changes and avoiding foods that can cause irritation of the tongue and lastly, applying the prescribed medications for treating canker sores.

Oral Lichen Planus
Oral lichen planus is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder, which affects the mucous lining of the mouth and leads to white bumps on tongue. This disorder typically affects the insides of the cheeks, lips, gums and tongue, but it can also aggravate further to the esophagus and throat regions as well. There are several things, which can lead to oral lichen planus like allergies, reaction to a certain medication, arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, stress, etc. This disorder is often confused with the allergic lesions, which are caused as a reaction to amalgam filling. Treatment of oral lichen planus is possible with consumption of some oral medicines and topical steroids. Aloe vera is also effective for the treatment of oral lichen planus.

Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is also called oral Candidiasis. It is a fungal infection, which is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It causes cream or white colored deposits on the mucous membrane of the mouth. It can also lead to white spots and white bumps on tongue. There is a risk group of this fungal infection. Which is - the newborns, people suffering with diabetes or asthma, people having weak immune system, new denture users, smokers, women who are undergoing hormonal changes, etc. Oral thrush can also be caused due to side effects of several drugs like antibiotics and birth control pills. Treatment of oral thrush includes usage of the anti fungal drugs. The health care provider may prescribe several topical medications as well. The patients of HIV/AIDS and chemotherapy may also require a special systemic treatment along with the above mentioned medications.

There are several other medical conditions which can cause white bumps on tongue. Certain conditions like loss of appetite, constipation, indigestion, stomatitis, oral cancer, burning tongue syndrome, anemia, and vitamin deficiencies etc. can also lead to white bumps on tongue. Eating too hot and too spicy food can also lead to white and red bumps on the tongue. While chewing tobacco, smoking and alcohol consumption are also some important causes for white bumps on tongue.

As we can see, not all the causes of the white bumps on tongue are serious. Sometimes, they also fade away with the application of a several home remedies and making a few dietary changes as well. But, as an added measure of precaution, one must immediately consult a health care provider after their appearance. It is the best way to cure them and to keep all the life-threatening diseases at bay! Take care!