Dissolve 1/2 a teaspoon of salt in an 8-oz glass of warm water to make your saline solution. Gargle a mouthful of the salt water for 30 seconds and then gently spit it out. Swish salt water solution after every meal to remove any debris in your teeth or on your tongue. [4] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source Repeat this for three to four times a day until tongue bumps disappear. Do not use saline solution designated for contact lenses as a mouth rinse.
To keep yourself hydrated, drink at least 9 cups of water a day if you are a woman and 13 cups if you are a man. Persons who are very active and pregnant women need up to 16 cups of water a day. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
As the ice melts, it can help you stay hydrated and minimize the risk of your tongue drying out, which may exacerbate discomfort from the bumps. You can place ice chips or ice cubes directly on the swollen bump surface of your tongue for an easy application of cold. Repeat icing as often as necessary.
Try and eat foods that are cooled to enhance soothing effects. Dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream, and milk may help alleviate your discomfort. [10] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source Other foods like pudding or popsicles may also help.
Acidic foods and drinks, such as tomatoes, orange juice, sodas and coffee can make you more uncomfortable. Also avoid pepper, chili powder, cinnamon and mint. Stay away from cigarettes or chewing tobacco, which can exacerbate your discomfort. If you suspect that your tongue bumps are a result of a food allergy, omit this food from your diet to see if it resolves the condition.
Make sure to brush and floss after meals if you can. Having debris stuck in your teeth promotes an environment that is rife infection. If you don’t have a toothbrush, chewing a piece of gum can help. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Dental Association World’s largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health Go to source See you dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups.
If you experiencing any pain or discomfort with your tongue bumps or they don’t seem to be going away, you should be seen by your doctor.
You can use throat lozenges or sprays every two to three hours. If you doctor or the packaging has other suggestions, follow these. [14] X Research source Keep the throat lozenge until your mouth it has completely dissolved. Don’t chew it or swallow it whole, which may numb your throat and could make swallowing difficult.
Benzydamine can help relieve pain. [16] X Research source Chlorhexidine can kill bacteria. Swish 15 mls of either mouthwash around your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds and then spit it out. [17] X Research source
Tongue bumps may have related causes including fungal, viral, or bacterial infections or allergies. If your tongue bumps don’t go away after a few days or you have recurrent cases of them, see your doctor who can either develop a treatment for you or diagnose an underlying condition, such as a food allergy. [18] X Research source See your doctor if the bumps grow or spread. [19] X Research source If your tongue bumps are especially painful or inflamed, or even interfere with your daily activities including eating, it’s best to see your doctor. [20] X Research source Tongue bumps may also be symptoms of conditions beyond a food allergy including: canker sores, squamous papilloma, syphilis, scarlet fever, or glossitis caused by smoking or infection. [21] X Research source
Your doctor may use different diagnostic tools to determine the cause of your tongue bumps. She may order oral cultures or allergy tests. [22] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source
If your tongue is causing you discomfort and is related to a more serious condition like glossodynia, your doctor may prescribe medications like amitriptyline and amisulpride. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Your doctor may also suggest an over the counter pain reliever, though there is little evidence this help tongue bumps. [25] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source Popular over-the-counter painkillers include acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin.
