What are lie bumps and how do you get rid of them?

Lie bumps affect the papillae on your tongue, which are the small, round projections that cover its surface. Papillae help you to eat, contain your taste buds and temperature sensors and can become enlarged for many reasons. This condition causes the papillae to swell and change colour when an episode of TLP occurs. Lie bumps get their unusual name from the myth that you develop bumps on your tongue if you tell a lie. 

The Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry says the condition is symptomatic over 80% of the time, and as a result, it can make eating difficult, especially acidic or sour foods. Sometimes the bumps are numerous and can also be accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation. Other symptoms include dry mouth and a distorted sense of taste. It’s important you don’t try to pop or squeeze lie bumps, as you may end up with an infection.

TLP or lie bumps cause the papillae on your tongue to become inflamed and swollen. They can cause a lot of pain, especially when you eat. There are four different types of TLP, and each one has its own symptoms. You can develop lie bumps on their own, or alongside other tongue conditions like a geographical tongue. You’ll find more details about the different types of TLP below:

With classic lingual papillitis, you’ll notice your tongue is sore, inflamed or has bumps in just one area, usually the tip. You may also develop a single painful bump. Symptoms include:

• One or more painful bumps and sores on tongue that are white or red in colour 

• A burning, itching or tingling feeling in your tongue

• Sensitivity to hot or spicy foods, you may find these difficult to eat

• Distorted taste

• Dry mouth

Eruptive lingual papillitis affects your whole body and is usually found in children. Symptoms usually last for 1-2 weeks and often return within a few months; this variation is also contagious and may need to be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms can include:

• Painful bumps on tongue, often on the tip and sides of your tongue and can look pus-filled

• High temperature

• Swollen glands 

• Excess saliva

• Difficulty eating 

• Cracks at the corners of your mouth

Papulokeratotic lingual papillitis presents as white or yellow bumps all over your tongue. This type won’t cause difficulty eating or taste, but it’s more likely to be recurring and persistent.

U-shaped lingual papillitis looks slightly different from the other types. Your tongue may have raw-looking patches rather than bumps. Other symptoms include:

• Swollen tongue 

• Pink bumps on tongue 

• A burning feeling 

• Ulcers on your cheeks, lips or mouth

It’s not always clear why TLP happens, and it may be triggered by a combination of one or more factors. These can include local triggers like:

• Burning or biting your tongue

• Eating very hot or very spicy foods

• Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption

• Poor oral hygiene 

• Friction from braces or retainers

Full body TLP can be caused by:

• Stress

• Lack of sleep

• Poor diet 

• Viral or bacterial infections (including strep throat and COVID-19)

• Hormone changes 

• Other conditions like eczema, asthma and food allergies

If the problem doesn’t resolve within a week, you may want to visit your dentist, especially if the bumps are causing you pain or interfering with eating. Most people get the classic form of TLP, but the eruptive form can be more severe and contagious. If your symptoms last longer than a few days and are accompanied by a fever or swollen glands, it’s worth getting a second opinion. 

At your appointment, your doctor or dentist will ask about your symptoms and any factors that may be irritating your tongue. They’ll examine your mouth and check your lymph nodes for swelling.

In most cases, no treatment is necessary since the condition usually resolves on its own. The treatments that do exist are mostly for relieving the symptoms. If you’re wondering how to get rid of lie bumps, here are a few things that can help:

• Rinsing your mouth with saltwater a few times a day

• Drinking cold drinks and plenty of water

• Avoiding hot, spicy and acidic foods

• Avoiding chewing gum or chewy sweets that may irritate your tongue

• Taking an anti-inflammatory painkiller like ibuprofen*

If you have the eruptive form of TLP, you may need antibiotics if caused by an underlying bacterial infection.

Now you know more about TLP and how to get rid of lie bumps, let’s look at other common mouth sores that can cause similar symptoms.

Canker sores (also known as ulcers) can appear anywhere in your mouth, even under your tongue. They’re not contagious and tend to heal themselves in around 7-10 days. 

Squamous papilloma is linked to the HPV virus. It presents as a painless bump on your tongue that has an irregular shape. It may need to be treated surgically or removed with a laser.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that may cause sores in your mouth and on your tongue if left to progress to the secondary stage. Syphilis must be treated with antibiotics and can be life-threatening if ignored.

Glossitis makes the surface of your tongue appear smooth instead of bumpy. It’s another form of inflammation and can be caused by an allergic reaction, irritants or smoking.

A viral infection caused by herpes simplex type 1. This virus causes small, painful blisters in or around your mouth and is highly contagious. Cold sores are uncomfortable and can last for weeks. Once you have the virus, it can’t be cured, and you can expect to experience outbreaks when your immune system is weakened.

Scarlett fever is a bacterial infection that leaves your tongue red, bumpy and swollen. It can also cause a skin rash and fever. This infection is contagious and can be treated with antibiotics.

Some lumps and bumps in your mouth can be cancerous. Mouth cancer is usually found at the side or base of your tongue rather than on the surface. The lump may be painless, appear pink, grey or red or bleed when touched. If you visit your dentist regularly for checkups, they will routinely check your mouth for signs of cancer.

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about lie bumps on tongue surfaces:

*Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication.