How to Treat and Prevent Enlarged Papillae
Although they might feel uncomfortable, most enlarged papillae usually go away without treatment within a few days. Maintain your oral care routine by brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss or an interdental device. Allowing the lesions time to heal, rinsing with warm salt water, and staying hydrated might help treat inflamed or enlarged papillae.
If any oral lesion lasts longer than seven days, you should schedule an evaluation with your dental professional. Monitor the lesion's size, color, and location to aid your dental professional with their assessment. If the lesions bleed, become increasingly painful, grow in size, or spread, seek immediate care.
Preventing enlarged papillae starts with identifying the most likely cause. Determine if certain foods irritate your tongue, protect your mouth during sports and other physical activity, and stay aware of your tongue placement during everyday tasks like eating or talking. Quitting smoking and decreasing stress might also reduce the likelihood of enlarged tongue bumps.
That pesky tongue bump might annoy you for a day or two, but don't let it cause worry. Keep an eye on it while maintaining your oral care routine, and you might forget all about it by this time next week!