Dental Health Dental Conditions Overview of Transient Lingual Papillitis (Lie Bumps) Symptoms, Types, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment By Colleen Doherty, MD Colleen Doherty, MD Colleen Doherty, MD, is a board-certified internist living with multiple sclerosis. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 27, 2022 Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS Edmund Khoo, DDS, is board-certified in orthodontics. He teaches full-time as a clinical associate professor at his alma mater, New York University College of Dentistry, is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and serves on advisory boards for the American Dental Education Association. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Frequently Asked Questions Transient lingual papillitis, also called "lie bumps," is a common inflammatory condition that affects your tongue, specifically the taste buds, also called fungiform papillae. Fungiform papillae are flat, pink bumps on the top, sides, and tips of the tongue. They sense taste and temperature. When papillae become irritated and inflamed, it can be painful and make it hard to eat. This article looks at the symptoms, types, and causes of bumps on your tongue, how they're diagnosed and treated, and how you may be able to keep them from coming back. Anatomy of the Tongue Martin Barraud / OJO Images / Getty Images What Is Transient Lingual Papillitis? Transient: Lasting for only a short timeLingual: Relating to the tonguePapilla: Small round bumps somewhere in the body; plural is papillaePapillitis: Inflammation of papillae Types and Symptoms of Bumps on Tongue Transient lingual papillitis comes in four different types, each with its own set of symptoms. Classic or Localized Lingual Papillitis Type In classic or localized (confined to a small area) transient lingual papillitis, the papillae are inflamed in just one area of the tongue, often the tip. It causes: One or more raised red or white/yellow painful bumps A burning, tingling, or itching tongue Sensitivity to hot foods Difficulty eating, especially spicy or high-acid foods Distorted taste (called dysgeusia) Dry mouth The bumps on your tongue typically last for between one day and several days. Eruptive Lingual Papillitis Type This type usually affects children and causes a sudden, whole-body illness. Symptoms include: Painful bumps on the tip and sides of the tongue Fever Enlarged lymph nodes ("swollen glands") Excess saliva Difficulty eating On average, this illness lasts about a week. However, it may recur a couple of months later. Eruptive-type lingual papillitis sometimes spreads to the whole household. In adults, it often causes a sudden burning tongue that gets worse when you eat. Papulokeratotic Lingual Papillitis Type Papulokeratotic lingual papillitis causes bumps on the tongue that are: White or yellow Often painless All over the tongue These bumps may come and go or persist for long periods of time. U-Shaped Lingual Papillitis U-shaped lingual papillitis has some key differences from the other types. First, it doesn't involve bumps. Instead, small patches of the tongue look like they've been peeled away. Other symptoms may include: Scattered pink spotsTongue swelling (in some cases)Burning sensations in the mouthCanker sores on the cheeks, lips, and mouth This type of papillitis may be associated with COVID-19. Canker Sores vs. Lingual Papillitis While their locations, symptoms, and treatments are similar, papillitis just causes bumps while canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are open sores. Causes of Lie Bumps Researchers don't yet know the exact cause(s) of transient lingual papillitis. They suspect it's the result of one or more triggering factors. Some of these are systemic (body-wide) while others only involve the tongue. Suspected systemic triggers include: Viral or bacterial infection (especially in the eruptive type) Stress Sleep deprivation Poor nutrition Hormone fluctuation (e.g., menstruation or menopause) Atopic (allergic) disease (e.g., eczema) Localized triggers of bumps on your tongue may include: Low-grade chronic irritation or trauma, from things like sharp-edged teeth or orthodontic appliances such as retainers A burn on the tongue Eating spicy or acidic foods, such as cinnamon, hot peppers, or citrus fruit Smoking cigarettes Excessive alcohol intake Certain oral hygiene products Research suggests, as well, that transient lingual papillitis may be associated with a food allergy. It may also be seen with other underlying tongue conditions, such as geographic tongue (discolored patches that make the tongue look like a map). Diagnosis of Bumps on the Tongue To diagnose transient lingual papillitis, your healthcare provider will likely: Ask about your symptoms and any possible trauma to your tongueDo a physical examination of your mouth, tongue, lipsCheck your neck area for swollen lymph node If your symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, your provider may order a biopsy, which means removing a small bit of tissue from your tongue and examining it under a microscope. Treatment of Bumps on the Tongue Eruptive transient lingual papillitis may require antibiotics to treat an underlying bacterial infection. (Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.) Other bumps on the tongue usually go away within hours to a few days. They don't usually need medical treatment. To ease the pain of symptoms, your healthcare provider may suggest: Saltwater rinsesCold drinks and foodsAnesthetic (numbing) or antiseptic (germ-killing) mouthwashesTopical steroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% dental pasteAvoiding gum, candy, or oral hygiene products that may irritate your tongue If you and your healthcare provider can identify what triggered your lie bumps, avoiding that trigger in the future may keep them from coming back. How to Safely Use Topical Steroids Summary Transient lingual papillitis, or lie bumps, are inflamed taste buds. They come in several types, each with its own distinctive pattern, appearance, and other symptoms. Causes may include infection, stress, poor nutrition, allergies, trauma to the tongue, spicy foods, smoking, and some oral hygiene products. Lie bumps are generally diagnosed based on symptoms and appearance. Your healthcare provider may also check for swollen glands or perform a biopsy to rule out other conditions. These bumps on your tongue will likely go away in a few days without needing medical attention. You can relieve pain with saltwater rinses, cold food and drinks, special mouthwashes, and topical steroids. A Word From Verywell While transient lingual papillitis may be uncomfortable, rest assured that it's harmless and should clear up in a few days. If you're concerned about bumps on your tongue, or on your child's—especially if they last longer than a couple of days—talk to your healthcare provider. Frequently Asked Questions What do transient lingual papillitis bumps look like? The appearance depends on the type of transient lingual papillitis:Classic or localized: Red or white/yellow raised bump(s) in one area of the tongue (often the tip)Eruptive lingual papillitis: Red, irritated, raised bumps on the tip and sides of that tonguePapulokeratotic: White or yellow bumps all over the tongue.U-shaped lingual papillitis: Small, peeled-looking pink patches Can you pop lie bumps on the tongue? You shouldn't try to. They don't need to drain and will likely go away on their own in a few days if you leave them alone. 7 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kalogirou EM, Tosios Kl, Nikitakis NG, Kamperos G, Sklavounou A. Transient lingual papillitis: A retrospective study of 11 cases and review of the literature. Clin Exp Dent. 2017;9(1):e157-e162. doi:10.4317/jced.53283 Mondal A, Kumar P. Eruptive lingual papillitis. Indian Pediatr. 2014;51(3):243. New Zealand Trust: DermNet NZ. Transient lingual papillitis. Raji K, Ranario J, Ogunmakin K. Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire: A case of transient lingual papillitis following consumption of an Atomic Fireball. Dermatol Online J. 2016;22(5). Nuño González A, Magaletskyy K, Martín Carrillo P, et al. Are oral mucosal changes a sign of COVID-19? A cross-sectional study at a field hospital. Actas Dermosifiliogr (Engl Ed). 2021 Feb 27;112(7):640–4. doi:10.1016/j.ad.2021.02.007 Nigri AP, et al. Transient lingual papillitis related to food allergy. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, 2014;117(2)e193. doi:10.1016/j.oooo.2013.12.228 Bouquot JE, Adibi SS, Sanchez M. Chronic lingual papulosis: new, independent entity or "mature" form of transient lingual papillitis? Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2012 Jan;113(1):111-7. doi:10.1016/j.tripleo.2011.09.003 By Colleen Doherty, MD Colleen Doherty, MD, is a board-certified internist living with multiple sclerosis. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit