Are the bumps on my tongue just lie bumps?

[echoflowerrr]

This is just another stupid question. I'll probably ask a lot of stupid questions on this app because I'm only 13 and I haven't been taught much about how to take care of myself until I just recently moved back with my dad. Basically on my tongue there's like these bumps. I'm pretty sure they're just lie bumps because I get those a lot, but the only reason I'm making a post about this is because usually when I get a lie bump on my tongue, it's always just one or two at like the front of my tongue. Now, instead it's just a few at the front of my tongue and more at the back, plus there's a few bigger ones at the back. I've tried looking up other things that could possibly be happening on Google, but I genuinely don't understand how to tell if it's actually like a canker sore or something, not to mention, even though it might be dumb, I didn't even know about canker sores until now and I know nothing about how people get them or how to get rid of them so I'm not even sure if it's that. I also don't want to go to the hospital to figure this out because I just went to the hospital last Wednesday or Thursday for like a really sore throat that me and my dad thought was an infection or smth and it ended up not being anything serious, so I don't want that to end up happening again. This whole thing is stupid but I'm a huge overthinker so I kinda just want to make sure it's nothing serious.

[Oliverlogan263]

Based on your description, it does sound like the bumps on your tongue are likely lie bumps (also known as papillae). A few things that point to this:

- They typically occur on the sides and back of your tongue, which is where you have the most papillae. The front of your tongue tends to have fewer lie bumps.

- They often appear in clusters, not just one or two isolated bumps. Lie bumps appear where groups of tiny taste buds are located.

- Larger lie bumps towards the back of the tongue are common. The papillae tend to get bigger further back.

- Lie bumps are common in teenagers due to hormonal changes. You mentioned you're 13, so this would fit.

Since you mentioned this is a recent development, it's unlikely to be anything serious like canker sores. Canker sores typically don't just suddenly appear on multiple parts of your tongue at once.

In general, lie bumps are harmless and do not require medical treatment. They usually go away on their own within a few days to a week. Good oral hygiene and staying hydrated can help.

Try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, or using a topical anesthetic like Orajel. You can also try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

However, since you mentioned being an overthinker, I understand your worry. If the bumps don't go away within a week to 10 days or start causing any pain, discomfort or troubles swallowing, you could consider showing your dad and seeing a doctor just to confirm. But based on the info provided, they really do sound like harmless lie bumps.

[echoflowerrr]

Thank you. I was worried about them not being lie bumps since I never usually get them on the back of of my tongue, usually just on the sides so I honestly didn't even know you could get them at the back lol.

[Oliverlogan263]

Well it’s actually simple and you’re welcome so allow me to explain:

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help set your mind at ease. A few points I wanted to clarify:

1. Lie bumps can develop anywhere on your tongue, including the back. The whole tongue is covered in papillae and taste buds, so lie bumps can form in any of those areas.

2. The fact that you usually get them on the sides but now have them on the back as well actually makes it more likely they are lie bumps. Lie bumps tend to appear in different areas of the tongue at different times, rather than always in the exact same spot.

3. The papillae and taste buds tend to be larger towards the back of the tongue, so it's not uncommon for lie bumps to be bigger back there. That's also in line with what you described experiencing.

4. Since you have a history of developing lie bumps on your tongue in general, and these new bumps developed gradually over time rather than suddenly appearing, that further suggests this is a similar, benign issue.

So TLDR - the location of these new bumps on the back of your tongue isn't cause for concern on its own and likely still indicates harmless lie bumps, based on the other points I mentioned. But if it would ease your mind to double check with your dad or a doctor, there's certainly no harm in that. Just wanted to reiterate that the bumps being on the back of your tongue is a normal part of how lie bumps can present.

[echoflowerrr]

Thank you again.

[Oliverlogan263]

You’re welcome

[crmoore]

When you went to the hospital for a soar throat, did they take a look at your throat? Like, did they ask you to open your mouth, stick out your tongue, and say "ahhh"?

If so, they'd probably have noticed if you had an issue with your tongue and that wasn't that long ago. So most likely you're fine. But I'm not sure what they could be, it could be harmless. But if you're really concerned, show your dad and ask him if he thinks going to the doctors (but not the hospital) is a good idea.

This all being said, make sure you're having good dental hygiene. Brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. In addition, floss your teeth and (gently) scrape your tongue. If you don't have a tongue scraper, gently use your tooth brush with a bit of toothpaste on it. And don't forget to gargle with mouthwash!

[echoflowerrr]

Thank you.

[crmoore]

No problem👍

[BarryLiverstone]

They could be swollen taste buds, are you dehydrated? Drinking enough water. Also stress can cause some bumps. If they get painful like it’s hard to swallow and eat then ask your dad to take a look. How long have you had them?

[echoflowerrr]

I've been drinking water, and they're not so painful that it's hard to swallow rn. I've had them for like 1 or 2 days I think, I'm not completely sure.

[BarryLiverstone]

It could also be strep. You mentioned your throat really hurt. Did that pain go away?

[echoflowerrr]

Yeah. I went to the hospital for it and they said it's not anything serious and to just like take Advil and a throat spray thing, it worked so I'm guessing it's not that but it might be.

[BarryLiverstone]

I’m glad that helped and it’s working. But if something is painful it’s best to mention it. That’s not overthinking, it’s being aware of your body and taking care of it.

[echoflowerrr]

It's not really painful which is why I haven't mentioned it to my family, it just randomly hurts sometimes but never for too long. I'm mostly just worried about like what it is and how long it'll last, bc I don't know how long things like these are supposed to last and that ends up with me overthinking if it's normal for it to last a certain amount of days or not lol.

[BarryLiverstone]

Lol I understand. Plus you just went to get treatment so you don’t wanna bother someone and have to go back again if it’s not severe. Like I said if they are still there by midweek mention it to your dad as you are living with him. It’s best to be able to share information with him as he can help you out and he wants you to be healthy

[echoflowerrr]

Alright. Thank you.

[BarryLiverstone]

You are welcome

[OddBeMe]

Sounds fine, but I would keep your mouth extra clean with antiseptic mouthwash, etc. Also scrub your tongue with your brush. That’s actually an ancient Hindu hygiene procedure. To scrub your tongue til it bleeds. Don’t need to do that, lol

[echoflowerrr]

Thank you.

[SnowedIn]

Not lie bumps! 🙂 Taste buds.

And, not a dumb question.

[echoflowerrr]

I feel like it is a dumb question tbh. I'm still gonna be overthinking this for a bit lol.

[SnowedIn]

Lol I get it.

But, not a dumb question: you gotta learn somehow.

[echoflowerrr]

Thank you, though. I just get really worried for no reason over small things like this, I've been trying to control it but yk.

[SnowedIn]

No problem. Keep asking questions: asking them (and getting answers) takes the anxiety and overthinking away

[echoflowerrr]

Thank you again.

[SnowedIn]

Any time! 🙂

[Celticwolf78]

Those are not lie bumps but they are your taste buds

[echoflowerrr]

I don't think so because they're kinda painful, plus taste buds aren't supposed to be like that visible.

[Celticwolf78]

Could be blisters if you eat hot food

[echoflowerrr]

Probably. Thank you.

[Celticwolf78]

Np that's what I am here for

[BoopBoopBeep]

Taste buds, when they become infected, do swell up and look kind of like a pimple on your tongue.

[riverrat3]

Do you have stomach problems or stress

[echoflowerrr]

Stress, yes. Stomach problems, no.

[riverrat3]

Could be stress

[echoflowerrr]

I didn't know stress could cause these things and I feel kinda dumb for not knowing lol. Thank you, though.

[riverrat3]

Stress can do many things, and I could be wrong

[echoflowerrr]

Still a possibility, though. You could be wrong or right, so thank you for telling me.

[Agape93]

Taste buds