Transient Lingual Papillitis Treatment Guide

Transient lingual papillitis is a temporary yet painful condition in which the tongue becomes covered with swollen red and white bumps. These bumps are colloquially known as 'lie bumps' because according to urban legend, they are caused by telling lies. The actual cause of transient lingual papillitis is unknown, but viruses may play a role in some cases. The bumps, or papillae, may resemble pimples and may itch or burn. The good news is they typically go away in a few days without treatment. There are many ways to reduce discomfort while the tongue heals. Learn about these now!

Rinse With Salt Water

One method of dealing with transient lingual papillitis is to rinse with salt water. This easy over-the-counter remedy can provide immediate relief. Patients can implement it by pouring eight ounces of warm water into a glass and mix in half a teaspoon of salt. Once all the salt dissolves, individuals can take a swig and swish it around in their mouth before spitting it out. This should soothe the papillae, and it also kills bacteria in the mouth that might be irritating. Salt water makes the mouth less acidic, which helps reduce irritation to the papillae. Some patients choose to add a little bit of baking soda to the salt water mixture as well, as this neutralizes the acid more effectively than table salt alone.

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Use Mouthwash Regularly

It is wise for individuals to use mouthwash regularly to treat as well as to avoid getting transient lingual papillitis. Mouthwash is good for oral hygiene and can help clear up food residue and bacteria irritating the tongue. Individuals should consider using a mouthwash without alcohol so it will not burn. Alcohol in mouthwash can actually cause mouth sores for individuals who are sensitive to it. Some mouthwashes contain a minor anesthetic, which can reduce pain. After the bumps heal, patients should continue to use mouthwash on a regular basis to prevent the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Using mouthwash is an important step in the oral hygiene routine many individuals unfortunately skip.

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Avoid Acidic And Spicy Foods

Individuals should avoid acidic and spicy foods because these may irritate the papillae and cause pain and further swelling. In addition, potentially abrasive foods like chips and popcorn should be avoided. It is hypothesized acidic, spicy, and abrasive foods can cause transient lingual papillitis in some cases. Someone who has recurrent episodes of this condition may want to evaluate their diet and figure out if there is a type of food that triggers an outbreak. Acidic foods and beverages to look out for include citrus fruits, salad dressings, soda, and coffee. While the tongue is healing, it is best to stick to bland foods as much as possible. Some options are rice, bread, and potatoes. Cold foods such as yogurt and ice cream can also help. When the pain and swelling have subsided, it is okay to slowly reintroduce normal foods into the diet. However, patients should use caution with anything sour or spicy until healing is complete.

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Brush Teeth After Eating

Good dental hygiene prevents transient lingual papillitis from getting worse. Infections are a potential cause of this condition, so keeping the mouth clean prevents recurrence. Brushing teeth after eating also removes potentially irritating food from the mouth. Thus, individuals should be sure to use proper brushing technique and clean every tooth thoroughly, but gently. They should be especially gentle when brushing their tongue so as not to irritate the papillae. Using a toothbrush with harsh bristles can cause or worsen transient lingual papillitis, so they should consider getting a softer toothbrush to avoid recurrence of the condition. In addition to brushing, flossing thoroughly is important. Regular dentist visits are also crucial, particularly for recurrent transient lingual papillitis. Dentists may be able to suggest even more ways to improve dental hygiene and deal with transient lingual papillitis.

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Use Topical Treatments

Doctors do not usually prescribe any medication for transient lingual papillitis because the condition typically goes away without treatment. However, patients can use topical treatments, available over-the-counter, to treat symptoms. These medications provide relief by shielding the tongue from sources of irritation. Some of them contain local anesthetics, and some have corticosteroids. The anesthetics reduce pain, and the corticosteroids help by reducing inflammation. Topical treatments may come in the form of lozenges, sprays, mouth rinses, or gels. These can typically be applied every few hours; the directions may differ depending on the medication. In any case, following the directions is important!