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What is on my tongue?

I have enlarged papillae on the back of my tongue and sometimes teeth marks on the sides. I also have these on the tip of my tongue. I was wondering what these were and how do I get rid of them asap?
Poster
  • Male | 20 years old
  • Complaint duration: 65 days

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Featured Answer

2 UpVoted this answer Arlene Messer, DDS Dentist, Rochester
Thanks for asking however, Most cases of enlarged papillae are harmless. They can also occur as a symptom of serious underlying conditions. Some of the common causes of enlarged papillae are Canker sores, excessive smoking, Gaintestinal disorder Other causes of enlarged papillae include,Exposure to insecticides, alcohol, and other toxins. Transient lingual papillitis associated enlarged papillae usually vanish on their own without treatment. Discomfort and pain can be managed via home remedies such as application of ice cubes or cold compresses on the affected parts of the tongue, and drinking cold liquids.

Gargling the mouth with a solution of salt and lukewarm water; drinking lots of water and eating a balanced diet full of veggies and fruits; and chewing mint leaves can help resolve mild cases of enlarged papillae. Thrush, yeast, or other fungal infections can be alleviated by gargling the mouth with a diluted solution of tea tree oil. Growth of oral bacteria can be suppressed via use of sesame oil gargles. Avoid the intake of very salty, very spicy, acidic, or hot foods. Stop biting the tongue. Any enlargement of the papillae, infection, or swelling arising due to tongue trauma can be eased by application of glycerin on the affected region. Consuming dairy products with low fat content is also helpful. Oral infections and enlarged papillae can be prevented by drinking soup consisting of garlic, ginger, and pepper, two times a week. I hope this will help if you are not fully convinced then visit your nearestdentist for more evaluation and treatment.
1 UpVoted this answer Arlene Messer, DDS Dentist, Rochester
Are you a big clenched and grinder?? Often the tongue is acting in response and getting between the teeth. Don't panic...as a rule anything bad is on one side only. Good luck,Dr Mick
1 UpVoted this answer Arlene Messer, DDS Dentist, Rochester
Increase B12 and Iron Intake

Vitamin B12 is one of the most essential vitamins you can put in your system. Deficiencies in this powerful vitamin may cause sores in the mouth and irritate papillae on the tongue. You should always maintain healthy levels of vitamin B12 for increased energy and better concentration as well.

Iron is absolutely required to manage the pain and irritation of papillae on the tongue that have become painful. Consider iron supplements to help in reducing pain and getting papillae back to their normal state. Iron is also found in abundance in nature and eating foods like dates and prunes are an excellent way to get the necessary iron intake you need.

While enlarged and painful papillae are not too serious, they can cause a major upset and become very difficult to deal with. Any of the above mentioned remedies should work to decrease their severity and take the pain away completely. It is wise to always practice good health habits to keep conditions such as these at bay.

Remember that stress is a major cause for sores to develop on the tongue. Doing what you can to relieve stress such as getting adequate sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, and engaging in activities you enjoy are all excellent ways to reduce stress. You may want to consider trying meditation to relieve stress. Yoga is also extremely beneficial in keeping away stress and has the power to keep you calm in the midst of stressful situations that may arise and are out of your control. Be sure to get plenty of exercise to keep the body functioning as it is designed to.
Looks normal. Nothing to worry about. Teeth marks at the sides of the tongue were thought to be stress related. That could be true but absolutely false as well. If you are in this area you can always stop by for a complimentary examination.

Peter Merai DDS, FAGD
Looks with in normal limits. Everyone is unique and so are their tongues. Brush your tongue when you brush your teeth (three times a day); that's part of good oral hygiene. 8-P
Taste buds or tongue papillae can get enlarged from various exposures to substances.

Consult with dentist or oral pathologist.

Xylocaine viscous may help symptoms of pain.

Changes in diet, can affect tongue.

Tooth marks not uncommon but a dentist can make you a night guard if needed.
Daniel G. Sena
These appear normal the larger ones could be lymph tissue or the speciality sour tasting papillae.

Tooth marks not uncommon on sides .

Consult with dentist about a mouth guard and or surgeon if taste buds hurt.
Daniel G. Sena
There is supposed to be a v-shaped row of large round papillae on the back part of the tongue, called circumvalate papillae. Tooth indentations on the side of the tongue are very normal and are caused by your resting tongue to conform to the teeth surfaces that they contact.
Terry Pratt
The large papillae on back of tongue may be the change of the anatomy of the tongue. The scalloping on the lateral borders are due no space for tongue so get tested for sleep apnea and the doctors will tell you if there is something else going on.
Denny Cho
The teeth marks on the sides of the tongue are caused by compression of the tongue against adjacent teeth. This may happen due to narrow arches or because of a swollen tongue. The tongue can get swollen due to a number of reasons, some beeing: allergies, low thyroid function, vitamin B deficiency, bruxism or clenching of teeth. The same can cause your taste buds to get swollen. Good oral hygiene, not smoking, avoiding spicy, acidic foods and any trauma to the tongue helps with resolving the swelling. It is allways best to have a check-up with your local dentist.