How to Address Inflamed Taste Buds
Inflamed taste buds can be painful and irritating, and they appear as small bumps on your tongue. They can be red or white, and they appear suddenly. Although it can happen to anyone, it is most common if your immune system is weakened by drugs, illnesses such as diabetes, or dry mouth. You will notice it because the papillae on the surface of your tongue swell and change colour. It may be painful to eat, and acidic foods may irritate it further.
What Causes Inflamed Taste Buds?
Everyone has taste buds. They are tiny little sensory organs that are inside of little bumps that are on your tongue. These bumps are called papillae, and the taste buds inside let you know what is sweet, sour, spicy, and more.
There are three different types of papillae, including fungiform papillae, circumvallate papillae, and foliate papillae. They are located on the tip, base, and edges of your tongue, and they contain the taste buds. You normally won’t notice your taste buds, but if they get inflamed, they can be painful or irritating.
Several different conditions can cause swollen taste buds. Take a look at the following:
- Acid Reflux or GERD: sometimes with gastric reflux the acid can make its way up to your mouth
- A Burn: with hot food or drinks
- Infection: some viruses and bacterial infections, such as scarlet fever, can make your tongue inflamed
- Allergies: if you have allergies or are sensitive to certain foods, they can cause your tongue to swell
- Irritation: if you have a sharp tooth or a denture rubbing against the tongue
- Spicy or Acidic Foods: some people experience inflamed taste buds after they eat spicy or acidic foods, such as citrus fruits or hot peppers
- Smoking: cigarettes are made with chemicals that can irritate the taste buds. Smoking also can lead to oral cancer, which appears as bumps on your tongue.
- Stress
- Vitamin Deficiency: such as a lack of vitamin B or iron
What to Do If You Have Inflamed Taste Buds
How you get rid of your inflamed taste buds depends on what is causing them. If you are suffering from acid reflux, you can take antacids or other medications to help reduce the stomach acid.
If your taste buds are inflamed from allergies, you should stay away from any foods that you are sensitive to. You can take vitamins or other supplements if you are experiencing a vitamin deficiency, or if you have a medical condition that can cause this. It’s best to consult with your doctor for treatment.
There are other lifestyle choices that can help. You can avoid spicy food, and try gargling with warm salty water rinses to keep your mouth clean. If you smoke, try to quit.
Finally, be sure to take care of your mouth. Brush your teeth and use floss and a mouth rinse. Go see a dentist in Karana Downs for regular appointments. This will ensure that your mouth and taste buds are as healthy as possible.
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