06-04-2025
Transient lingual papillitis, also called lie bumps, is a painful condition that affects the tongue. People suffering from lie bumps will experience small, painful, red and white bumps on the tongue. Transient lingual papillitis occurs when papillae, the bumps on your tongue that contain your taste buds and temperature receptors, are irritated. We do not know exactly what causes lie bumps, but there are several risk factors associated with the condition. In this article, we will discuss the most common causes associated with lie bumps, how the condition is diagnosed, and when you may need to seek medical attention for transient lingual papillitis.
Key Takeaways
- Transient lingual papillitis is a common condition that affects the papillae on the tongue.
- There are several types of transient lingual papillitis, each with its own unique set of symptoms.
- Most cases of transient lingual papillitis will not require a trip to the doctor, but seek medical attention if lip bumps are especially painful or last over a week.
What is Transient Lingual Papillitis (Lie Bumps)
Transient lingual papillitis is the name given to small, pimple-like bumps that form on the tongue when the papillae are irritated.
Papillae are bumps that cover the tongue and contain the taste buds and temperature receptors. Several habits, foods, and illnesses can irritate our papillae, and when this happens, they swell up into noticeable and painful bumps. These bumps can be painful but will tend to clear up on their own within a few days and without the need for medical treatment.
The condition became colloquially known as lie bumps due to an old folk tale which said that telling lies would cause the condition – thankfully, this isn’t true!
Causes of Lie Bumps
Despite the commonality of the condition, doctors are still not sure exactly what causes lie bumps. Certain risk factors are linked to the onset of transient lingual papillitis, including:
Stress and fatigue
Oral trauma
Allergic reactions
Poor oral hygiene
Hormonal fluctuations (including periods and menopause)
Poor nutrition
In addition to these factors, several viral and bacterial conditions are linked to the onset of transient lingual papillitis, including COVID-19, oral herpes, and strep throat. Atopic conditions like eczema, asthma, and hay fever have also been cited as what causes lie bumps.
Bumps on the back of the tongue are common, with some studies estimating they affect over 50% of the population. Among the most commonly affected people are young women and young children (under 3½) who attend school.
Symptoms of Lie Bumps
Symptoms of transient lingual papillitis will differ depending on the version of the condition that you have. Common symptoms shared across types of lie bumps include:
Small, pimple-like bumps on the tongue
Pain on the tongue
A burning sensation on the tongue
Types of Transient Lingual Papillitis
Symptoms of lingual papillitis will differ depending on the variant of the condition that you have. Lingual papillitis is categorised into the following types:
Classic / Localised Lingual Papillitis:
Classic, or localised, transient lingual papillitis is the most common variant of the condition. When suffering from this type of lie bumps, inflamed papillae are only located on a singular area of the tongue. Other symptoms include:
Burning or itching on the tongue
Pain when eating
Painful yellow or white bumps on the tongue
A change in taste
Eruptive Lingual Papillitis:
Eruptive lingual papillitis is a slightly less common variant of lie bumps that will typically affect children. Unlike classic lingual papillitis, eruptive lingual papillitis can be contagious, so close contact with someone suffering should be avoided. It is also prone to recurrence in the months following a bout. Symptoms include:
A fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Painful bumps on the tongue which can look like spots filled with pus
Excess saliva and angular cheilitis (cracked corners of the mouth)
Pain when eating
U-Shaped Lingual Papillitis:
U-shaped lingual papillitis is potentially the most distinctive variant of the condition. Rather than pimple-like bumps, u-shaped lingual papillitis forms small patches on the tongue. Other symptoms include:
Pink spots within the mouth
Burning and pain in the mouth
A swollen tongue
Diagnosing Lie Bumps
In most cases, lie bumps will not require a trip to the doctor, but if you do visit a medical professional the condition will be fairly easy to diagnose.
A doctor will typically ask about your symptoms, examine your mouth and tongue, and check your lymph nodes for swelling. If they have concerns about the underlying cause of your transient lingual papillitis, they may take a mucosal biopsy or perform more thorough tests.
Several more serious conditions can mimic the symptoms of lie bumps, and any further tests your doctor conducts will be to rule out the presence of these diseases. Conditions doctors may check for include giant cell fibroma, pyogenic granuloma, and scarlet fever.
Treatment for Lie Bumps
In most cases, transient lingual papillitis will clear up on its own without the need for any medical treatment. There is no cure for lie bumps, but if you visit a doctor, they may recommend transient lingual papillitis treatments that assist the healing process and reduce discomfort. These include:
Using OTC pain medication
Cleaning your mouth with a saline or antimicrobial rinse
Avoiding food triggers, including spicy or acidic food
Eating or drinking cold things
Sadly, if you are wondering ‘how to get rid of lie bumps on your tongue fast’ you may be disappointed, but by avoiding food triggers and taking care to keep your mouth clean, the condition should clear up within around a week.
When Should I See a Doctor?
Although lie bumps are generally not a serious condition, there are instances where it is worth visiting your doctor. You should seek medical attention if:
Lie bumps persist for over a week
Lie bumps recur regularly
You experience severe pain
Bumps bleed when touched
Achieve Better Oral Health
Lie bumps can be uncomfortable, but with the right care, they often clear up on their own without needing medical attention. When dealing with this condition, maintaining a clean mouth is crucial, and Oral-B is here to support you every step of the way.
The Oral-B iO Series electric toothbrushes are designed to offer a deeper, more effective clean than manual toothbrush, especially when your mouth is sensitive. Equipped with advanced iO™ technology, the iO Series helps protect your gums and enamel, while gently cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Regular brushing combined with a complete oral care routine, ensures your mouth remains in the best possible condition to heal.
While daily care is essential, remember that regular dental check-ups are key for monitoring your overall oral health and catching any concerns early. With Oral-B and the iO Series, you can confidently maintain your oral health and smile.
FAQs
Are lie bumps contagious?
How long do lie bumps last?
Can children get lie bumps?
Can I prevent lie bumps?
Sources
About Our Medical Reviewers
Dr Robert Lee is a dentist with more than thirty years of experience in the industry. Graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and from the University of New South Wales with a Master of Business Administration, Robert’s career has taken him all over the world – from Australia to Germany to his current position in Chicago, where he is the founder of Denticus Inc., offering strategic dental consulting. Robert has previously worked for Procter & Gamble as the Director of Professional Scientific Relations in both the Cincinnati and Sydney offices, being responsible for external relations and scientific exchange with leading professional associations and industry thought leaders. He was also responsible for all technical and scientific training for the professional teams in North America and Australia. Robert has been assisting the team at Oral-B by fact-checking and reviewing our blogs on dental health.
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