

There are a number of reasons and ways to take care of this issue: Poor Oral Hygiene What causes swollen taste buds, and what’s the best course of action for each cause? Significant and persistent pain, difficulty moving your tongue, loose teeth, or unintended weight loss are also reasons to get medical attention. If there is bleeding associated with the lesions you should definitely consider discussing them with your doctor. If the bumps are persistent and do not resolve within 2-4 weeks or continue to enlarge then you should see you physician.

Although they’re usually no big deal, when should you consider talking to your doctor about swollen taste buds? If you notice them for more than 2-4 weeks or if they are growing, you should seek medical attention. They are usually quick to heal without any intervention and resolve within a few days to a couple weeks. They often present as swollen red or white bumps that usually appear in the center or back of the tongue and are often tender or cause a burning sensation when you eat.

Swollen taste buds are relatively common since there are a variety of different conditions that can cause them.

How common are swollen taste buds? What might they look or feel like, and are they usually quick to heal? The papillae are small bumps on the tongue that contain taste buds, and when they become inflamed, they can appear swollen or enlarged, leading to discomfort or pain. Swollen taste buds, also known as inflamed papillae, can occur for a number of reasons. We sat down with Abbas Anwar, MD, to chat about why swollen taste buds occur and when to speak to your doctor about them.
