How to Remove Bumps on Tongue

A layer of small bumps known as papillae cover the surface of the tongue. According to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus service, the papillae provide a home for the taste buds, which reside between papillae 125. Numerous conditions may cause changes in the tongue’s appearance, including herpes and oral lichen planus; however, if you notice large, painful bumps on your tongue, you may have developed mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores 4.

Practice effective oral hygiene each day. According to Mehmet C. Oz, MD, and Michael F. Roizen, MD, on the Real Age website, brushing your tongue with your toothbrush is an important and simple way you can reduce the severity of the canker sore symptoms.

Gently scrape the tongue using a tongue scraper. According to Oz and Roizen, this helps to remove food particles from the around the canker sores and keep the tongue clean 4.

Soothe the canker sore or sores with topical antihistamine ointment 4. You can rub the ointment directly onto the sore, albeit gently, according to the MedlinePlus.

Avoid eating spicy foods until the canker sore has healed. Also be sure to watch the temperature of foods and drink going into your mouth. Hot tea or coffee, for example, can cause the pain to intensify.

Call your doctor or health care provider if three weeks to a month have passed with no improvement to your canker sore. Also, if you find that you have recurring canker sores, see your physician or health care practitioner right away 4.