Lie Bumps - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment options 
                     Lie Bumps (Transient Ling
ual Papillitis)
Dr Hussain Alsaleh — Specialist Prosthodontist & Oral Implantologist
Small, inflamed bumps 
on the tongue (swollen 
What Are fungiform papillae)
Lie Bumps?
May appear red or white, 
commonly on the tip or 
sides
Benign, self-limiting; 
typically resolve in 1–3 
days
Forms & Duration
Types (from medical 
literature):
Generalized: widespread Localized: restricted • Classic (1–2 bumps)
across the tongue areas only • Papulokeratotic (many, non‑painful)
• U-shaped / eruptive 
(may last up to 15 days) 
Symptoms
TINY RED/WHITE RAISED DISCOMFORT, BURNING, RARE CASES: EXCESS 
BUMPS TINGLING, AND SENSITIVITY SALIVA, MILD FEVER
TO SPICY/SOUR FOODS
Exact cause often unknown
What 
Causes 
Them? Possible triggers: stress, minor 
tongue trauma, 
spicy/acidic/sugary foods, 
hormonal changes, reflux, 
allergies, viral infection
Contagiousness
NOT CONTAGIOUS—UNLIKE CAUSED BY LOCAL 
ORAL INFECTIONS LIKE IRRITATION OR 
THRUSH OR COLD SORES INFLAMMATION, NOT 
PATHOGENS
Diagnosis
01 02 03
Identified by May include Rarely biopsy if 
appearance & questions about atypical 
patient history recent diet, oral duration or 
care, stress severity
level
Treatmen Usually clears up in 1–3 days
t & Relief
Relief measures:
• Good oral hygiene
• Avoid irritants (spicy, acidic foods)
• Salt-water or antiseptic rinses
• Topical gels or antihistamines/steroids 
for severe discomfort
When to See a Doctor
BUMPS LASTING >7 DAYS OR SEVERE PAIN, SIGNIFICANT RULE OUT OTHER ORAL 
WORSENING SWELLING, FEVER, TROUBLE CONDITIONS (CANKER SORES, 
EATING, RECURRING LESIONS THRUSH, ALLERGIC 
REACTIONS)
Lie bumps are harmless, 
usually brief tongue 
Key bumps from irritation
Takeaway
Manage with simple 
home care and avoid 
irritants
Seek professional advice 
if they persist, recur, or 
worsen
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