Eruptive Lingual Papillitis

Diagnosis

• A swab from the surface of the tongue to identify the bacterial flora
• PCR tests for the presence of bacterial, viral, fungal infections
• Histological and cytological laboratory analysis
• Blood tests- as a differential diagnosis for similar symptoms like AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases

Differential Diagnosis

• Human papillomavirus (HPV):- Viral infection that spreads through skin-to-skin contact and causes warts and can affect the genitals, mouth, or throat
• Ulcer diseases:- Painful red sores that can occur anywhere in the mouth and are not contagious but usually goes away without treatment within ten days
• Syphilis:- An early sign of this sexually transmitted infection is pain that may appear in the mouth.
• Scarlet fever:- Bacterial infection that causes red bumps on the tongue
• Mouth cancer:- Although rare, bumps that are gray, pink, or red and bleed when touched can be cancerous. Oral cancer may appear on the side of the tongue rather than the top.
• Traumatic fibroma:- This is a smooth pink growth on the tongue caused by chronic irritation and may require surgical removal.
• Lymphoepithelial cysts:- Soft yellow cysts that can appear under the tongue and usually harmless, and their cause is unknown.

Treatment

• Antiviral drugs
• Antibiotics to treat bacterial overgrowth
• Antifungal agents to treat yeast overgrowth.
• Mouthwash medications
• Medications to increase saliva production
• Corticosteroids

• Diet:- Dentists advise reducing the consumption of acidic and spicy foods. All dishes should be medium spicy; avoid hot spicy food.
• Daily brushing of teeth at least two times a day using a paste and a brush
• If a condition is severe, it is better to clean the oral cavity after a meal.
• Timely treatment of deep caries, pulpitis, and other dental diseases;
• Treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs and other tissues without going into the stage of complications (tonsillitis, sinusitis, sinusitis; otitis media)
• Adequate nutrition, vitamins, trace elements, amino acids, minerals, and other useful substances supply to the body.
• Avoiding consumption of harmful products that negatively affect the gums, tooth enamel (lemonade, coffee, strong tea)
• Getting rid of bad habits (alcohol, smoking)

• A decoction of chamomile, oak bark, and calendula (for severe inflammation or rash of the papillae)
• Decoctions of eucalyptus and mint (have good antiseptic properties)
• Lotions from potato and aloe juice
• A mixture of olive oil and tea tree oil ( An excellent emollient and antibacterial effect)

Symptoms

Most often, papillitis occurs on the tongue, and many patients describe it as pimples. They can be painful even when you are not eating or drinking. Some people experience burning, itching, or tingling; in rare cases, burning and mild painful sensations on the tongue. Some have no symptoms or pain other than the bump itself.

More specific symptoms are:-

• Eruptive lingual papillitis persist for more than two weeks
• Body temperature rises (fever)
• Soreness of the tongue
• Changes in the tongue color (in large areas or the form of dots of white, red)

If other severe symptoms occur, the dentist conducts an additional examination to understand the possibilities of dangerous conditions. Only a dentist can determine the type of inflammation and make a diagnosis, analyzing the data of complaints, external and instrumental examination.

Causes

The exact cause of eruptive lingual papillitis is not known. Research has helped identify provoking factors:

• Viruses can be causative agents.
• A diet high in sour, spicy, and sweet foods
• Chronic stress
• Chronic trauma to the tongue
• Gastrointestinal complications including constipation
• Allergic reactions
• Improper dental hygiene
• Smoking and frequent alcohol

FAQ

When do you need a dentist consultation?

Unknown changes in the tongue and gums are always a reason to visit the dentist to avoid serious complications. In case of a suspicious bump on the tongue, consult a specialist if:-

• It persists for a week or more.
• Severe pain and discomfort appeared.
• Symptoms come back again and again.
• Bleeding appeared

What are some protective measures to prevent eruptive lingual papillitis?

Simple preventive measures will help prevent ailment and maintain oral health. Prevention is better than cure. You don’t have to wait until you have this problem.

• Avoid foods that are too salty and spicy, as well as overly hot foods and drinks.  It can cause problems with the mucous membrane of the mouth and also the tongue.
• Stop smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Do not allow any toxic substances, poisons, irritating solutions to enter the oral cavity: alcohol (including low-quality ones), household chemicals, and insecticides.
• Practice good oral hygiene to reduce the likelihood of any infections that cause swelling of the taste buds.
• Avoid biting your tongue and rubbing it excessively with objects or your teeth. Also, make sure you use your toothbrush with care, do not over-scrub (scrub deeply, sometimes with trauma), or rub the surface of your tongue.
• Strengthening immunity and treating severe conditions that lead to red bumps

What are home remedies for eruptive lingual papillitis?

Home remedies don’t assure a complete cure of eruptive lingual papillitis but may relieve mild symptoms. Consult the dentist before taking any self-prepared natural recipe.

• Gargle with sea salt:- This method involves preparing a mixture of warm water and sea ​​salt and rinsing the mouth with this solution three times a day. It helps in reducing the pain. 
• Ice:- Chewing or applying ice to the affected area of ​​the mouth can reduce the swelling but do not hold the ice for a longer time- as it can affect local blood circulation.
• Baking soda solution (a half teaspoon) in a glass of warm water has good anti-inflammatory properties and can also help reduce swelling.
• Honey has antibacterial and other healing properties. Eating or keeping it in your mouth can heal wounds quickly and reduce swelling.

What are the risk factors associated with eruptive lingual papillitis?

• Smoking and frequent alcohol consumption
• Infections provoked by bacteria, fungi, and viruses
• Allergy

What are the complications of eruptive lingual papillitis?

Apart from common symptoms, eruptive lingual papillitis does not cause any health issues. If untreated, it can lead to severe complications. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics and treatment measures on time. Strictly adhering to the doctor’s recommendations about the treatment regimen prevents the recurrence of the disease.