Let’s get straight to the point here, fungiform papillae are the small bumps located on the top and sides of your tongue. They’re the same color as the rest of your tongue and, under normal circumstances, are unnoticeable.
They give your tongue a rough texture, which helps you eat. They also contain taste buds and temperature sensors.
Papillae can become enlarged for a variety of reasons. Most of the time, these reasons aren’t serious.
About half of us experience this “disease” at some point. These little white or red bumps form when papillae become irritated and slightly swollen. It’s not always clear why this happens, but it may be related to stress, hormones, or particular foods.
Although they can be uncomfortable, lie bumps aren’t serious and usually clear up without treatment and within a few days. However, the bumps can recur.
Eruptive lingual papillitis is most common among children and is likely contagious. It can be accompanied by fever and swollen glands. It generally doesn’t require treatment and clears up within two weeks, but it can recur. Saltwater rinses or cold, smooth foods may provide some relief.
Athina Tsiorva