Pimples on the tongue: causes of canker sores and what helps

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Greyish, yellowish or white pimples on the tongue are usually canker sores, which are considered a separate disease. Although the blisters on the tongue are harmless, they are often painful and manifest themselves as a severe burning sensation. Especially when you eat something hot, spicy or sour.

Canker sores often appear on the tip of the tongue as a milky spot with a reddish edge. In 80-90% of cases, canker sores on the tongue are so-called minor canker sores. They are usually only superficial and heal on their own within two weeks.

Larger aphthae, the so-called major aphthae, occur less frequently. They cause greater discomfort and can torment us for several weeks because they penetrate deep into the mucous membrane.

If there are several pinhead-sized pimples on your tongue that are located next to each other and are reminiscent of cold sores, you may be suffering from herpetiform aphthous ulcers. They occur particularly on the edges of the tongue.

In the pictures you can see what canker sores on the tongue can look like:

Causes of canker sores

Why some people continue to suffer from canker sores is not fully understood. What is certain is that they usually occur from the age of 20 and that women are more affected than men.

However, there are some things that can cause painful pimples to develop on the tongue. These include mechanical injuries to the tongue caused by eating or drinking too hot, toothbrushes that are too firm or coarse or sharp-edged foods.

Smoking, drug use and stress can also lead to canker sores in the mouth and tongue. Just like a vitamin or nutrient deficiency.

In order to prevent painful pimples on the tongue, it is important to eat a balanced and healthy diet. Also make sure you get enough sleep and exercise. This prevents stress.

Harmless causes of pimples on the tongue

What we think are pimples on the tongue is not always actually a canker sore or inflammation. The tongue is not even, but has small bumps that can appear as what appear to be red pimples.

What you naturally see in the mirror when you stick out your tongue are the so-called papillae. Most contain taste buds and are responsible for “tasting”. Others are responsible for the tactile sensation of the tongue. The small red pimples on the tongue are something completely normal and healthy.

But it can happen that the normally small papillae swell and become noticeable as thicker pimples on the tongue. This happens, for example, when you bite your tongue.

Sometimes certain foods are also the cause of enlarged papillae. For example, if you eat spicy, spicy foods or sprayed, unwashed fruit, this can also cause the papillae to swell.

Just like smoking or alcohol can cause pimples on the tongue. Inflammation of the gums or other dental problems can also “spread” to the tongue and cause pimples.

If you have a whitish coating on your tongue, the enlarged papillae can sometimes look like white pimples on your tongue. Not pretty, but harmless.

You can see from these pictures that papillae sometimes look like pimples on the tongue:

Pimples on the back of the tongue during colds

In addition to canker sores, bacterial or viral infections can also be the cause of pimples on the tongue. The pimples are on the back of the tongue and are fromaccompanied, there is usually one, i.e. a viral infection behind it. After one to two weeks, the annoying symptoms disappear on their own.

The further back or to the side the pimples are on the tongue, the more difficult self-diagnosis can be.

In general, if the pimples on the tongue are the only, albeit painful, symptom, they are usually canker sores. If you also feel weak and generally sick, then there is often a bacterial or viral infection behind it.

Ultimately, only your doctor can find out what the cause of the pimples on your tongue is.

Pimples on the tongue in the baby: what to do?

Pimples on the tongue in babies are a special case and should always be checked by a doctor. The reason: Painful blisters in the mouth and on the tongue can lead to the infant refusing to drink because breastfeeding or bottle-feeding hurts too much.

If your baby is noticeably suffering, you should see your pediatrician on the same day. Special emergency practices are open on weekends or after work.

By the way, canker sores are rare in babies. There are more often other causes behind the painful pimples on the baby's tongue. This includes, for example, oral thrush, also known as mouth fungus. The fungal infection appears as white plaque and pustules in the mouth and tongue.

The pediatricians can usually tell at first glance what is behind the pimples on your child's tongue and will discuss the right treatment with you.

Home remedies for pimples on the tongue and canker sores

There are a number of tried and tested home remedies for unpleasant pimples on the tongue. They relieve pain and can speed up the healing process. Here is an overview:

1. Chamomile and sage for pimples on the tongue

Chamomile and sage are proven home remedies for inflammation of the mouth and throat. The medicinal herbs have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and support the healing process.

Important when using: Make sure that you only drink the tea lukewarm. Drinks that are too hot would worsen the symptoms.

2. Ginger has an anti-inflammatory effect

Ginger is also said to have anti-inflammatory effects. It's best to brew a tea with fresh ginger and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then let it cool to lukewarm and drink in small sips.

Caution: The spiciness of ginger can be painful, especially with large canker sores. If this is the case for you, then it is better to try a gentler home remedy for pimples on the tongue such as sage tea or clove oil.

3. Clove oil againstCanker sores on the tongue

Clove oil is considered a natural pain reliever. One or two drops on the pimple, tongue sore or canker sore are enough for a slightly anesthetic effect.

Clove oil also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. A real must-have in the natural pharmacy.

4. Gargle with salt water for mild inflammation

A very cheap and effective home remedy for pimples on the tongue and inflammation in the mouth is lukewarm salt water.

Simply dissolve a teaspoon of table salt in 250 ml of lukewarm water and gargle with it several times a day. Salt water has a disinfectant effect and helps the pimples on the tongue heal faster.

5. Ice cubes for tongue pain

If your priority is to relieve the pain caused by pimples on your tongue, you should try ice cubes. They cool the tongue and have a slightly anesthetic effect. This simple home remedy is also suitable for children.

Which medications help against pimples on the tongue?

Depending on the cause of the pimples on the tongue, home remedies have their limits. For painful, large canker sores, medications in the form of disinfectant mouthwashes or ointments are usually used. Its ingredients have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect.

If bacterial infections are the cause of the blisters in the mouth, antibiotics may be necessary in severe cases. Only a doctor can determine whether and which medication is necessary in your case.

If a viral infection is the cause of the pimples on the back of the tongue, the only thing that usually helps is to wait and drink tea. Antibiotics are powerless against viruses.

Prevent pimples on the tongue and canker sores

If you keep getting stubborn pimples on your tongue, you should take a closer look at your oral hygiene.

In addition to your teeth and between your teeth, always clean your tongue when brushing your teeth. You can use a special one for thisTongue brushor oneTongue scraperuse. With these helpers you can remove the coating on your tongue and prevent pimples on your tongue.


Also withMouthwashesAfter brushing your teeth you are doing something good for your tongue. However, make sure to choose a gentle product without alcohol, as alcohol can irritate the sensitive tongue mucosa and make canker sores worse.

Anyone who frequently suffers from canker sores on their tongue should also have theirsNutritionrethink. Although the cause of canker sores is still largely unclear, doctors believe there is a connection between diet and increased canker sore formation.

People who have one, aor a lack ofsuffer from canker sores more often. Acidic and spicy foods are also suspected of promoting or aggravating canker sores and pimples on the tongue.

Pimples on the tongue: when to see a doctor?

Pimples on the tongue are usually harmless and disappear on their own. You can support the healing process at home with gentle home remedies.

If the pimples on your tongue are so painful that they limit your daily life or if the blisters or bumps on your tongue seem strange to you, you should see a doctor. The same applies if you keep struggling with painful pimples on your tongue or canker sores.

The first point of contact is the family doctor's office, where a diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment can be discussed. If you are unsure, you should consult a specialist. ENT doctors are responsible for all tongue diseases, including pimples and canker sores.

Important note: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a diagnosis from a doctor. If you have any uncertainties, urgent questions or complaints, you should contact your doctor or pediatrician. The medical on-call service can be reached via the nationwide number 116117.