What can be balls in the tongue and what to do

The balls on the tongue usually appear due to the consumption of very hot or acidic foods, irritating the taste buds, or even due to the bite on the tongue, which can cause pain and discomfort when speaking and chewing, for example. These balls usually disappear spontaneously after a while. However, the balls on the tongue can also represent HPV infection or even oral cancer, and should be investigated by the doctor and, thus, treatment started.

The main causes of balls on the tongue are:

1. Inflammation or irritation of the taste buds

The taste buds are small structures present on the tongue responsible for taste. However, due to anxiety, consumption of very acidic or hot foods or use of cigarettes, for example, there may be inflammation or irritation of these papillae, which results in the appearance of red balls on the tongue, decreased taste and, sometimes, pain when brushing your teeth.

What to do: In case the red balls on the tongue represent inflammation or irritation of the taste buds, it is important to go to the doctor to avoid possible infections, and also avoid the consumption of foods that can make this situation worse, such as pineapple, kiwi or coffee hot, for example.

2. Thrush

Canker sores are small flat ulcerated balls that can appear anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue, and that can cause discomfort when eating and talking. Canker sores can arise due to various situations, such as an increase in the pH of the mouth due to poor digestion, bite on the tongue, stress, use of dental devices and vitamin deficiency. Learn more about thrush in the language.

What to do: Canker sores usually disappear in a few days, however, if they are large or do not heal, it is recommended to go to the doctor so that the best treatment can be investigated and established. Here are some tips to get rid of thrush quickly.

3. Oral candidiasis

Oral candidiasis, also known as thrush, is a disease caused by increased proliferation of the fungus in the mouth, leading to the formation of whitish plaques and pellets in the throat and tongue. This infection is more common in babies, due to the poor development of the immune system and poor hygiene of the mouth after breastfeeding, and in adults who have a compromised immune system. Learn how to identify and treat oral candidiasis.

What to do: When noticing the presence of whitish plaques in the mouth it is important to go to the doctor so that treatment can be started, which is usually done with antifungals, such as Nystatin or Miconazole. In addition, it is important to properly perform oral hygiene. Check out how to brush your teeth properly.

4. HPV

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease whose most common clinical manifestation is the appearance of warts on the genital region. However, HPV infection can lead to the appearance of sores or pellets on the side of the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth. The sores in the mouth may have the same skin tone or have a red or white color, and may be similar to cold sore. Learn more about HPV in the mouth.

What to do: When the first symptoms of HPV are identified, it is important to go to the doctor so that treatment can be started, which is done with the use of specific ointments that should be used daily according to medical advice. See how HPV treatment is done.

5. Mouth cancer

One of the symptoms of oral cancer is the appearance of little balls on the tongue, similar to the cold sore, that hurt, bleed and grow over time. In addition, red or white spots on the throat, gums or tongue and small superficial wounds may be observed, which can make it difficult for the person to chew and speak. Know other symptoms of mouth cancer.

What to do: If the symptoms do not disappear within 15 days, it is important to consult a general practitioner or a dentist so that the diagnosis and treatment can be started, which in this case is done with the removal of the tumor followed by radio sessions or chemotherapy. See what are the treatment options for oral cancer.