what are the reasons behind swollen taste buds on the tongue? Life-style! The life-style of a person can often provoke the taste buds on the tongue to become inflamed, white (sometimes red in color), and sore, causing a difficulty in eating, and even a loss of appetite - and little to do with telling lies.
What are the taste buds on the tongue responsible for?
Papillae (one of the small protuberances which compose of the senses of smell, touch, and taste), and which distinguish between being bitter or salty, sweet and sour, and umami ([savory, meaty, or brothy] the taste of the food additive MSG [mono-sodium glutamate that is usually found in Chinese foods, snacks, and many seasonings, etc.]).
However, when the taste buds become inflamed, sore, or swollen (for many reasons), not only are they painful as it becomes more difficult to eat, but they also greatly affect the taste of food (food may become diminished in taste).
What are the main causes for the taste buds to become inflamed, white, and sore?
- Eating overcooked, very hot, very spicy, or acidic (grapefruits, lemons and limes) foods (most common together with cuts on the tongue [also quite common, and usually caused by accidental biting of the tongue]).
- Smoking (exposure to cigarette smoke [even second-hand smoke]).
- The ingestion of corrosive chemicals such as: insecticides and certain poisons.
- Any of the above may cause the taste buds to become inflamed and sore by them being irritated (the taste buds are actually white [when inflamed they become larger to the human eye only - giving the appearance of large white spots]).
Treatment - If not treated (after prolonged periods) they may cause any of the following: allergies, endocrine disorders (dental problems, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and hypoadrenalism [Addison's disease]), infections (oral yeast, and thrush), mineral and vitamin deficiencies, mouth and tongue ulcers, and stomach infections. Treatments may include the following:
- Baking soda placed directly on the taste buds to relieve swelling and pain.
- Glycerin (glycerine) placed on the tongue to help reduce swelling (when caused by accidental biting).
- Herbs (garlic, ginger and pepper mixed together and added to foods [soups] to reduce inflammation).
- Honey (a teaspoon of honey mixed with warm water [taken similar to gargling, but can be swallowed] to facilitate healing).
- Ice placed on the tongue to relieve pain.
- Salt water gargling (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water).
- Tea tree oil gargling (a natural oil extract from the Melaleuca altermifolia tree [found at most good health stores]).
