If You Have a Swollen Taste Bud, these 5 Reasons Might Be Why

You need your taste buds to try out and experience different flavors. But if you have a swollen taste bud, you cannot make the most of it. It can be irritating and an obstacle when you try to enjoy your food. Thus, it is vital to avoid anything that can lead to this condition. But what exactly causes an inflamed taste bud? We will give you five causes why your tongue might be looking a little swollen.

What Causes an Inflamed Taste Bud?

A minor cut or burn can be the culprit for your inflamed taste bud, or it could be because you procrastinate maintaining proper oral hygiene. There are many reasons why your tongue is swollen, and five of these include:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

If you do not stick to a proper oral hygiene routine, you can develop several oral health conditions. This includes inflammation in your taste bud. Not brushing your teeth or flossing regularly allows bacteria and viruses to thrive in your mouth. As a result, you can get an infection that gives you a swollen tongue.

2. Dry Mouth

Your taste buds need a damp environment to function properly. If you get a dry mouth, it can affect your ability to taste and give you a swollen tongue. Dehydration, mouth breathing, and certain medications are among the few reasons that can dry your mouth. Thus, it is crucial to drink enough water and fluids throughout the day. Moreover, you should treat whatever gives you a dry mouth to avoid getting an inflamed tongue.

3. Infections

Although it is rare, bacterial and viral infections can lead to swelling in your tongue. Scarlet fever is also a common cause of swelling in your taste buds. If you have a fever, peels on the tongue, and swelling in your tonsils, you might have scarlet fever.

4. Acidic or Spicy Food

If you are a fan of spicy food or take acidic food regularly, it might be time to give it up. Spicy or acidic food can aggravate your taste buds and worsen acid reflux. Consequently, you can get a swollen tongue with enlarged taste buds. Therefore, it is better to steer clear of acidic or salty foods. To reduce the soreness in your tongue, a cup of milk might come in handy.

5. Acid Reflux

When the strong or corrosive stomach acids back up into your esophagus, you have acid reflux. In some cases, the strong acid drifts into your mouth and burns your tongue. This can give you an inflamed tongue.

Other Reasons

These are not the only causes of swelling in your taste buds. Other reasons include:

• Extreme Temperatures
• Transient Lingual Papillitis (TLP)
• Oral Cancer
• Lack of Essential Vitamins
• Smoking
• Injuries
• Irritation
• Stress

Conclusion

If you have a swollen tongue, it can be because your taste buds have inflammation. There are many reasons why your taste buds can get swollen, like improper oral hygiene, dry mouth, acid reflux, oral infections, and spicy or acidic food. However, the causes are not limited to these. Thus, it is better to make a visit to your dentist if you have inflammation in your taste buds.