For some people you can see small white spots here and there on the tongue. It can develop and cover the entire space of the tongue forming thick white coating on its surface. White spots or bumps on the tongue can either be small or big and it can be even in size or irregular. Often white spots begin to occur on the sides of the tongue which would then spread to the center. If left untreated these spots would grow rapidly to cover the surface of the tongue entirely. In some people the white bumps would change its color due to bacterial infection.
Symptoms :
White bumps on tongue would be seen as tiny white spots here and there on the surface of the tongue.
Causes :
Oral thrush is the major cause of white bumps on tongue. White spots are nothing but yeast growth on the tongue which looks like cottage cheese. The infection can spread to other areas like throat, roof of oral cavity and even on the cheeks. Taking antibiotics for prolonged time and poor nutrition can cause thrush. White bump can develop on the tongue due to dryness. Dryness can occur due to excess of heat or dehydration of the body which can cause white spots on the mouth and tongue.
Lichen planus is a type of infection caused by hepatitis C. Allergic reaction is the major cause for forming white bump on tongue and people who are using tobacco can develop more spots on the tongue. A special condition called geographical tongue can give rise to white bump on the tongue. The surface of the tongue would have map like appearance causing white scaly patches. Some types of oral cancer can cause white spots on the mouth and tongue. A condition called leukoplaka can cause white bump that are irregular in size.
Eating excess of spicy and hot foods can cause irritation of taste buds which can develop swelling in due course forming white bumps. Canker sores can also cause white spots on the tongue. Canker sores can develop due to excess of stress or change in hormones. You can get sores from other people also since it is contagious.