Transient Lingual Papillitis (TLP)

Written by Alyson Powell Key
Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on February 12, 2025
5 min read

Transient lingual papillitis (TLP) is a minor health condition that causes small, painful bumps on your tongue that are red, white, or yellow. Also called lie bumps or liar’s tongue, TLP gets its nickname from a myth that you get the condition when you don't tell the truth.

Dentist and educator Steven B. Whitaker, DDS, introduced the term “transient lingual papillitis” in 1996. Other names for similar lesions include:

  • Lingual fungiform papillae hypertrophy
  • Fungiform papillary glossitis
  • Photocopier’s papillitis
  • Eruptive lingual papillitis
  • Eruptive familial lingual papillitis
  • Eruptive lingual papillitis with household transmission

Experts aren’t sure how often people get TLP, but they think the condition is common.


 

There are several types of TLP, each causing different symptoms. They include:

Classic lingual papillitis

This is the most common type of TLP and causes sensitive bumps on the tip or sides of your tongue. It tends to affect young women. Experts think around half of all people in the U.S. will get this form at some point.

Eruptive lingual papillitis

Eruptive lingual papillitis usually affects children and causes red and white bumps on the tongue. Symptoms also include fever and swollen lymph nodes, and the condition may spread to others. Kids with this type of TLP may suddenly start drooling and lose their appetite.

U-shaped lingual papillitis

With this type of TLP, you may notice your tongue grows larger than normal (called macroglossia).

Papulokeratonic lingual papillitis

This form of TLP covers your entire tongue with white and yellow bumps. You won’t have any other symptoms.

Your tongue is covered by hundreds of tiny bumps and projections called papillae. They help you chew and taste food, speak, and notice the temperature. When something irritates your papillae, it can cause TLP. Sources of irritation include:

  • Biting your tongue or other injuries
  • Stress
  • Infections caused by a virus
  • Changes in your hormones
  • Food allergies
  • Atopic dermatitis or other allergic disease
  • Friction from braces and other dental appliances
  • Whitening products for your mouth
  • Acidic or sugary foods
  • An inflammatory response from stress, lack of sleep, or poor nutrition
  • Cold sores
  • Asthma
  • Smoking
  • Swollen or inflamed taste buds

Symptoms of TLP depend on which form of the condition you have, but most people will experience:

  • Small bumps on the tongue (tip, sides, or back)
  • Sharp pain
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Changes to your sense of taste
  • Dry mouth
  • Sensitivity to hot foods

To diagnose whether you have TLP, your doctor will examine your tongue and ask about your symptoms — how long you’ve had them and what triggers them, such as certain food, drinks, or dental care products. 

To make sure you have no other health issues, your doctor might do some tests. These could involve taking samples from the inside of your cheek to check for infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria. They might also take a small piece of tissue from your mouth to check for signs of inflammation in the papillae, which helps confirm TLP. 

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor:

  • What form of TLP do I have?
  • Is treatment necessary? If so, what kind?
  • Will this condition return?
  • How can I stop it from happening again?

Classic TLP usually gets better on its own, so you probably won’t need treatment. Until it clears up, here are some ways to manage your pain and irritation:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
  • Warm saltwater rinses
  • Avoiding things that irritate your tongue (spicy foods, acidic or sugary foods and drinks, and certain dental care products)
  • Cold drinks, ice chips, and popsicles to soothe inflammation
  • Foods to ease irritation, such as yogurt and mint leaves
  • Antiseptic mouthwash
  • Eating nutritious foods to avoid digestive problems that trigger TLP
  • Staying hydrated

For other types of TLP, your doctor may suggest these medications:

  • Anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids to ease inflammation 
  • Antiseptics to prevent infection
  • Antivirals to treat viral infections 
  • Antihistamines for allergic reactions
  • Asthma treatments (inhalers and bronchodilators)

Avoid popping the bumps on your tongue, as it can cause more pain. Talk to your doctor if the bumps don’t go away after a few weeks, come back often, bleed, or if you have a fever or swollen lymph nodes.

TLP can last anywhere from a few hours to a week but usually clears up in two to three days. The condition tends to come back if you’re unaware of your triggers.

You can lower your chances of getting TLP by avoiding the things that trigger it, such as:

  • Trauma to your tongue
  • Stress
  • Infection
  • Certain foods and products

Transient lingual papillitis (TLP), also known as “lie bumps,” is a common but minor condition that causes small, painful red, white, or yellow bumps on your tongue. It can result from irritation, stress, infections, allergies, or certain foods. There are different types of TLP, some of which cause symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or tongue swelling. TLP usually clears up on its own within a few days, but treatments such as pain relievers and saltwater rinses and avoiding irritants can help manage discomfort. Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory or antiviral medications.

What virus causes lingual papillitis?

The herpes simplex virus is a common viral cause of TLP.

Is lingual papillitis a sign of COVID-19?

U-shaped lingual papillitis, which causes an enlarged tongue and spots, could be a sign of COVID-19.

Is transient lingual papillitis contagious?

One form of the condition, eruptive lingual papillitis, can spread from person to person. Otherwise, TLP isn’t contagious.