AboutJoel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Expertise I am a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and I am available to answer questions related to tooth extractions, implant insertion, facial recontruction, facial and oral tumor removal, TMJ dysfunction and various successful treatments, including surgery if all else fails, and occlusal discrepancy requiring orthognathic or jaw surgery.
Experience Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicine for over 20 years. Assistant Clincal Professor and State University School of Dentistry.
Organizations American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Education/Credentials BA
DMD
Awards and Honors National Honor Society (OKU), Philadelphia County Dental Society, Mosby Book Award, Oral Surgery Honors, Summa Cum Laude
Question Hello, I am a 22 year old male. About 3 years ago, I would get a one tiny red bump on the left side of my tongue, anytime I ate the wrong kind of foods, such as breads and sodas. The bump will dissapear in 3 days or so and then reappear in the same location after a couple weeks. Just recently I started getting these same bumps on the right side of my tongue. Its not white just red. Sometimes you can't see it but at other times they look lumpy. When they do exist however, there is a sharp pain when pressure is applied. What can this be? Thank You
Answer John - what you describe can be one of two different processes. Neither one is bad.
1) Along the side of the tongue are on of the many forms of taste buds. These sensory organs can occsionally get clogged and a minor inflammation or infection can occur. Warm saline rinses are all that are necessary to treat this situation.
2) Along the tongue also are minor salivary glands. These glands produce a thicker form of saliva that helps to coat your food and make it slide easier down your esophagus. These glands can also clog. Warm salt water or a mixture of salt water and lemon juice (warm) can help unclog the area.
If this continues to be a problem see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
