Unfortunately, this can make them enlarged or inflamed. Spicy or acidic foods can worsen acid reflux and irritate the taste buds. If changes to your diet aren’t very effective, take anti-reflux medications. Caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee can also cause acid reflux, so it’s better to stay away from them too. The best strategy is to avoid spicy, citric, or fatty foods. Sometimes, the acid can reach your mouth, resulting in a burnt tongue and inflamed taste buds. Acid RefluxĪcid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. To get rid of a stuffy nose, inhale steam or use mentholated candies. If the culprit is medication or slowed down salivary glands, you can ask your doctor for alternative medicines or use artificial saliva mouth sprays. The best way to combat this situation is to drink enough water or juices. Sometimes your salivary glands produce insufficient saliva resulting in xerostomia.įor taste buds to work properly, a wet environment is very important, and a dry mouth can make them enlarged or irritated. There are several causes of a dry mouth, including dehydration, medications, or breathing from the mouth (when having a stuffy nose). To get rid of any remaining bacteria, it’s a good idea to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash. This practice is essential if you’re experiencing a dry mouth or smoke. Whenever you brush and floss your teeth, don’t forget your tongue. To prevent this from happening, dentists recommend brushing the top surface of your tongue. This can cause infections that result in inflamed taste buds. Ignoring oral hygiene routines that include daily brushing and flossing can allow bacteria and viruses to fester in the mouth. Here are some possible causes of enlarged papillae. Swollen taste buds can occur due to several conditions, be it allergies or a poor oral hygiene routine. What Causes Enlarged or Inflamed Taste Buds? But what causes inflamed papillae? Let’s learn the common reasons. Eating or drinking can be a difficult task when your taste buds swell up. Enlarged or inflamed taste buds can cause irritation and pain. Under normal circumstances, you may not feel your papillae. Foliate: These reside on the back edges of your tongue and contain several hundred taste buds.They are so large that you can easily see them with the naked eye. Circumvallate: These huge papillae are present at your tongue’s base and contain thousands of taste buds.Each one has 3 to 5 taste buds and sensory cells that detect temperature and texture. Fungiform: Around 200-400 fungiform papillae reside on the tip and edges of your tongue.They work as grips to help cleanse the mouth, chew, and speak. Filiform: This is the most common type, and it doesn’t have any taste buds.The tongue contains 4 types of papillae that help you speak, taste, chew, and swallow. Be it salty, sweet, sour, or bitter, these tiny organs enable you to identify the different tastes. Your taste buds are what let you experience the flavor of your favorite food or drink.