Tongue Papillae Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice

Q: Tongue Papillae Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello： If multiple physicians have examined you with no significant abnormalities, it is recommended to self-monitor or return for a follow-up appointment in 3-6 months for regular monitoring. <br>Wishing you peace and health. <br>Sincerely, Dr. <br>Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the

Taste bud issues on the tongue?

Hello Doctor, I have health anxiety and for the past two weeks, I've been worried about my tongue (there's no discomfort, I just look at my tongue in the mirror).
I've already seen three ENT specialists in the past two weeks for a basic tongue examination, and all three doctors said there was no issue.
However, even after being told there’s no problem, I still find myself looking at my tongue in the mirror.
About five days ago, while brushing my teeth, I noticed that two of my taste buds appeared very red when I looked in the mirror.
But after five days, they have changed from red to a light pink color similar to the surrounding tissue.
However, those two taste buds still seem slightly longer than the usual ones.

Given that I have already had my tongue thoroughly examined by three ENT specialists before this incident, and now the redness has subsided but the size seems to remain slightly longer, is this a concern? Should I continue to observe it myself? I don’t want to rush to the clinic for every little issue I notice (like the tissue I see in the mirror).
I was thinking if they are not red anymore, can I wait until my dental cleaning in six months for the dentist to check it? Or is it possible that taste buds can naturally vary in size? Could it be that my tissue is just like this? Thank you.

Cai Cai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/26

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: If multiple physicians have examined you with no significant abnormalities, it is recommended to self-monitor or return for a follow-up appointment in 3-6 months for regular monitoring.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2019/03/26

More Info

When it comes to changes in the tongue's papillae, it's understandable to feel concerned, especially if you have health anxiety. The tongue is a sensitive organ, and its appearance can change for various reasons, including diet, oral hygiene, and even stress. Based on your description, it seems that you have already taken proactive steps by consulting three ENT specialists who have assessed your tongue and found no significant issues.
The fact that you noticed two of your taste buds (papillae) becoming red after brushing your tongue, and then returning to a lighter shade, is not uncommon. The tongue can become irritated for several reasons, such as vigorous brushing, spicy foods, or even minor injuries. The redness you observed could have been a temporary reaction to irritation, which seems to have resolved itself as the color returned to a more normal hue.
The slight elongation of the taste buds you mentioned could also be a normal anatomical variation. Taste buds can vary in size and shape from person to person, and it is not unusual for some to appear longer or more pronounced than others. If the length of the papillae is not accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, persistent redness, or changes in texture, it is generally not a cause for concern.

In terms of when to seek medical advice, it is important to monitor any changes in your oral health. Here are some guidelines:
1. Persistent Changes: If you notice that the changes in your tongue persist for more than a few weeks, or if they worsen, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional again.

2. Accompanying Symptoms: If you experience additional symptoms such as pain, swelling, difficulty swallowing, or changes in taste, you should seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

3. Regular Check-ups: Since you mentioned that you plan to see a dentist for a cleaning in six months, that would be a good time to have your tongue examined again. Dentists are trained to recognize oral health issues and can provide further insight.

4. Anxiety Management: Given your history of health anxiety, it might be beneficial to discuss your concerns with a mental health professional. They can help you develop coping strategies to manage your anxiety regarding health issues.

In summary, based on your current situation, it seems reasonable to continue observing the changes in your tongue while practicing good oral hygiene. If you notice any new symptoms or if the current changes do not resolve, consider scheduling another appointment with a healthcare provider. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health, but also try to balance that with reassurance from your previous consultations.

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