How to Get Rid of an Enlarged Taste Bud

Enlarged taste buds, also known as transient lingual papillitis, is a temporary condition that affects about 50 percent of the population. Most often it affects young women in the spring, although all ages are prone to it year-round. The swelling of taste buds is the only symptom of what is thought to be a viral infection. The taste buds become noticeably red or white and feel tender for a few days.

Things You'll Need

• Salt
• Water
• Yogurt, ice cream or cold drinks
• Topical antiseptic cream

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Instructions

• 1

  Mix salt in some room temperature water to make a salt mouth wash. Swirl the mixture around inside of the mouth several times a day. Rinse with fresh water. This solution disinfects the area.

• 2

  Eat soothing foods such as yogurt or ice cream and drink cold beverages. The combination of cold and soothing helps to calm the itchiness of the taste buds and reduce the swelling.

• 3

  Apply topical antiseptic creams the the affected area. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which creams are suitable for oral application. These creams help to reduce pain and disinfect the area.