Brief Answer:
It does not seem infected- advice on how to manage it

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,

I carefully read your query and also checked the uploaded image.

Very likely the buds inflamed on your tongue were due to transient lingual papillitis which is a very common condition with sore bumps at the tip of the tongue.

Generally, inflammation of these buds should resolve in a few days. Biting them may cause them to look like small wounds on the tongue. It is very uncommon for the tongue to be infected, especially in otherwise healthy people, and if infection complicates a wound, generally, the pain is worse when infection happens.
So, in your case, because the pain is better today and also because secondary infections on the tongue are very unlikely in otherwise healthy patients, I would not worry about them being infected. The lack of redness or swelling of the tongue also makes it unlikely for secondary infection to be present.

To help with the pain and help the lesions heal properly:

- you may have some salt water mouth wash (taking half a glass of water and putting a tip of a teaspoon of salt in it- do not put much salt), and rinsing your mouth several times a day with it.

- antiseptic mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine may be used as well

- cold fluids may ease the inflammation and the pain, yogurt and ice cream may make you feel better as well

- topical steroids can be used in some cases to ease the pain but are not often needed.
- avoid spicy food and very hot food and any food that you notice it makes the pain worse

Normally, you should be better in a couple of days and the lesions should disappear completely in 4-5 days.

If you notice no improvement or the lesions last for more than a week or you notice any new symptoms you will need to see your doctor.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician

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