Instead, these "tongue pimples" are bumps that can occur for a variety of reasons ranging from harmless to more serious. Lingual papillitis, commonly referred to as lie bumps, is a common ailment.

Oropharyngeal tongue cancer — medically known as oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue — develops in the back one-third of the tongue ... and throat for bumps, sores, or other signs.

Transient lingual papillitis (TLP), or "lie bumps," is a common inflammatory condition that affects the fungiform papillae— ...

Researchers found that one in four coronavirus patients noticed changes to their tongue, including swelling, sores, raised bumps on the surface of the tongue, indentations, and/or discolored patches.