Hello, Thanks for your query. The causes of the enlargement of the papillae on the tongue include the following: Excessive smoking can cause irritation to the tongue. This can result in enlargement of the papillae on the tongue. Canker sores can be present in the mouth with no known cause. And when the person is experiencing stress, this condition may be more severe. There are some medical conditions that have symptoms that include the enlargement of the papillae. Gastrointestinal conditions like GERD and ulcerative colitis are known to be associated with enlarged papillae on the tongue. An oral cancer may be present if the sore does not disappear after two weeks. Infection may result from trauma of the tongue caused by biting, eating something hot or foods that are too acidic. Usually no treatment is required for this as the condition resolves within hours or days. salt water mouth rinses cold fluids soothing foods such as yoghurt antiseptic or local anaesthetic mouthwashes topical steroids I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care