transient lingual papillitis transient lingual papillitis transient lingual papillitis are painful, hypertrophic, red and white lingual papillae on the tongue. transient lingual papillitisother namesfungiform papillary glossitis, eruptive lingual papillitis, lie bumps), cause transient lingual papillitis can affect males and females as early as 3 years of age. in many cases, the cause is unknown. some dental professionals believe the inflammation is due to chronic irritation from teeth, fillings, or dental appliances. stress, poor nutrition, smoking, and alcohol use may also be initiating factors.