Bumps on back of tongue for a long time

Hi I read some similar posts on here before, but they didn't fully explain everything. Basically, for quite some time now (over a year) I have had these bumps pretty far back on my tongue. They are the same color as the rest of my tongue, and fairly small a few millimeters maybe. Normally they are not a problem, but occasionally, they become irritated or something and become come quite painful, and makes it hard to swallow. They just appeared one day quite a while ago, were painful for a few days, then they didn't hurt anymore, and I figured they would just go away. They never went away, but only occasionally are painful. When they are painful, I believe they get a little larger as well. Any idea what they are? I have not said anything to the dentist, although he must have seen them during checkups and has said nothing.

Thank you

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

These bumps are probably your taste buds which can get irritated from certain foods. If this persists then you can consult an oral surgeon.