“This is a common painful inflammatory condition that affects the taste buds on the tip of the tongue,” Carrasco says. “More precisely, it affects one or several taste buds, called fungiform papillae.” Cutting down on excess sugars, dairy, or refined carbohydrates may help heal your gut and, subsequently, your tongue. Removing spicy or highly acidic foods while your tongue is inflamed can prevent further irritation and burning. Instead, eat cool and soothing foods, like yogurt.