They are large and round, and there are about eight to 12 of them. Papillae help grip food and move it around while you chew. People are born with about 10,000 taste buds. But as a person ages, some of his taste buds die. That's why some foods may taste stronger to you than they do to an adult.
Taste buds can detect sweet, sour, bitter, and salty flavors.
Recently, scientists found a new kind of taste bud that responds to the taste of MSG, a chemical food additive. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.