Burning Mouth Syndrome

Definition

Burning Mouth Syndrome is a feeling of burning or hotness that can affect your tongue, lips, palate, or areas all over your mouth. It is otherwise known as “glossodynia” (from the Greek words for “tongue” and “pain”). It is a condition in which nerve signals to the brain get altered, which results in normal areas inside the mouth feeling hot and burning.

Causes

There is no clear-cut cause for burning mouth syndrome. However, it has been linked with female gender, hormone changes (menopause), stress, anxiety, depression, and some of the materials that are used in restorative dentistry.

Some medical conditions are also linked to burning mouth syndrome and these include diabetes, vitamins’ deficiencies (Iron, B12, Folic Acid, Zinc), acid reflux, xerostomia and oral candidiasis.

Symptoms

The burning sensation can affect every area inside your mouth, but it most commonly appears on the tongue. Symptoms peak up by the evening, usually after a stressful day. Other symptoms might include tingling, numbness or metallic taste.

Diagnosis

Your OMFS surgeon will diagnose the condition through a thorough history. Clinical examination is normally unremarkable. You may have a blood test to exclude for any element’s deficiencies.

Treatment

If a cause is identified, then treatment is targeted in correcting that cause. Usually this refers to supplement therapy.

In most cases of idiopathic burning mouth syndrome, counselling and biofeedback is paramount, as the patient needs to learn to manage and live with the condition. Low-dose anti-depressants (amitriptyline) are shown to be beneficial in burning mouth syndrome.

Self-management

You can improve your symptoms by having a daily routine that includes sipping plenty of water, chewing sugar-free gum, avoiding spicy food and irritants, and avoiding smoking.

The burning mouth syndrome is a long-term condition, which could affect you for the rest of your life.