What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

October 18, 2009 by admin
Filed under Burning Mouth Syndrome

What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning Mouth Syndrome is a condition in which the tongue and inside of the mouth experience a persistent burning, and sometimes painful, sensation. This condition affects 2-3% of the general population and 14% of post menopausal women.

Signs of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Most symptoms appear spontaneously and usually start on the tip of the tongue.

Symptoms include:

Burning sensation on tongue
Burning sensation on inside of cheek
Burning/pain has been reported to start in the morning and gradually increase as the day progresses
Tongue may appear redder than normal, or smoother than normal. This indicates an underlying infection is present
Bitter/metallic taste in mouth

Causes/Related Factors of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Most often unpredictable and not related to a specific cause
The following are not causes, but have been linked to the condition:
- Decreased saliva production
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Candidiasis (fungal infection in the mouth)
- Trauma to the mouth
- Chronic tongue thrust habit
- Allergy to medications
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Anxiety
- Stress
- AIDS
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Estrogen deficiency (thus the higher occurrence in post menopausal women)

Treatment for Burning Mouth Syndrome

If the dentist can identify an underlying systemic condition (such as vitamin B deficiency or fungal infection, etc.), you can receive treatment for the primary condition and, as a result, burning mouth syndrome will resolve also
If no cause can be identified, the following treatments may be used
- Clonazapam
- Vitamin B
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
- Pain medications (aspirin, ibuprofen)
- Antibiotics
- Antifungals
- Counseling
Being that this condition has a high correlation with depression, anxiety, and stress, if means are taken to RELAX and create a stress-free, anxiety-free home/work environment symptoms will alleviate