Sometimes the terms “burning mouth syndrome” or “burning mouth syndrome” are also used. It is formally applied only when no visible abnormalities are found. Burning mouth syndrome affects women more than men, especially women age 40 and older.
Some people have these complaints only on the tongue. This is called tongue burning or tongue pain.
Burning mouth symptoms generally increase during the day and are especially bothersome in the evening. Most people with burning mouth experience symptoms on a daily basis, sometimes for months or even years.
- Painful and/or burning sensation in the oral cavity and tongue.
- Feeling of tickling and stitching in the oral cavity.
- Red spots or other changes in the mucous membrane.
- Red spots or other changes in the mucous membrane on the tongue.
- Dry mouth and taste disturbances.
Burning of the tongue and mouth always occurs bilaterally, that is, on both sides of the mouth. When complaints occur on one side, it does not mean official burning. Often there is something else going on.
Despite a thorough examination, in many cases no cause for the complaint can be identified and no abnormalities appear in the mouth.
Heartburn can also be caused by:
- Oral mucosal disorders: Inflammation caused by a virus, bacteria or Candida fungus.
- Decreased saliva production: This can be caused by aging or Sjögren’s syndrome.
- Ill-fitting dentures or dentures: In rare cases, an allergic reaction to dentures or fillings may occur.
- Hormonal factors: The complaint is more common in women after menopause, but the exact relationship is still unclear.
- Chemotherapy: Burning in the mouth can be a side effect of chemotherapy.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Deficiencies of vitamin B12, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid and zinc can lead to complaints. This is often accompanied by a soft-touch tongue due to the lack of a fine-grained structure. Diabetes is also mentioned as a possible cause.
When the cause of burning mouth is unknown, it can be difficult to find an appropriate treatment. It is therefore important to rule out other possible conditions.
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medication. The use of the muscle relaxant baclofen and some antidepressants sometimes has a beneficial effect on complaints. Furthermore, there is no evidence that alternative medicine, such as homeopathy or acupuncture, can reduce heartburn symptoms.
source: Stomach, Intestine and Liver Foundation, Ear, Nose and Throat Society
