Burning mouth syndrome (MBS) is a condition in which the mouth burns. It often seems that this condition begins without any reason, and unpleasant sensations can appear and disappear.
Burning mouth syndrome is a burning sensation on the tongue, palate, or lips, or in other parts of the mouth or throat. These sensations are similar to those experienced when the tongue is scalded by a hot liquid, such as coffee.
Burning may increase during the day. When a person wakes up, they may not feel a burning sensation in their mouth, but it appears later in the day. After sleep, the discomfort may decrease. However, the next day the cycle begins again. Along with the burning sensation, there may be a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth. Many people also experience dry mouth, despite regular salivation. Sometimes the burning is so severe that it can cause depression and anxiety.
Types of burning mouth syndrome
There are two types of burning mouth syndrome.
Primary is when burning in the mouth is not caused by an underlying disease. Secondary is caused by an underlying condition such as acid reflux. Treatment of the disease often eliminates the burning mouth syndrome.
Who is most likely to experience burning mouth syndrome?
Burning in the mouth is most often observed in people over 60 years old. This is explained by the fact that the reduced level of estrogen leads to a decrease in the sensitivity of the taste buds.
Another risk factor is the ability of some people to have a stronger sense of taste. People have genetic differences in taste. In the 1990s, Professor Linda Bartoszak of Yale University developed a test that divides all people into supertasters, average tasters and non-tasters, according to the concentration and sensitivity of the taste buds. Later, these terms were replaced by more accurate ones: the supertaster became a hypertaster, and a nontaster became a hypotaster.
Hypertasters have a high concentration of taste receptors and are sensitive to the perception of aromas and textures. Women are twice as likely to be hypertasters than men.
In hypotasters, the concentration of taste receptors is low, and they distinguish only strongly saturated and bright tastes.
Most women with burning mouth syndrome are supertasters who have lost some of their sense of taste. Research shows that many of these people also clench their teeth. Pressure on the teeth can increase the burning sensation.
Burning in the mouth is also observed in people who have such a disease as geographic tongue. With this mild condition, red spots appear on the surface of the tongue.
Symptoms
Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome include:
- pain in the mouth that feels like tingling, scalding, or burning;
- numbness in the mouth;
- change in taste;
- dry mouth
What is the main cause of primary burning mouth syndrome?
Researchers believe that the cause of the primary syndrome is damage to the nerve that affects the area of the tongue that controls taste and pain. There is a relationship between burning in the mouth and changes in taste.
Many people who have a “burning” mouth have lost the bitter taste receptors located on the tip of the tongue. Researchers believe that when people lose the ability to taste bitter, there is a pain that the person identifies as a burning sensation in the mouth.
What are the causes of secondary burning mouth syndrome?
Diseases that can cause secondary syndrome include:
- acid reflux;
- allergy to metal dental products or certain food products;
- depression;
- dry mouth;
- hormonal changes;
- oral cavity infections;
- calorie deficit with insufficient nutrition;
- teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
Sometimes people with Sjögren’s syndrome (which causes dry mouth and dry eyes), diabetes, thyroid disease, and liver problems have burning mouth syndrome.
Also, some hypertension medications, antidepressants, and hormone therapy can cause burning mouth syndrome.
Sometimes a deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid or iron can mimic a burning sensation in the mouth.
Diagnostics
Burning mouth syndrome is difficult to diagnose. There is no test that can tell if you have ADHD. Part of the diagnosis is ruling out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as an oral yeast infection (thrush).
If you have symptoms, see your dentist first. Oral health problems account for one-third of all cases of PAD. If necessary, the dentist can refer you to another specialist.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe:
- allergy tests;
- blood test;
- smear from the oral cavity;
- measurement of the level of salivation;
- tissue biopsy.
Treatment
Some medications can help with treatment. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any drug specifically for the treatment of ADHD, a physician may prescribe some medications to relieve symptoms. These can be some antidepressants, anticonvulsants, etc. However, only a doctor can determine which drugs may be most effective.
If your burning mouth syndrome is causing you to grind your teeth or clench your jaw, a dentist can help solve the problem.
In the event that the underlying disease causes burning mouth syndrome, the treatment of this disease should help to get rid of the burning sensation in the mouth.
If you are taking medication that may cause oral discomfort, your doctor may change your dose or switch you to another medication. Another option is to stop the medication for a short time if possible to see if the discomfort goes away. Don’t try this on your own because stopping some medications can be dangerous.
Prevention
Most likely, there is no way to prevent STDs. However, you can reduce symptoms by avoiding things that irritate your mouth, including:
- alcohol;
- food or drinks with a high acid content (for example, citrus juices);
- hot and spicy food or drinks;
- rinsing the mouth with liquids containing alcohol;
- tobacco products.
Also, make sure your diet contains adequate amounts of vitamin B12, folate and iron. Keep your teeth and mouth clean.