Burning Tongue Syndrome

As I was saying, burning mouth syndrome is also known as burning tongue syndrome and the other names are burning lips syndrome, glossodynia and stomatodynia. The pain that arises due to the condition of burning mouth syndrome affects not only the tongue, but the gums, lips, roof of the mouth, inside the cheeks and other areas of the mouth, as well.

Causes of the condition are not certain and specific and that makes the disease to be attributed as primary burning tongue syndrome. However, the causes are related to taste and sensory nerves of the peripheral or central nervous system, though. In some cases, certain medical conditions may crop as the underlying causes. In such a case, the condition is known as secondary burning tongue syndrome. These causes include xerostomia (abnormal dryness of the mouth resulting from decreased secretion of saliva), psychological factors, dentures, nerve damage, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease, medications, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances and mouth irritation.

Symptoms

The name itself characterizes the most prominent symptom of the condition; a burning sensation in the tongue. This sensation may also affect the roof of the mouth, gums, lips or the whole mouth, as mentioned earlier. The tongue may bear a tingling sensation or numbness. A pain which worsens with time, increased thirst, loss of taste, dry mouth and metallic taste in the mouth are the other symptoms which occur in the condition.

Treatment Options

No specific treatment plan exists for burning tongue syndrome. However, treating the underlying causes of the illness, may greatly help in alleviating the discomfort caused due to the symptoms. One might have to try different methods before coming up with one which might be appropriate for the treatment. Some of these include taking vitamin B, antidepressants, oral thrush medications, alcohol free mouth washes or capsaicin (a pain reliever that comes from chili peppers ). Anticonvulsant medications, certain antioxidants, cognitive behavioral therapy or saliva replacement products are also included as the options available for the treatment.

Some Self-Care Measures

Rinsing the mouth with cold apple juice helps in putting off that 'burning sensation' and it is also equally helpful in using a mouthwash made of equal parts of Benadryl and Kaopectate. Chewing a sugar free gum or sucking on an ice also provides temporary relief from the symptoms. Brushing the teeth using baking soda, rather than commercial toothpastes, also helps. Dry tongue tends to burn more and so it is essential to keep the body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and healthy drinks throughout the day. One can also apply glycerin to the tongue and might get some relief from the pain and burn.

It is also necessary to know as what to refrain from, while one is suffering from this condition. Use of tobacco products must be done away with if you desire a speedy recovery from you illness and products with cinnamon and mint must be avoided too. Spicy-hot foods can disrupt the healing process and worsen the condition and so can acidic foods and liquids like tomatoes or orange juice, soft drinks and coffee. So, keep such items out of your menu, at least for the time duration, when you are recuperating from your burning tongue syndrome. There is no specific way to prevent the onset of this condition. However, following recommended medications and avoiding unsuitable eatables would do a great deal in keeping the condition from getting worse and more annoying.