Burning Mouth Syndrome - Burning Mouth Syndrome Dictionaries and Glossaries

Burning Mouth Syndrome
Last full review/revision October 2006 by Robert B. Cohen, DMD

Burning mouth syndrome (also called oral dysesthesia) occurs most commonly among women after menopause. The most commonly affected part of the mouth is the tongue (pain in the tongue is termed glossodynia). A painful burning sensation may affect the entire mouth (particularly the tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth [palate]) or just the tongue. The sensation may be continuous or intermittent and may gradually increase throughout the day. Symptoms that commonly accompany the burning sensation include a dry mouth, thirst, and altered taste. Possible consequences include changes in eating habits, irritability, depression, and avoidance of other people.

Burning mouth syndrome is not the same as the temporary discomfort that many people experience after eating irritating or acidic foods. Burning mouth syndrome is poorly understood. It probably represents a number of different conditions with different causes but a common symptom.

A common cause is the use of antibiotics, which alters the balance of bacteria in the mouth, leading to an overgrowth of the fungus Candida (a condition called thrush). Ill-fitting dentures and allergies to dental materials may be causes as well. Overuse of mouth rinses and sprays may lead to burning tongue syndrome, as can anything that leads to a dry mouth, such as alcohol or tobacco use, and many medications. Sensitivities to certain foods and food additives, particularly sorbic acid and benzoic acid (which are food preservatives), propylene glycol (found as a moisturizing agent in foods, drugs, and cosmetics), chicle (found in some chewing gums), and cinnamon, may play some role. Deficiencies of vitamins, including B12, folic acid, and B-complex, can cause burning mouth syndrome. Iron deficiency has also been implicated.

The condition is easy for doctors to diagnose but difficult to treat. Frequent drinks of water or use of chewing gum may help keep the mouth moist. Antidepressants, such as nortriptyline Some Trade Names
AVENTYL
, or antianxiety drugs, such as clonazepam Some Trade Names
KLONOPIN
, are sometimes helpful, although these drugs may make the symptoms worse by causing dry mouth. Sometimes symptoms disappear without treatment but may return later.