Burning Mouth Syndrome - BMS & Menopause Diagnosis and Tests

Burning Mouth Syndrome: Diagnosis and Tests

Physicians examine the mouth and ascertain the patient's medical history and symptoms. It is important to note that the pain of BMS is not a cancer sign. Mayo dermatologists may visually diagnose this condition, although sometimes a biopsy is needed to exclude other causes.

The following factors may precipitate the onset of BMS:

* Medications such as those used to treat high blood pressure
* Medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances that occur with menopause; reflux of gastric acid (acid traveling up the esophagus); endocrine disorders such as diabetes and hypothyroidism; and damage to or dysfunction of nerves in the head
* Xerostomia or dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow
* SjÃ¶gren's syndrome, a condition that often affects middle-aged women and causes dry eyes and mouth
* Nutritional deficiencies of iron, zinc and certain B vitamins
* Oral infections or conditions such as thrush, an oral yeast infection
* Denture sore mouth, an inflammatory condition caused by dentures.
* Geographic tongue, the tongue is sore and patchy
* Allergic reactions to food, food additives, flavorings, fragrances, dyes or other substances, even toothpastes. Physicians may order patch testing to determine which substance irritates the mouth
* Oral irritations from habits such as tongue thrusting, teeth clenching, teeth grinding, excessive tongue brushing or overuse of mouthwash. Oral irritation may also occur from dentures or injuries to the mouth
* Psychological factors such as stress, depression and anxiety
* Oral pain, sometimes a phantom pain imprinted in the nervous system

Tests

Patients with BMS are often referred to specialists in dermatology or oral medicine. Blood tests or allergy tests may be given to determine the cause of the condition and diagnose any infection that's present. Tests include:
Complete Blood Cell Count

This common test provides a count of each blood cell type in a given volume of the blood.
Other Blood Tests

Because nutritional deficiencies cause BMS, physicians may collect blood samples to check levels of iron, zinc, folate, thiamin and B vitamins. Also, because diabetes can cause burning mouth, doctors may check the fasting blood sugar level.
Allergy Tests

These tests are used to identify allergic reactions to certain foods, additives or sometimes substances in dentures.
Oral Swab Culture or Biopsy

Swab cultures or biopsies may be used if oral thrush is suspected.

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