Burning Mouth Syndrome

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Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome also referred to as burning tongue or glossodynia is usually described as a continuous though variable superficial burning pain within the tongue, mouth and occasionally lips. It can often be made worse by spicy foods, carbonated drinks, and hot foods. It is most commonly found in women of menopausal age. Several factors may contribute to this disorder. The most common cause is a dry mouth or xerostomia caused by medications such as antidepressants, muscle relaxers, anti-psychotic, antihistamines antiarryhythmics, anxiolytics, anti-hypertensive and diuretics. Other systemic diseases such as Lupus, Sjogrens, and hemolytic anemia can cause dry mouth as well. In addition other factors such as mouth breathing, anxiety, radiation and chemotherapy may contribute to dry mouth as well.

Oral allergies and irritants such as can be found in many types of toothpaste and mouthwashes can cause burning pains. Minor traumatic irritation through chronic tongue thrusting habits and ill fitting dentures have also been identified as a cause. Burning pain can also be elicited by neuropathic causes such as the herpes virus, trauma caused by dental procedures, and trigeminal neuralgia or glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

Treatment starts by identifying the cause, and if possible, by eliminating the causative factor. Neuropathic causes are more likely to be controlled through medications.