Burning Mouth Syndrome Diagnosis
Diagnosis
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
* Sjögren'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
Votes:28
Comments: 0