From the Guidelines
Burning mouth syndrome, which commonly affects the tongue, is most likely caused by a combination of factors including dry mouth, abnormal taste, and depression, as well as potential neuropathic pain, as indicated in the study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia 1. The condition can manifest as a burning, stinging, or itchy sensation on the tongue, lips, palate, or buccal mucosa, and can range from mild to severe in terms of severity. Some key factors that may contribute to the development of burning mouth syndrome include:
- Dry mouth
- Abnormal taste
- Depression
- Neuropathic pain
- Hormonal changes It is essential to note that the study 1 highlights the importance of excluding other potential causes of facial pain, such as post-herpetic neuralgia, post-traumatic trigeminal pain, and trigeminal neuralgia, before making a diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome. In terms of management, the study 1 suggests that reassurance, education, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be effective in alleviating symptoms, and possibly drugs for neuropathic pain. If you're experiencing persistent tongue burning, it's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene, stay hydrated, and avoid potential irritants like spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco. Over-the-counter oral rinses or artificial saliva products may provide temporary relief, but if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it's essential to seek medical attention to identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
From the Research
Causes of Glossopyrosis (Burning Tongue)
The causes of glossopyrosis, also known as burning tongue, can be categorized into several factors.
- Local factors:
- Oral mucosal lesions
- Blood test alterations [(2,3)]
- Systemic factors:
- Hematinic deficiencies (iron, folate, and vitamin B complex)
- Depression/anxiety
- Idiopathic factors [(3,4)]
- Other factors:
- Candida-associated lesions
- Oral habits such as tongue innocuous habits (e.g. tongue innocuous habits)
- Peripheral (sensory C and/or trigeminal nerve fibers) or central neuropathic disturbances [(3,4,5)]
Secondary Burning Mouth Syndrome
Secondary burning mouth syndrome is caused by local or systemic factors, and the pain will resolve when these factors are treated 2.
Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome
Primary burning mouth syndrome occurs in the absence of identified risk indicators 2. The exact cause of primary burning mouth syndrome is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to peripheral or central neuropathic disturbances 3.