Burning tongue syndrome

Post Reply
double helix
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:32 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by double helix »

Anyone ever heard of such a thing? The tongue feels as if its been scalded, sore spots or areas in the mouth, throat yet, the mouth looks perfectly normal? Feelings of dryness or sticky-dryness at the corners of the mouth with repeated bacterial infections (pneumonia, plugged ear ducts, bronchitis) of the respiratory system including the sinus and ears?

Postmenopausal female? Bariatric surgery patient? Male in the early forties? Afraid of oral cancer?

Taking Blood pressure medication? Smoke? Drink? These strip your system of vital nutrients.

It is treatable. See your doctor.

B-12 (shots in some cases) , Iron, Zinc and in some cases calcium supplements are used to treat it.
User avatar
YZGI
Posts: 11527
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:24 am

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by YZGI »

Just lay off the jalapenos..:wah:
User avatar
Chezzie
Posts: 14615
Joined: Sun Nov 11, 2007 9:41 am

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by Chezzie »

What is Burning Tongue Syndrome?

Burning mouth syndrome is a relatively common condition which is characterized by a complaint of an abnormal sensation of the lining of the mouth which most patients describe as feeling like their mouth has been scalded. Usually this sensation develops in the front part of the mouth, typically affecting the inner surfaces of the lips, the roof of the mouth, and the sides and tip of the tongue. In some patients, only the tongue will be affected, however, any combination of these sites may be seen. Some patients may have decreased taste ability or altered taste sensation. In all cases, however, the lining of the mouth clinically appears normal.

Who gets burning mouth?

Most patients who develop burning mouth syndrome are post menopausal women. We usually see about ten women for every man that has burning mouth syndrome. Interestingly, men develop this condition, on the average, about fifteen years earlier than women. This does seem to be a relatively common problem which is seen all over the world. For example, in Holland, patients with burning mouth syndrome have formed a suppport group. This seems to be a condition which affects people of all races and all socioeconomic backgrounds.

What causes burning mouth?

Nobody knows. There are a few uncommon diseases which should be tested for, such as anemia, diabetes and oral yeast infections. For most patients with burning mouth syndrome, however, those tests turn out to be normal. Some investigators have suggested that burning mouth may be a problem related to the nerves in the mouth or that it may be caused by a reduced amount of blood flowing to the mouth, however, no one has proven those theories. We do know that burning mouth is not related to anything serious, such as cancer or AIDS. Furthermore, it is not contagious-it can't be passed from one person to another.

How do doctor's diagnose burning mouth syndrome?

Burning mouth syndrome is diagnosed by doing blood tests and blood cultures to make certain that one of the other problems mentioned previously is not present. If those tests are all negative, and if the lining of the mouth appears normal, then we can make a diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome.

How is burning mouth syndrome treated?

Unfortunately, no one has developed a medically proven treatment for burning mouth syndrome. I suppose the main problem is that we don't know what causes burning mouth syndrome, therefore it is difficult to develop a treatment for the problem. A variety of medications, such as female hormone replacement therapy and vitamin therapy, have been tried, however, such treatments either have no effect or their effect is no greater than what we would expect to see with placebo treatment.

How long will the burning sensation last?

Again, we cannot say for sure. We do know that with some patients, the condition will resolve after a period of time, but no one can predict how long that will be. For the most part, this problem is a nuisance, and it is a frustrating situation for both patients and doctors.
double helix
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:32 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by double helix »

Thanks Chezzie. This one seems to be more informative though, and since I had bariatic sugery which can result in malabsorbtion of iron, b vitamins, zinc and calcium this is most likely the cause of my problem:http://http://www.mayoclinic.com/health ... troduction

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a complex, vexing condition in which a burning pain occurs that may involve your tongue, lips or widespread areas of your whole mouth, without any obvious reason.

The disorder has long been associated with a variety of other conditions — including menopause, psychological problems, nutritional deficiencies and disorders of the mouth, such as oral thrush and dry mouth (xerostomia). Some researchers have suggested dysfunctional or damaged nerves as a possible cause. But the exact cause of burning mouth syndrome is often difficult to pin down, and pain may continue for months or years.

Treatment of burning mouth syndrome is highly individualized and depends on your particular signs and symptoms and on the underlying cause or causes, if they can be identified. Most people with burning mouth syndrome can control their symptoms through tailored treatment plans.

Other names sometimes used for burning mouth syndrome include scalded mouth syndrome, burning tongue syndrome, burning lips syndrome, glossodynia and stomatodynia.

and symptoms

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Burning mouth syndrome

The main symptom of burning mouth syndrome is a burning sensation involving your tongue, lips, gums, palate, throat or widespread areas of your whole mouth. People with the syndrome may describe the sensation in the affected areas as hot or scalded, as if they had been burned with a hot liquid.

Other symptoms may include:

Dry mouth

Sore mouth

A tingling or numb sensation in your mouth or on the tip of your tongue

A bitter or metallic taste

Some people with burning mouth syndrome don't wake up with mouth pain, but find that the pain intensifies during the day and into the evening. Some have constant daily pain, while others feel pain on and off throughout the day and may even have periods in which they feel no pain at all.

Burning mouth syndrome affects women seven times as often as men. It generally occurs in middle-aged or older adults. But it may occur in younger people as well.

Causes

The possible causes of burning mouth syndrome are many and complex. Each of the following possible causes applies to only a portion of all people who complain of a burning mouth. Many people have multiple causes. Identifying all of the causes is important so that your doctor can develop a treatment plan tailored for you. Possible causes include:

Dry mouth (xerostomia). This condition can be related to use of certain medications, including tricyclic antidepressants, central nervous system depressants, lithium, diuretics and medications used to treat high blood pressure. It can also occur with aging or Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that causes both dry mouth and dry eyes.

Other oral conditions. Oral yeast infection (thrush) is a common cause of a burning mouth that may also occur with other causes, such as diabetes, denture use and certain medications. Geographic tongue, a condition that causes a dry mouth and a sore, patchy tongue, also may be associated with burning mouth syndrome.

Psychological factors. Emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are often associated with burning mouth syndrome, as is an extreme fear of cancer. Although these problems can cause a burning mouth, they may also result from it.

Nutritional deficiencies. Being deficient in nutrients, such as iron, zinc, folate (vitamin B-9), thiamin (vitamin B-1), riboflavin (vitamin B-2), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and cobalamin (vitamin B-12), may affect your oral tissues and cause a burning mouth. These deficiencies can also lead to vitamin deficiency anemia.

Irritating dentures. Dentures may place stress on some of the muscles and tissues of your mouth. The materials used in dentures also may irritate the tissues in your mouth.

Nerve disturbance or damage (neuropathy). Damage to nerves that control taste and pain in the tongue may also result in a burning mouth.

Allergies. The mouth burning may be due to allergies or reactions to foods, food flavorings, other food additives, fragrances, dyes or other substances.

Reflux of stomach acid (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The sour- or bitter-tasting fluid that enters your mouth from your upper gastrointestinal tract may cause irritation and pain.

Certain medications. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure, may cause side effects that include a burning mouth.

Oral habits. These include often-unconscious activities, such as tongue thrusting and teeth grinding (bruxism), which can irritate your mouth.

Endocrine disorders. Your oral tissues may react to high blood sugar levels that occur with conditions such as diabetes and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with menopause. Burning mouth syndrome occurs most commonly among postmenopausal women, although it affects many other people as well. Changes in hormone levels may affect the composition of your saliva.

Excessive irritation. Irritation of the oral tissues may result from excessive brushing of your tongue, overuse of mouthwashes or consuming too many acidic drinks.

Often, more than one cause is present. Despite careful evaluation, doctors are sometimes unable to find the cause of burning mouth symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment triggers improvement in symptoms for most people with burning mouth syndrome. But the type of treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Dry mouth (xerostomia). Treating the cause of your dry mouth — Sjogren's syndrome, use of medications or some other cause — may relieve burning mouth symptoms. In addition, drinking more fluids or taking a medication that promotes flow of saliva may help.

Other oral conditions. If the cause is oral thrush, treatment is with oral antifungal medications such as nystatin (Mycostatin) or fluconazole (Diflucan). If you wear dentures, your dentures may also need to be treated.

Psychological factors. For a burning mouth that may be caused by or associated with psychological factors such as anxiety and depression, your doctor may recommend antidepressant therapy or psychiatric therapy or both together. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Prozac, Zoloft, others) may cause less dry mouth than other antidepressant medications.

Nutritional deficiencies. You may be able to correct nutritional deficiencies by taking supplements of B vitamins and minerals such as zinc and iron. SINCE I STARTED TAKING B12, IRON AND ZINC SUPLIMENTS ITS GOTTEN BETTER.Irritating dentures. Your dentist may be able to adjust your dentures so they are less irritating to your mouth. If your dentures contain substances that irritate your oral tissues, you may need different dentures. You may also improve symptoms by practicing good denture care, such as removing dentures at night and cleaning them properly.

Nerve disturbance or damage (neuropathy). Your doctor may suggest medications that affect your nervous system and control pain, including benzodiazepines such as clonazepam (Klonopin), tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), or anticonvulsants such as gabapentin (Neurontin). For pain relief, your doctor may also suggest rinsing your mouth with water and capsaicin — the active ingredient in hot peppers, which also is called capsicum.

Allergies. Avoiding foods that contain allergens that may irritate the tissues of your mouth may help.

Certain medications. If a medication you're taking is causing a burning mouth, using a substitute medication, if possible, may help.

Oral habits. Tongue thrusting and teeth grinding (bruxism) can be helped with mouth guards, medications and relaxation techniques.

Endocrine disorders. If a burning mouth is associated with conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, treating those conditions may improve your symptoms.

If doctors can't identify the cause of your symptoms, they may still recommend trying oral thrush medications, B vitamins or antidepressants. These medications have proved effective in treating burning mouth syndrome.
torsum
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:40 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by torsum »

I have had BMS for 18 months and have finally found a cure from an oral specialist. Clonazepam 0.5mg chewed and swirled in mouth and then spat out 3 times a day. It has changed my life!!!:-6
lysiane
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2011 2:52 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by lysiane »

I had it for nearly 3 years. It occurred after oral surgery. It was excruciatingly painful, mostly in the evening. My only relief was neurontin. I could of cut my tongue off. I saw many physicians with no relief or answers. I finally went on line and ask my MD for neurontin. Everyone treated me like it was psychogenic. I can tell you it wasn't this was completely physiological. I still have tingling but no burning after nearly 10 years. It only noticeable in the evening. I was able to wean off the neurontin. I would not wish this upon my worst enemy. I don't believe the medical profession takes this seriously or understand the pain. I am still fearful that it will return.
User avatar
spot
Posts: 41336
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:19 pm
Location: Brigstowe

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by spot »

How long were you taking it for before you came off it? Did you notice any withdrawal symptoms?
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
lysiane
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2011 2:52 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by lysiane »

Once I started neurontin, my symptoms improved within a week. They were not 100% better but I was in a lot less pain. I stayed on the medicine for 2 1/2 years and weaned myself off once I noticed the painful symptoms were nearly gone. I still have the tingling but I can live with that. It took about 2 to 3 weeks of weaning. I had no side effects from the weaning.
prismb
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2011 2:50 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by prismb »

About 6 months ago I started noticing a burning sensation at the tip of my tongue, then

about 4 months ago I started feeling like I had to keep biting the inside of my cheeks

after that I started to get stickey saliva. This really is a nuicense. I keep feeling like I

have to swallow this stickey guey stuff in my mouth. Went to dentist, he did not know.

Went to GI dr. and MD both did not know. GI dr. said it was from taking maganesium supplements.

Does any one really know what to do about it. My mouth is fine, no sores etc.
User avatar
Snooz
Posts: 4802
Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:05 am

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by Snooz »

I take magnesium supplements and I've never had this. Maybe try an Ear/Nose/Throat specialist?
User avatar
spot
Posts: 41336
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:19 pm
Location: Brigstowe

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by spot »

SnoozeAgain;1371873 wrote: I take magnesium supplements and I've never had this.In the French manner, Snooze? I've never been convinced they can be adequately absorbed orally.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
User avatar
Snooz
Posts: 4802
Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:05 am

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by Snooz »

Amazon.com: Solgar - Magnesium Citrate, 120 tablets: Health & Personal Care

Good stuff.
prismb
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2011 2:50 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by prismb »

I take soloray magnesium asportate or however you spell it....been helping me with my IBS for over a year.

However my GI dr. says to discontinue it, as it is giving me the runs (sorry) and also dehydrating me causing burning tongue and dry mouth with slimey saliva.....go figure?
User avatar
Snooz
Posts: 4802
Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:05 am

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by Snooz »

prismb;1371888 wrote: I take soloray magnesium asportate or however you spell it....been helping me with my IBS for over a year.

However my GI dr. says to discontinue it, as it is giving me the runs (sorry) and also dehydrating me causing burning tongue and dry mouth with slimey saliva.....go figure?


It can give you the trots but you just need to take it every other day if that's the case. What do you mean by slimy saliva? Do you consume dairy products? That's a well known mucous producer.
prismb
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2011 2:50 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by prismb »

I take the Magnesium to stay regular, it is rough going with IBS in the constipated stage. I once had to go to hospital for a few days from a collitis attack that constipation caused.

What I have been experiencing is I guess dry mough where my tongue feels tingley and burns half of the time. Along with that my silava feels slimey, that is the thing

that is very annoying. I went to dentist, 2 mds. and my GI dr. No one can pin point it. My GI dr says magnesium may be causing it and quit magnesium. I don't need the

problems that I will have if I don't take it. GI dr. says to take Miralax instead. The magnesium is soloray all natural, the Miralax is a drug like thing.

But if the Miralax can do the same thing that the magnesium can, than I will switch, however is it healthy to take Miralax 3 or 4 times a week. I don't like taking things that are not natural and I take alot of other supplements like B, C D3, etc from the health food store.

The nutritionist from the health food store wants me to have a consult with an accupuncture person. He swares by him and that I will have my answer. So far no one knows what this really is and what is causing it. I do have one cup of joe in the am and a wine or beer at nite.
User avatar
Snooz
Posts: 4802
Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:05 am

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by Snooz »

I wish I could help but I've never encountered your problem before. Do you drink green tea? It would aid in digestion and the slight acidity might help your mouth. Crystallized ginger is good too.

Drinking lots of water is never a bad idea either.
prismb
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2011 2:50 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by prismb »

thank you so much, actually that is what my doctor said also, guess he was right. Thanks for your help I will start drinking more green tea.
User avatar
Snooz
Posts: 4802
Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:05 am

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by Snooz »

Keep me posted, I'm interested in how things work out for you.
Rudi39
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 3:41 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by Rudi39 »

I suffer from Burning Tongue and have been to countless Doctors, finally found an oral specialist who tested me for Ferritin (IRON) and found very high counts in both - the following is from a paper from Saudi Arabia, I am now being tested and hopefully will be treated and cure my burning mouth. -

"Hereditary hemochromatosis of tongue"

"Recently, we have encountered the rare representation of this disease of the oral cavity associated with generalized burning sensation of the tongue. The diagnosis was established accidently, from the lab investigations, otherwise the patient was healthy and free from classical signs and symptoms of the disease. The patient was adequately treated by phlebotomy.(Bleeding) To conclude, all patients with a chief complaint of

burning sensation of the oral cavity and tongue should be adequately screened for hereditary hemochromatosis to prevent the associated mortality and morbidity with the hemochromatosis.

Taken from a research paper from Saudi Arabia -"

So you have blood taken which lessens the iron etc and once levels are good, bleeding is only needed every 3 months or so and mouth should be rid of the burning sensation. I will let the forum know how I get on.
Anneke2331
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2012 4:09 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by Anneke2331 »

Thank you all for the information now I know that it is not something unknown. I will try stuff,like the vitamin b12 . I do seem to notice that when I drink coffee it gets worst, so I wonder.
sharakey
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Oct 22, 2012 5:35 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by sharakey »

I've had burning tongue syndrome for eight years. It was a horrid experience. No dentist, gastroenterologist, physician or specialist could help. I read on this thread two weeks about the use of large doses of Alpha Lipoic Acid.

I had been taking small amounts of Alpha Lipoic Acid for five years or so, because I read on the Berkeley Wellness newsletter that it was a powerful anti-oxidant, the only anti-oxidant which works on lipid cells, such as the cells in the eye. I had been having trouble with what seemed like the early onset of cataracts. After a few months my night vision completely cleared.

So I was intrigued to read about the use of the product, available at any pharmacy or Walmart store inexpensively. I increased my dosage from two tablets a day to eight tablets in hopes it would somehow help the burning tongue...and it certainly did! The week prior to starting on this regimen my tongue felt as if it had been sliced with a razor and eating food was most uncomfortable. My symptoms are COMPLETELY GONE after EIGHT YEARS. Now that it is under control I will back down from eight tabs a day to three or four in hopes for a long term cure. Check out the Berkeley Wellness Newsletter for further information. It's free, and there's no registration required. I hope this helps others with burning tongue. I AM NORMAL AGAIN!!!
anne hallam
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Mar 01, 2013 9:42 am

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by anne hallam »

buy some zinc tablets from the health shop, take for a few days, the burning tongue will go away.
User avatar
Saint_
Posts: 3342
Joined: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:05 pm
Location: The Four Corners
Contact:

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by Saint_ »

double helix;769034 wrote: Anyone ever heard of such a thing? The tongue feels as if its been scalded, sore spots or areas in the mouth, throat yet, the mouth looks perfectly normal? Feelings of dryness or sticky-dryness at the corners of the mouth with repeated bacterial infections (pneumonia, plugged ear ducts, bronchitis) of the respiratory system including the sinus and ears?

Postmenopausal female? Bariatric surgery patient? Male in the early forties? Afraid of oral cancer?

Taking Blood pressure medication? Smoke? Drink? These strip your system of vital nutrients.

It is treatable. See your doctor.

B-12 (shots in some cases) , Iron, Zinc and in some cases calcium supplements are used to treat it.


Yeah, my poor daughter in law has it. She can't really enjoy anything but bland food.
User avatar
valerie
Posts: 7125
Joined: Sun Sep 05, 2004 12:00 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by valerie »

anne hallam;1421838 wrote: buy some zinc tablets from the health shop, take for a few days, the burning tongue will go away.


Hi Anne, and welcome to Forum Garden!

Just a quick FYI, you can look at the time/date stamp in the left corner of

the green bar on posts, it will tell you if the post/thread is current or

not. This thread was started in 2008, so I doubt the OP will see your

sage advice!

Poke around a little, I'm sure you'll find much more of interest and

can get in on some topics!
Tamsen's Dogster Page

http://www.dogster.com/?27525



anne hallam
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Mar 01, 2013 9:42 am

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by anne hallam »

Get some zinc tables from the health shop, that will get rid of it, take when required and it will keep it at bay. I use it all the time. it is connected to the menopause
sezz
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Jun 08, 2013 6:20 pm

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by sezz »

i just wrote a lot of words then they dissappeared testing testing 123
nosls13aa
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Jul 26, 2014 4:35 am

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by nosls13aa »

For me it started suddenly six months after my dentist had recommended switching to Sensodyne, which does contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate). Switching back to my long-time favorite herbal Thera-Neem toothpaste (no SLS) solved the problem within a few days.

Of course I can't be sure if it was SLS or another ingredient in Sensodyne, but I am definitely not going to try another toothpaste for a while now!
User avatar
Týr
Posts: 1218
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2012 5:29 am

Burning tongue syndrome

Post by Týr »

I'm pleased you found a way of dealing with the condition.
Long Live General Kim Jong-un, the Shining Sun!
Post Reply

Return to “Health and Drug Concerns”