Burning Mouth Syndrome
(Glossodynia; Oral Dysesthesia; Burning Tongue)
(See also Evaluation of the Dental Patient.)
Burning mouth syndrome usually affects postmenopausal women. It is believed to be neurogenic, affecting nerves of pain and taste. Causes of secondary burning mouth syndrome include
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Nutritional deficiency (vitamin B12, iron)
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Candida infection (candidiasis)
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Allergy (foods, dental products)
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Xerostomia (significant dry mouth)
Burning mouth syndrome may cause burning, tingling, or numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth, including the lips. The pain may be constant or increase throughout the day and may be relieved by eating or drinking. Dry mouth or altered taste may occur. Duration of symptoms of burning mouth syndrome is variable and may recur if the cause is not addressed.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome requires oral symptoms as noted above and the absence of oral signs. Pain must occur for > 2 hours a day for > 3 months. There are no diagnostic tests for burning mouth syndrome. Idiopathic burning mouth syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion; therefore, secondary causes should be sought.
Treatment
Pain of burning mouth syndrome may be relieved with cold beverages, ice chips, chewing gum (sugarless), and by avoidance of irritants such as tobacco, spicy or acidic foods, and alcohol (in beverages and mouthwash). Tricyclic antidepressants, alpha-lipoic acid, clonazepam, topical capsaicin, gabapentin, vitamin supplementation (B and C), and cognitive-behavioral therapy may sometimes help.
Secondary burning mouth syndrome may be cured by appropriate treatment of the underlying cause.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Drug Name | Select Trade |
|---|---|
clonazepam |
KLONOPIN |
gabapentin |
NEURONTIN |
capsaicin |
QUTENZA |
