1.Glossodynia, also known as Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS), is a fairly common condition. It’s an intermittent burning sensation in the mouth, especially in the tongue, lips, or other areas of the mouth, that is not accompanied by a specific reason. It feels as though the tongue is injured by a very hot liquid. The syndrome may be gradual or sudden in onset. There is no observable physical sign seen either in the tongue or in the mouth while having an episode. The specific cause of BMS is difficult to determine.
2. Most causes of burning mouth syndrome are unknown or idiopathic. Research suggests that it can be related to nerves which carry sensations of taste and pain. The causes are broadly divided into primary and secondary. Primary burning mouth syndrome is uncommon and mainly idiopathic.
3, Secondary burning mouth syndrome is quite common and causes can be related to :
* Vitamin deficiency like Vitamin B complex, lack of iron, zinc ,folate.
* Oral infections like oral thrush, oral lichen planus.
* Allergies following food additives, flavouring substances, mouth care products.
* Acidic drinks, extreme hot liquids, irritating foods like highly spiced foods.
* Dental materials, ill-fitted dentures.
* Dry mouth due to some medicines like anti hypertensives, anti cancer treatments.
* Reflux or Gastro esophageal reflux.
* Endocrine issues like diabetes, hypothyroidism.
* Anxiety, stress, depression.
4. Burning mouth syndrome, (BMS) can occur in any individual irrespective of age and gender. But the common risk factors are seen mostly:
* Females.
* More common over the age of 50.
* Post menopausal or perimenopausal women leading to low estrogen levels affecting taste buds.
* Smoking.
5. When a person experience BMS, there is no visible symptoms like discolouration of tongue or bumps. The symptoms found are :
* Altered taste, or metallic taste or loss of taste.
* Tongue and mouth feels like scalding, burning or tingling.
* Dryness of tongue, lips, gums.
* Numbness in the mouth.
6. BMS treatment and diagnosis are individual specific depending upon the symptoms. Diagnosis can be done by a saliva or oral swab tests. As far as treatment are concerned, there is no approved drugs. Remedies are there to ease the symptoms like :
* Mild mouth rinses.
* Saliva substitue like Biotene.
* Getting enough vitamin B complex, iron and folate.
* Pain relievers if necessary.
* Sipping cold water or ice chips.
* Sugar free gums chewing to encourage saliva production.
7. Though it is not always possible to prevent BMS. But,if we are prone to BMS or have been affected in the past, it is important to avoids certain things :
* Very hot liquids, hot bevereges or drinks like highly acidic ones.
* Hot or spicy food.
* Alcohol
* Mouthwash containing alcohol.
* Smoking.
8.Feeling fire, irritations, and a burning sensation in the mouth, you can be sure to have Burning Mouth Syndrome, which is frustrating and irritating. But, once you have acquired it, it takes a while to go away. You can take the above-mentioned remedies and precautions till it heals. But, if there are flare-ups or hasn’t gone for long, you should surely visit your Physician or Dentist.
Thanks for reading.
Peace and love 🙏
3H:health,happiness,healing 