Burning mouth syndrome, or burning mouth syndrome, is the medical term used to define chronic burning in the mouth with no apparent cause.
A person suffering from this syndrome may experience discomfort in the tongue, gums, the inside of the cheeks or lips, and the areas of the entire mouth. This sensation, which is always similar to a strong burning sensation, can become very intense.
And because it appears suddenly, the right thing to do would be to see a doctor immediately. But what are the causes of this syndrome? We will explain them to you below.
Causes of burning mouth síndrome
Unfortunately, an exact cause for which this syndrome can develop has not yet been established. This makes diagnosis and treatment very difficult, since the dentist must first perform different types of tests to rule out other pathologies before concluding in the syndrome.
However, the causes of the syndrome can be classified as primary and secondary according to Los Algodones Dentist’s guide.
Primary stage burning mouth syndrome
In case that no laboratory abnormalities can be identified by the tests performed, this condition is defined as idiopathic burning mouth syndrome.
And some of the previous research suggests that this syndrome is related to taste disorders, and the nerve endings of the central or peripheral nervous system.
Secondary stage burning mouth syndrome
In other less common cases, burning mouth syndrome is caused by some other underlying medical condition.
When these cases occur, the underlying causes that may be related to some other clinical problem such as the following:
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
It may be related to different medications, health or salivary gland problems, or side effects that arise from cancer treatments.
- Poor nutrition
It can be manifested by a lack of iron, zinc, or B complex vitamins (B9, B1, B2, B6, B12)
- Reactions against food
It can happen if you are allergic to different types of foods, condiments, perfumes, or substances such as dyes or medicines.
- Endocrine disorders
Such as diabetes or an underactive thyroid.
- Stomach reflux
The reflux of gastro-esophageal stomach acid that enters the mouth from the stomach.
- Medications you have recently taken
You should consider the possibility that some medication that you have started taking has been the cause of the syndrome. Especially medications for high blood pressure. So the best thing is that you go to your doctor and ask about the side effects of the drug.
Risk factors
Burning mouth syndrome does not develop frequently. However, there are several factors that together can cause you to be prone to it. If this is your case, you can request an appointment at Algodones Dentist to prevent the appearance of this syndrome.
- Being postmenopausal
- If you are a woman
- If you are over 50 years old
Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome
Among the symptoms that may arise when suffering from this syndrome, are the following:
- Burning or burning sensation that can specifically affect the tongue, as well as the lips, gums, throat, palate or the entire mouth inside.
- Feeling of constant thirst on the rise, in addition to dryness.
- Order of taste.
- Constant tingling, numbness and burning throughout the mouth.
- When eating, the only taste is felt to be metallic or bitter.
In addition, the behavior of these symptoms is irregular, so it can appear in different patterns such as:
- Be intermittent
- Start as soon as you wake up and last throughout the day.
- Occur daily and get worse as the day goes by.
Whatever symptom you are experiencing or the pattern that reappears, it’s important that you go to a dentist immediately for treatment. Since the syndrome can disappear, and then arise and be present for months or years.
And we know that for you, your dental health is super important so you can also visit Dentista en Mexicali to get advice, and all the help you need to maintain your dental health.