What is Oral Burning?

April 30, 2021

This is also known as Burning Mouth Syndrome. For many patients it is chronic, ongoing,  with no identifiable cause, and often worsens during the day. It may present as

  • Burning sensation in the mouth
  • Dry mouth
  • Oral pain
  • Altered taste sensation
  • Discomfort and itchiness of hard palate, lips and tongue

Some possible causes of oral burning include:

  • Viral or fungal infections (eg candida)
  • Trauma (eg damage to the tongue surface due to eating disorders, gastric reflux, dehydration, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy)
  • Salivary gland or immune disorders (eg Sjogren’s syndrome, Oral Lichen Planus)
  • Pathological  (eg cancer)
  • Metabolic issues (eg poor nutrition, diabetes, thyroid problems, hormonal changes such as menopause)
  • Medication
  • Allergies
  • Vitamin B, Iron or Folate deficiencies
  • Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s
  • Tobacco and alcohol abuse
  • Mental health illness

Treatment for Oral burning includes:

  • Ensuring adequate hydration
  • Vitamin B12, Iron or Folate supplements
  • Zinc supplements
  • Laser therapy
  • Alpha lipoic acid
  • Clonazepam
  • Capsaicin mouthwashes
  • Potential change in medication.

If you feel that you may be suffering from Oral Burning please consult your general practitioner or contact us to make a consultation appointment with one of our EDG dentists.