The sensation of itching, burning, tingling or stinging that manifests the so-called burning mouth syndrome can be due to multiple causes and sometimes even fails to identify its origin, so it is considered pathology in itself to which is also called stamotodynia. It is common that in an initial phase these symptoms are manifested in a timely and intermittent, affecting the tongue usually at the tip and sides or other parts of the oral cavity such as the inside of the cheeks or palate.
Symptoms:
A burning sensation is painful and it can affect the full of mouth especially the lips, tongue and palate or exclusively the tongue. The sensation can be intermittent or continuous and can increase gradually all the day. This symptom of burning sensation sometimes also accompanies Thirst, Dry mouth, and Alteration of the sense of taste.
Causes:
When the discomfort of burning sensation becomes persistent, it may be felt in one or different areas of the inside of the mouth. There is the possibility that other symptoms may occur such as a change in the coloration of the tongue which may acquire a whitish tone or reddened as consequence of an inflammatory process.
It is also possible that dry mouth occurs by reducing the secretion of the salivary glands, an alteration of taste or changes in sensitivity. In addition, the symptoms may vary in intensity throughout the day, improving during the night and exacerbating during the daytime.
Following are the major causes of burning sensation in the mouth:
Mechanical problems:
They tend to be of dental origins such as the tip of a dental piece falling on the mucosa, gingivitis, malocclusion, the loss of a filling or excessive pressure of a removable or poorly fitted removable dental prosthesis. In these cases it can be manifested with redness and inflammation of the mucosa, occasionally a slight bleeding and the usual sensation of itching, stinging or burning.
Different pathologies:
There are many diseases that can cause the characteristic symptoms of the burning mouth syndrome. These include bacterial or fungal infections, diseases of the salivary glands, type-2 diabetes, food allergies, gastroesophageal reflux, keratinization disorders, hematological diseases, anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and etc.
Medical treatments:
Some medicines can cause the itching or the burning sensation in the mouth or other treatments, such as radiotherapy.
Tobacco addiction:
Tongue itching or the sensation of wheezing can be caused by tobacco, especially in the case of heavy smokers.
Psychological stress:
It can generate a loss of sensitivity of the mucosa and burning sensation in the tongue.
Treatment:
If you will keep the mouth moist, it can be relaxed in the burning mouth. The disease is easy to diagnose but difficult to treat. Saliva substitutes, drinking water frequently or using chewing gum can help stimulate the production of saliva and keep the mouth moist.