WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BURNING TONGUE AND MOUTH?Burning mouth syndrome (glossodynia) is characterized by a painful, burning sensation on the tongue, even though there is no visible symptom. Burning mouth syndrome is a harmless symptom and does not indicate cancer, either in the mouth or elsewhere in the body. It is, however, an annoying symptom. For some people, it even spoils their enjoyment of life.
Typically, the symptoms worsen over the course of the day and become unbearable, especially in the evenings. For most people with burning mouth syndrome, the symptoms are present every day, sometimes for many months or years.
Some people only experience a burning or painful tongue. Others experience it primarily on the inside of the lips, the palate, and sometimes even in the throat. Many people also experience a dry mouth or an abnormal, or sometimes even completely absent, sense of taste.WHO IS AFFECTED?Burning tongue and mouth syndrome is not a rare phenomenon. People between the ages of forty and seventy are more likely to experience burning tongue and mouth syndrome than younger people. Women have been found to experience this symptom more often than men.WHAT IS THE CAUSE?In many cases, no cause can be identified for the complaint, and no abnormalities are visible in the mouth. It's almost never a "hormonal issue" or "something in the blood."
Stress or worries are sometimes thought to play a role. For example, many people experience burning mouth syndrome after an unpleasant event in their lives. The symptoms also sometimes appear to arise after medical or dental treatment, without a good explanation. Hypersensitivity to dentures or fillings in molars is rare.IS TREATMENT POSSIBLE?Because the cause is unknown, there is no effective treatment. So far, alternative therapies, such as homeopathy and acupuncture, have not been shown to provide lasting improvement in burning mouth symptoms. For most people, the symptoms disappear on their own, but this can sometimes take years.
Do not insist on treatments or tests that your GP, ENT specialist, or dentist does not endorse.DOES BURNING TONGUE ALSO OCCUR ON ONE SIDE?Burning tongue and mouth syndrome always occurs on both sides of the tongue. If your condition affects only one side of the tongue or mouth, it is by definition not burning tongue or mouth syndrome. There is almost always something wrong, and it is therefore advisable to have it checked by your doctor.
Demonstrable changes in the mucous membranes of the mouth, such as those caused by thrush (a fungal infection), also necessitate a visit to the doctor, as there is a cause for the symptoms that can be treated.CONCLUSIONIt's not possible to describe all the details for every situation on this information page (please also note the text on the introductory page). Despite your doctor's explanation, you may still have questions or need more information. Please don't hesitate to contact your ENT specialist for further explanation. They will be happy to accommodate your request. |
