Burning Mouth Syndrome

The majority of people will never understand the discomfort of burning mouth syndrome but for those who are among the sufferers, it can be a real nuisance.  For those walking daily with this condition, it feels like your tongue has been scalded. While it can last anywhere from a month to a year, there is hope in sight.

 

What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

 

The majority of data on burning mouth syndrome is still inconclusive. This mystery has people baffled as they continue to research causes and cures to the pain. It could be the cause of other illnesses or the possibility of trauma that brings on the symptoms. 

 

Many people describe the pain as if a box of matches has been lit under the tongue. That’s frustrating! Thankfully, only about one percent of the population will ever feel the symptoms of burning mouth syndrome for an extended period. 

 

While there is no conclusive data yet, here are what appear to be the most common causes of burning mouth syndrome:

• Vitamin or mineral deficiency

• Diabetes

• Hypersensitivity of the tongue

• Neuropathy

• Hormonal changes – mainly due to menopause

 

Treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome

 

While enough data isn’t present yet to come up with a cure, there are remedies that have shown to reduce the pain. 

 

• Nutritional supplements for deficiency

• Adjustment of dentures

• Nerve stimulation

 

If this sensation is something you experience, the most important thing to do is talk to the dentist. If you feel that you aren’t getting the support that you need from the medical community, it is okay to seek other help that takes your claims seriously. 

 

If you have a family member that suffers from burning mouth syndrome, the most important thing you can do is support them.  Just knowing that someone cares is the most important way to be there for them. While there may not be definitive answers on what the cause or cure is, professionals are hard at work to find the answers. It is only a matter of time before there are better answers to alleviate the pain of burning mouth syndrome. 

 

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment with a leading dentist in Chicago, please call our office toda at (773) 643-6006.