Burning Tongue

A burning tongue is a constant burning sensation in all or part of the tongue. There are two medical names, glossodynia and glossopyrosis. There are usually no visible signs. If there is also burning in other areas, it is called burning mouth syndrome. The patient may or may not have decreased or altered taste. It may be caused by a problem with the nerves going to the tongue or by a reduced amount of blood to the tongue. Fortunately, most patients with the problem do not experience changes in taste.

Some causes of a burning tongue are hormone deficiency and/or abnormality, diabetes, menopause, oral candida (oral yeast), dry mouth (xerostomia), medications (diuretics, oral diabetic meds, some blood pressure meds), blood abnormalities (dyscrasias, anemia), nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamin B-12, niacin, iron, or folic acid), gastric acid reflux , allergies (foods, toothpastes, mouthwashes, chewing gums), geographic tongue, dental disease, noxious oral habits (tongue biting, scalloped tongue), psychological causes (depression), chronic infections, inflammatory disorders, lingual nerve damage, tobacco use and oral cancer.

The successful treatment of a burning tongue depends on identifying the true cause. This process often involves a dentist who is comfortable working with other health professionals. The diagnosis of the source involves a systematic ruling out of each known cause. If the cause is medical, the treating dentist may assist by providing medication for symptomatic relief while the physician addresses the cause. All serious causes should be eliminated besides providing symptomatic relief. A one-to-one elixir of Benadryl/Kaopectate or viscous lidocaine can provide symptomatic relief. In severe cases, the dentist may prescribe a steroid such as prednisone.