Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome Treatment in London

Burning Mouth Syndrome is sometimes called glossodynia. It is a hot sensation in the mouth which affects the tongue, lips, palate, and other areas the mouth. This sensation occurs when the nerves in the mouth change the way they send messages to the brain. The signal causes a burning sensation in the mouth because the brain does not understand these messages sent correctly.

The fact that you feel a burning sensation in your mouth does not mean that some part of your mouth will be hot when touched and you might not see any sign of soreness or redness in the affected areas as well. A burning mouth may sometimes be referred to as neuropathic pain when there is severe nerve damage.

Below is some information you need to know about burning mouth syndrome; you should read further to find out more.

 

Causes of burning mouth syndrome

The exact causes of burning mouth syndrome are still unknown. However, some of the possible causes may include:

  • Stress, anxiety or depression.
  • Damages caused the nerves controlling taste or pain
  • Problems with the immune system
  • Improper fitting of dentures or when you are allergic to materials used in making your dentures
  • Hormone changes
  • A reaction to some types of mouthwashes or toothpaste

What are the medical conditions that can cause burning mouth?

Burning mouth syndrome may also have more than one medical causes. Some medical conditions that can cause burning mouth syndrome include the following:

  • Acid reflux — this occurs when acid from your stomach comes up into your mouth.
  • Thyroid problems
  • Nutritional deficiencies in an individual such as lack of iron, vitamin B12 or folic.
  • Dry mouth
  • Thrush — This is can also be referred to as candida; it is a fungal infection in the mouth.
  • Diabetes

Who can have burning mouth syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome can happen to anyone, but people of middle age or older women who have passed the age of menopause are more likely to have it — this phase is also called ‘the change of life’.

Symptoms Of Burning Mouth Syndrome

When one has a burning mouth syndrome, you may have some level of burning sensation on your tongue, palate, lips, gums or inside your cheek. This burning sensation in the mouth starts in the morning in some people which builds up to its peak as the day goes by. The burning sensation is always reduced during night time.

In some other individuals, this burning sensation may burn all the time while it may be on and off in others. Other symptoms such as bitter or metallic taste, dry or sore mouth and numbness or tingling of the mouth or tongue may occur as well. Some people often describe burning mouth syndrome as a feeling one has when one’s mouth get scalded with hot food or drink.

Diagnosing Burning Mouth Syndrome

For an accurate diagnosis of burning mouth, your dentist may need to examine your mouth thoroughly to know the cause of the problem. Your medical history may be reviewed, and you may be referred to your doctor to run some tests which could be blood tests or swabs. These tests will help your dentist know if you have any some other medical issues, infection, or nutritional deficiencies that can lead to burning mouth syndrome.

You may also need to have an allergy test done as well — your doctor will refer you to a dermatologist if you need this done. Blood tests may also be done to diagnose problems such as thyroid or diabetes.

Treating Burning Mouth Syndrome

There are different treatments for burning mouth syndrome. Your dentist may prescribe some supplements if nutritional deficiencies are the cause of your burning mouth syndrome. If burning mouth syndrome is caused by denture problem, your dentist can adjust dentures that are not well fitted or replace infected dentures. Your dentist also may prescribe some medications for the fungal infection in your mouth.

When the pains of burning mouth syndrome are severe, it can be depressing and can be very discomforting because of the battle; one has to undergo daily with the pains — for this reason, your doctor can recommend a course of counselling and low-dose anti-depressants.

Some cases of burning mouth syndrome may be caused by dry mouth, which is a resultant effect of some medications — if this is the case, your doctor may change your prescription. Also, relaxation, yoga, hypnotherapy and meditation are some other therapies you can take to help you cope with anxiety.

For proper diagnosis — if you have any symptoms of burning mouth syndrome, visit The Harley Street Dentist in Harley Street, London or call us on 02071830903 to book an appointment.

How You Can Reduce The Symptoms Of Burning Mouth Syndrome

The pains associated with burning mouth syndrome can be very severe. However, you can help to ease the symptoms independently at home through:

  • Sucking on crushed ice.
  • Chew sugar-free gum which helps to produce more saliva, therefore helping to prevent your mouth from getting dry.
  • Regular sipping of water.
  • Avoid certain things such as mouthwash that contain alcohol, hot and spicy food or acidic fruits and juices that may irritate your mouth.
  • Avoid taking tobacco and alcohol products.

What To Do When You Have Symptoms Of Burning Mouth

The first step you should take if you have any sign of burning mouth is to see your dentist for a check-up. This will help to know the exact cause of your dry mouth such as dry mouth or dentures that was badly fitted – the materials that are used to make dentures can cause some form of allergy sometimes. Your dentist can recommend products to reduce dry mouth or get rid of any fungal infection in your mouth. Your dentist can refer you to a doctor for some test if dental problems do not cause your burning mouth syndrome.

How Long Can Burning Mouth Last?

Since there are no exact causes of burning mouth syndrome, the course of treating it cannot be predicted. Burning mouth is a medical condition that can last for months, years, or perhaps even the rest of your life if it is not treated.

You can always do the things you do before if you find a way to ease yourself of the pains, or take treatments and therapies recommended by your doctor. Your dentist knows the right treatment you should take based on the diagnosis made — you should take note of how well the treatment works for your types of burning mouth so that you will know exactly the treatment to use in case the symptom arises again.

Contact us

If you need any advice about your oral health, please visit The Harley Street Dentist in Harley Street London, or you can call us on 02071830903 to book an appointment.

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