Dry Mouth
Tips for keeping your mouth hydrated when speaking in public
Public speaking can be a challenge for some people, not only because they are so used to communicating ideas fluently, but also...
This burning sensation is generalized to the entire oral mucosa or is perceived locally at the level of the tongue (especially the dorsum and tip), the palate, the lips, the surfaces in relation to mobile prostheses or the floor of the mouth.
Causes of burning mouth syndrome
The diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome should be made when there are no apparent local or systemic triggering causes.
In fact, there are several factors that can give rise to clinical pictures similar to burning mouth syndrome and, once identified, require specific treatment.
Possible local causes are:
- Allergies: contact with dental materials, colorants, preservatives and flavorings contained in certain foods.
- Irritation of the mucous membranes: due to poorly adapted prostheses.
- Parafunctional habits: such as bruxism, nocturnal grinding or clenching of teeth.
- Mucosal alterations: candidiasis, lichen planus, etc.
- Geographic language.
Possible systemic causes include:
- Vitamin deficiency states, especially vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and minerals, especially iron, which induce functional changes in the epithelium leading to morphological changes in the mucous membranes.
- Changes in estrogen levels characteristic of menopause.
- Diabetes.
- Therapy with drugs capable of inducing xerostomia.
Once a secondary factor has been ruled out as a cause of the burning of the oral cavity, in collaboration with the specialists dealing with the various pathologies mentioned above, the diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome is justified.
Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome
The main symptoms of burning mouth syndrome are:
- Psychosomatic disorders.
- Perception of a bitter or metallic taste.
- Pain in the mouth.
- Numbness.
- Discomfort.
- Discomfort.
- Dry mouth.
- Fiery tongue.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
Burning mouth syndrome is also frequently associated with certain psychosomatic disorders, functional abnormalities of the salivary glands (with changes in saliva) and hormonal changes due to the postmenopausal period.
The symptoms of burning mouth syndrome may manifest with varying severity (mild to moderate) and may appear suddenly or gradually. Some patients complain of constant discomfort, while others have fluctuating symptoms with temporary remissions during meals or sleep. In most cases, symptoms appear in the late morning and peak in the afternoon before disappearing in the evening.
Many patients also experience a tingling sensation, a cold palate or a burning tongue.
The pain usually affects both sides of the mouth and about two thirds of the tongue (but may also be felt in the cheeks, lips and palate). The degree of discomfort may be moderate or very severe. The pain may occur over months or years and, while in some individuals it occurs daily, in others the pattern is variable over time. It may eventually worsen when talking or eating hot, acidic or spicy foods.
Treatment of burning mouth syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is a benign condition, but because it causes chronic pain that is difficult to control, it can have a major impact on the patient's quality of life, even becoming a fixation that cannot be ignored, thus interfering with work and other daily activities.
When it is possible to identify a cause responsible for the sensation, treatment of the responsible pathology is obviously recommended, but if symptoms persist despite treatment, the diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome may be confirmed; in these cases, the first attempts consist of prescribing drugs to control the pain and reduce dry mouth (if present), although the pain does not always respond to classical anti-inflammatory drugs. In some patients the use of local anesthetics may provide relief.
Therefore, drugs known for their effect on neuropathic pain are used, such as:
- Antidepressants.
- Anxiolytics.
- Anticonvulsants.
Because burning mouth syndrome is a complex pain disorder, treatment that works for one person may not work for another.
It may help reduce discomfort to drink a cold beverage, let an ice cube melt in your mouth or chew sugarless gum.
Avoid irritants such as:
- Tobacco and smoke.
- Spicy or spicy foods.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Mouthwashes containing alcohol.
- Acid-rich products, such as citrus fruits and juices.
