A scalded feeling on the tongue, lips or palate that lasts for months, with nothing to see, is frustrating and real. It has several possible causes, and ruling them out is the first step to relief.
Burning mouth syndrome is a persistent burning, tingling or scalded sensation in the mouth, most often on the tip and sides of the tongue, the lips and the roof of the mouth, without any visible change in the tissue. It affects women more than men, most often after menopause, and it typically builds through the day and eases with eating.
Because it looks normal, it is often dismissed. It should not be. There are treatable causes, and even when none is found, symptoms can be managed.
Before calling it burning mouth syndrome, we look for something else driving it: dry mouth from medications, yeast infection, ill-fitting dentures, grinding or tongue thrusting, acid reflux, nutritional deficiencies such as iron, B12, folate or zinc, uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid problems, allergies to dental materials or toothpaste ingredients, and hormonal changes.
When all of these are ruled out, the diagnosis is primary burning mouth syndrome, a nerve-related condition.
Your hygienist examines the tongue, palate, cheeks and lips, checks saliva flow, looks for signs of yeast, assesses denture fit and any rough dental work, reviews medications, and asks about reflux, sleep, grinding and stress.
We work with your physician: bloodwork for deficiencies, diabetes and thyroid is often the missing piece, and we write a summary you can bring to your appointment.
Depending on the cause:
Things that help most people:
See us when:
Yours Dental Hygiene in southeast Edmonton assesses burning mouth with evening and weekend appointments and direct billing.
