What Burning Mouth Might Mean For Your Gut Health
1 year ago
Dr. Diago Mizuno
Dental Specialist
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes people to experience a burning feeling in the mouth.
Though it’s common, BMS is not well understood. However, researchers are learning more about it and coming to some conclusions. BMS is most prevalent in women, though it can occur in both men and women. BMS is also more common in older adults.
What Are The Symptoms?
Burning mouth syndrome can occur for any number of reasons but is typically caused by nerve damage, inflammation, or dry mouth.
The most prominent symptom of burning mouth syndrome is the sensation of burning in the mouth. This can come from a number of places, including the tongue, lips, gums, roof of the mouth, and throat.
How Is Burning Mouth Syndrome Diagnosed?
A burning sensation in the mouth does not automatically point to a diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome. This syndrome is typically diagnosed by a dentist, oral surgeon, or physician. Your Dentist in Dallas will take a careful look at the patient’s medical history to determine the cause of the burning sensation.
For a precise diagnosis, your doctor may run the following tests:
- blood test
- oral swab
- allergy test
- salivary flow test
What Causes Burning Mouth Syndrome?
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is caused by a deficiency in or damage to certain nerves in the mouth. This nerve damage may cause pain, a burning sensation, or numbness in the tongue, lips, or cheeks. BMS is most common in people between the ages of 50 and 70.
The exact cause of burning mouth syndrome is unknown, but BMS can be related to:
- certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, anemia, hypothyroidism, or Sjögren’s syndrome
- nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency and vitamin B-12 deficiency
- dry mouth
- certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as magnesium, zinc, copper, or chromium
- eating disorders
- nerve damage due to excessive alcohol use or tobacco use
- anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Acid Reflux and Burning Mouth Syndrome
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a chronic condition in which stomach acid leaks into your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. It can cause burning pain, tingling, and discomfort in your esophagus. It can also contribute to a burning sensation in your throat and mouth.
How To Tell If You Have Acid Reflux?
If you have acid reflux, you will likely experience a frequent burning sensation on your tongue, cheeks, or roof of your mouth. The sensation is caused by excess stomach acid that washes up into your mouth. Acid reflux can also cause a sour or bitter taste in your mouth.
As acid reflux happens, the acids can irritate and inflame the esophagus. As a result, it’s common to experience a burning sensation in the esophagus and the tongue.
How To Treat Acid Reflux And Burning Tongue?
Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, fails to close properly. This allows stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. LES failure can be caused by:
- Hiatal hernia – A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Hiatal hernias can cause acid reflux.
- Pregnancy – Hormone changes and pressure from a growing baby can cause acid reflux.
- Being overweight – Being overweight can put extra pressure on your stomach, which can trigger acid reflux.
- Eating large meals – Large meals can put pressure on your digestive system, leading to acid reflux.
- Eating late at night – Nighttime eating can cause acid reflux for some people.
- Smoking – Smoking can weaken your LES, leading to acid reflux.
How Is Burning Mouth Syndrome Treated?
If you’re experiencing a burning sensation on your tongue, avoiding these foods might help:
- acidic and spicy foods and drinks
- carbonated drinks
- alcoholic beverages
- tobacco products
- products containing mint
Treatments
Burning mouth syndrome is most commonly treated using medications that reduce symptoms. Some patients find relief by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Others find relief from antidepressants.
Other treatment options recommended by your Dallas Dentist include:
- Mouth rinses to reduce mouth burning
- Mouth numbing agents
- Oral surgery to reduce pain
- Psychological counseling to help cope with symptoms
Call Align Dental Care, (972) 503-7444 to schedule an appointment.
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