22 September 2015
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Have you ever sipped a hot cup of coffee or tea and it scalded your mouth? That burning sensation you felt is similar to what sufferers of burning mouth syndrome experience. The only difference is that the pain from a scalded mouth lasts for a short time while the pain caused by burning mouth syndrome lasts for several days or even weeks. This article discusses what may cause you to suffer from this condition.

Damage to Your Nerves

Some people suffer from burning mouth syndrome because some of their nerves have been damaged so the brain is unable to turn off their pain receptors. Such an individual will feel a burning sensation in the mouth even when he or she had not eaten (or drank) anything hot that could have triggered that sensation.

Hormonal Changes

Many women who are undergoing menopause experience burning mouth syndrome due to the hormonal changes that they undergo in that stage of their life. Many of these women complain of feeling that burning sensation on the tip of their tongues. People who suffer from diabetes and thyroid problems also undergo hormonal changes that may trigger burning mouth syndrome.

Sensitivity to Oral Care Products

Some people develop burning mouth syndrome because of allergic reactions to some oral care product they are using. For instance, you may feel a burning sensation a few days after you start using a certain toothpaste. Food additives can also cause this condition.

Acid Reflux

Burning mouth syndrome can also be caused by acid reflux. The acidic or bitter-tasting fluid that comes up from your stomach may irritate your throat and mouth, resulting in a burning sensation.

Low-Grade Trauma

Some people have a habit of unconsciously rubbing their tongue against the palate or teeth. Such rubbing may gradually damage the surface of the tongue and lower its pain threshold. The individual will begin feeling a burning sensation once that low point in his or her pain threshold has been reached.

Nutritional Deficiencies

You can also suffer from burning mouth syndrome if you lack certain nutrients in your body. Some of the nutrient deficiencies associated with burning mouth syndrome is a lack of zinc, folic acid or iron.

Burning mouth syndrome can be treated but successful treatment depends on a correct diagnosis of the underlying cause. You should therefore see your dentist or doctor so that he or she can examine you and recommend steps that you should take in order to see an end to the problem you are experiencing.