For some people, they awake in the morning, feeling just fine. But, about midday, begin to experience a burning sensation on the tongue that grows increasingly uncomfortable as the day goes on. And there isn’t any visible signs of anything being wrong on the tongue.
Burning mouth syndrome usually occurs in women over 50. And it can be quite frustrating for those who suffer from it.
Sometimes the cause is an ill fitting denture. For a patient who doesn’t wear dentures but suffers from burning mouth, the cause is usually a salivary gland disfunction. Reduced salivary gland function will cause the mouth to dry, inviting oral discomfort, difficulty eating and swallowing, loss of taste, and a burning mouth.
Medications can lead to dry mouth, so discuss the medications you are taking with your dentist. A simple change in a prescription could relieve the symptoms. And a deficiency in vitamin B can reduce saliva flow. Check your diet and be sure you are eating balanced meals with proper vitamins and minerals.
Candida infections, which is a common oral fungus, can sometimes be seen in the eyes but often are hard to detect. A topical anti-fungal agent can be prescribed to fill the fungus and relieve the burning sensation.
There are also mouth rinses and drops that increase saliva flow, which can be an easy addition to your home care routine that will yield relief. Remember, your dentist is here for more than fixing cavities. Many times symptoms present in the mouth can be a precursor to other health concerns. Be sure to discuss any symptoms or concerns with your dentist at your next checkup.