OverviewBurning mouth syndrome is the medical term for ongoing (chronic) or recurrent burning in the mouth without an obvious cause. This discomfort may affect the tongue, gums, lips, inside of your cheeks, roof of your mouth (palate) or widespread areas of your whole mouth. The burning sensation can be severe, as if you scalded your mouth. Show
Burning mouth syndrome usually appears suddenly, but it can develop gradually over time. Unfortunately, the specific cause often can't be determined. Although that makes treatment more challenging, working closely with your health care team can help you reduce symptoms. Burning mouth syndrome care at Mayo Clinic SymptomsSymptoms of burning mouth syndrome may include:
The discomfort from burning mouth syndrome typically has several different patterns. It may:
Whatever pattern of mouth discomfort you have, burning mouth syndrome may last for months to years. In rare cases, symptoms may suddenly go away on their own or become less frequent. Some sensations may be temporarily relieved during eating or drinking. Burning mouth syndrome usually doesn't cause any noticeable physical changes to your tongue or mouth. When to see a doctorIf you have discomfort, burning or soreness of your tongue, lips, gums or other areas of your mouth, see your doctor or dentist. They may need to work together to help pinpoint a cause and develop an effective treatment plan. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips
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health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesThe cause of burning mouth syndrome can be classified as either primary or secondary. Primary burning mouth syndromeWhen no clinical or lab abnormalities can be identified, the condition is called primary or idiopathic burning mouth syndrome. Some research suggests that primary burning mouth syndrome is related to problems with taste and sensory nerves of the peripheral or central nervous system. Secondary burning mouth syndromeSometimes burning mouth syndrome is caused by an underlying medical condition. In these cases, it's called secondary burning mouth syndrome. Underlying problems that may be linked to secondary burning mouth syndrome include:
Wearing dentures, even if they don't fit well and cause irritation, doesn't generally cause burning mouth syndrome, but dentures can make symptoms worse. Risk factorsBurning mouth syndrome is uncommon. However, your risk may be greater if:
Burning mouth syndrome usually begins spontaneously, with no known triggering factor. However, certain factors may increase your risk of developing burning mouth syndrome, including:
ComplicationsComplications that burning mouth syndrome may cause or be associated with are mainly related to discomfort. They include, for example:
PreventionThere's no known way to prevent burning mouth syndrome. But by avoiding tobacco, acidic foods, spicy foods and carbonated beverages, and excessive stress, you may be able to reduce the discomfort from burning mouth syndrome or prevent your discomfort from feeling worse. Feb. 14, 2019 Why does the back of my tongue hurt and my throat?A sore throat and tongue combination can indicate various conditions like mouth ulcers, oral thrush, and burning mouth syndrome. Dealing with oral issues as they arise enables early treatment and possible prevention of serious conditions.
What do you do when your throat and tongue hurt?Salt water. Gargling salt water is another way to reduce pain, inflammation, and prevent infection. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish it around your mouth, gargle, and spit.
Why does the back of my tongue hurt when I swallow?Strep throat, epiglottitis, and esophagitis are some possible causes of pain when swallowing. Throat infections are one of the most common causes of pain when swallowing. These include strep throat, which is an infection with Streptococcal bacteria.
Why is there a sharp pain behind my tongue?Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is characterized by a sharp, jabbing pain deep in the throat, or in the tongue, ear, and tonsils, lasting a few seconds to a few minutes. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is generally caused by a small blood vessel that presses on the nerves as they exit the brainstem.
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