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Burning Tongue Syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)

Neurosensory disorder resulting in constant burning pain of oral soft tissues

(Especially tongue) without clinical or laboratory findings.

  • 90% women; average age 60; 50% of patients, the tongue is the only site; taste dysfunction common (Dysgeusia); Xerostomia 60% cases (medications and/or menopause)
  • Patients with BMS have an increased incidence of benign migratory glossitis. (geographical tongue)
  • A BMS work-up must rule out Triclosan/allergy, nutrition deficiency, candidiasis, diabetic neuropathy, Scalded Mouth Syndrome (drug reaction to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor antihypertensive medications) and Burning Lips Syndrome (Dysfunctional minor salivary glands)

TREATMENTS

  • Eat yogurt and/or increase dairy product intake
  • Do not eat spicy foods or limit intake of spicy foods and limit caffeine
  • Do not or limit drink beverages high in acid, such as coffee and coke
  • Change toothpaste to Tom’s of Maine, Biotene, or Sensodyne
  • Chew sugar-free gum
  • Can try dry mouth recommendations
  • Lubrication (Biotene products, Oral Balance Gel, MouthKote, Lansinoh)
  • Candidiasis treatment:            Mycelex Troche or Diflucan 150 mg

Mycolog II for the corners of mouth

  • Nutritional treatment (B12, Folate, Iron and Zinc)
  • Diabetic control
  • Eliminate triclosan/tarter control products (See toothpaste products listed above)
  • If on ACE-inhibitor, may switch hypertensive medication. Ace-inhibitor drugs include; Aceon, Accupril, Altace, Capoter, Lotensin, Mavik, Monopril, Prinivil, Univase, Vasotec, Zestril (Please talk with your M.D.) could switch to: Clonazepan, Amitriptyline, Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • Prescription ointments- Protopic 0.03% or “Oralone” 0.1% 5g paste

HOME REMEDIES

  • Cold apple juice; rinse mouth with it in the A.M. and P.M.
  • Equal parts of Benadryl elixir and Maalox; rinse 4 times per day and do not swallow
  • 6 drops of hot pepper sauce (Tabasco or Texas Pete) in a teaspoon of water. Swish 4 times per day. There will be burning at first and then it will improve.

Patient Information